Many of our clients who remodel their homes plan to stay in them for the long haul. During the design-build process we discuss everything from layout, to kitchen design, to master bathroom fixtures, functionality, storage, and so much more. One added layer to think about: aging in place.

What is Aging in Place?

Aging in place is simply deciding to stay in your home for years to come, into the golden years and beyond. As Baby Boomers keep active healthy lifestyles and are living longer than previous generations, it’s important that your home can reflect the needs of those later in life.

How to Remodel Now with the Future in Mind

Put simply, as you begin your home remodel or brand new custom build homes near me, it’s important to consider making simple adjustments that will serve you well for years to come. Here are a few considerations:

Reduce the Risk of Slipping

Falls are a major consideration as you age, so consider flooring that has some friction to it vs. smooth, hard surfaces. Stained concrete and smooth tiles are two materials you may want to reconsider, but textured tile floors, hand scraped hardwoods, and even carpet can be great for reducing slips and falls.

Consider Doorway Width

Brand new custom build homes near me are normally open concept, helping to reduce the issue of mobility through tight spaces. That being said, there are often doorways or hallways that are overlooked – and by simply adding a few inches – would be more functional down the road. Retrofitting a doorway that is too narrow can be a burden down the road, as there may be electrical and more tucked away in the walls. Instead, tackle the issue head on during the design-build phase of your project.

Kitchen Functionality

A kitchen is one place you need to be functional. As you are designing your kitchen, consider how your kitchen can continue to function well as you age in place. For example, add extra space around islands and through walkways; 42”-48” should be plenty. This is always beneficial because it allows for more people to move freely throughout the workspace. Consider more drawers that pullout vs. heavier cabinet doors that require you to bend down and dig around in a cabinet. And for appliances, consider placing your microwave in the island – or going with a drawer style dishwasher that makes it easier to open and close.

Adequate Lighting

As with all the custom build homes near me at Reef Builders, we always consider layered lighting in the design. Task lighting, general lighting, and accent lighting are all important parts of the mix, but this is especially true as we age. We may think we can see fine, but as we age, our eyesight diminishes and having proper lighting is essential.

Bathroom Accessibility

Like kitchens, bathrooms must provide proper accessibility. Consider adding grab bars in showers or doing a door-less, open concept shower with a wider opening. A higher toilet seat is also a great plus. Also consider easy lever hardware on faucets and consider vanity accessibility in the years to come.

Bottom line: you don’t have to sacrifice beauty for added functionality! If you are considering a full home remodel that you plan to stay in for the long haul, call us today at Reef Builders! As one of the premier builders of custom build homes near me in Arizona, Reef Builders knows how to guide you through the design-build process with precision, resulting in less headaches and more time to enjoy your home.

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