When To Buy And What To Renovate A ...
Photo via Pexels.
When To Buy And What To Renovate A Guide To Accessible Housing
Statistics from the U.S Census Bureau show that 1 in 3 adults over the age of 65 has difficulty using some part of their home. Accessible housing is a huge problem for many people whose disabilities keep them from enjoying their homes in a safe and comfortable manner. For most people struggling with this issue, the solution will be a combination of the right house with the right home improvements. Here’s what you need to know about finding and improving an accessible home to make it perfect for you.
Finding A Home That Suits Your Needs
Finding an accessible home can be relatively challenging, as it can be difficult to determine its features just based on the listings. Working with a real estate agent will make the process easier, as they have access to more information and can narrow down the candidates to the homes that suit your criteria.
At this stage, you are looking for a house that suits you in its general design and layout. Most features in a house can be changed with the right amount of money, but if you don’t want to spend thousands of dollars on a lengthy renovation, these are the basics for people with mobility issues:
- A single-story layout, or at the very least a bedroom and bathroom downstairs
- Step-free front door access
- A good location that is near accessible facilities and shops
- Wide doorways and corners that allow for a wheelchair to move comfortably
- Lever-operated handles, rather than doorknobs
- Cabinets and shelves at a reachable height
- Non-slip flooring that is not too soft, making wheelchairs and walkers difficult to maneuver
Some of these, such as the handles, flooring, and cabinets, can be relatively easy to change. However, the cost to do this throughout a house can be a significant expense. For example, installing hardwood floors throughout a house can cost anywhere from $4,000-$5,000 and replacing one door handle can cost around $110-$235, which, when multiplied across all doors in the house, can add up quickly.
Remember that accessible housing is a right. As Redfin notes, “The federal government has established several laws and administrations for the sole purpose of protecting your rights as a disabled home buyer, no matter the nature of your disability.” This guide outlines these rights in detail and also includes links to some potentially useful resources and programs.
Modifying A Home To Suit Your Needs
Once you have found a home which fills the basic criteria, you can start looking at the ways in which you can modify your home to make it perfect. Key modifications you should consider implementing include:
- Installing grab bars next to toilets, showers, and baths
- Placing non-slip rugs and carpets in key locations throughout the house (e.g: bathroom, kitchen, high-traffic hallway)
- Building wheelchair ramps and decks, if needed
- Improving the lighting quality throughout the house with new fixtures and a well-thought-out layout: use this ultimate guide to get you started
- Protecting or sanding down sharp corners
- Building good storage solutions to avoid clutter
These are just a few ideas based on issues people with disabilities often navigate. Everyone will have slightly different needs and priorities, so it’s up to you to target the areas of your home routine where you think you need the most help.
For those who have been living with a disability for a few years, you’re likely already accustomed to these needs. It can be harder for someone who is anticipating changes in their needs, such as an older adults or those with degenerative diseases. If this is the case for you, speaking to people who have been through a similar situation and asking them what they needed from their homes can be a good place to start.
Many people buy homes with the intention of some renovations to make it perfect. As someone looking for an accessible home, you are no different. As long as the location and general layout of the house are right, you can shape your home to be exactly what you need it to be. Approaching accessible house hunting with this mindset will make it easier for you to find your dream home, where you can live safely, comfortably, and independently.
