Nearly 35% of residential remodeling jobs include the entire home. This is especially true for homeowners with an empty nest who desire to age in place. Whether you are retirement age or not, it’s always a good idea to plan ahead to make your lifelong home the ideal place to enjoy your golden years.
There are many reasons to age in place. For one, life expectancy is increasing for individuals. There are more people enjoying later-life employment opportunities too. Staying in your beloved home and neighborhood only makes sense. Don’t be intimidated by the idea of home remodeling for long-term care. There are a plethora of options that allow you to age in place well past your retirement.
Integrate Smart Technology
Assistive technology makes it possible to age in place. Your home remodeling contractor will ensure that innovative technology is installed in your home so you can maintain independence. If you already own a home that connects to smart devices, the technology can be upgraded. Options such as home security and medical alert use communication systems and remote monitoring are quite beneficial.
Your home remodeling contractor can automate many parts of your home. Imagine being able to control entertainment systems, lights, blinds, and more using a remote control or your smartphone. Remodeling designers can ensure that function meets style by including automation that blends in well with your home. Discuss all of these possibilities and more with your home remodeling contractor who is ready to renovate your home exactly how you prefer.
Make High-Risk Areas Safer
Certain areas of your home, such as the bedroom and bathroom, can turn into high-risk areas if you ever have mobility issues. Design-build remodelers can install railing or grab bars in those areas to give additional support that could prevent injuries. Grab bars are perfect when installed in the shower or bathtub or near the toilet since surfaces tend to get slippery. Wherever you decide you need the added support, your home remodeling contractor will work with you to install railing or grab bars that fit with the flow of your home.
Consider Widening Doorways
The day may come when you rely on mobility aids to navigate your home, such as a wheelchair or walker. A must-have modification for any home, in this case, is widening the doorways. Design-build remodeling services include focusing on the placement of outlets and electrical switches when it comes to doorway widening. Every aspect is considered to keep your home fully functional as you age.
Focus on the Bathroom
Climbing in and out of the bathtub only gets harder and more dangerous as people age. A walk-in shower is a great aging-in-place modification. Walk-in showers are safer and easier to use and can include a luxurious showerhead that feels magnificent. Consider having a walk-in tub installed as well if you enjoy a relaxing soak.
Bathroom remodeling to age in place should also include a bathroom heat lamp. It may take you longer to get in and out of your walk-in tub or to take care of necessities in the bathroom. Replace an overhead light fixture over the tub and toilet with lighting fixtures that use infrared bulbs. Home remodeling contractors can discuss all of your heating options with you, including heated flooring that keeps you warm and toasty while in the bathroom.
Lower Kitchen Cabinets and Countertops
As you age, you may find that your cabinetry and countertops are just too high, especially if you are using a wheelchair. Expert remodeling contractors can adjust heights and even lower sinks for easier access. Microwaves can be moved down too and placed beneath the countertops of islands if you prefer.
There are many options when it comes to modifying your entire home when aging in place that do not sacrifice quality, comfort, or luxury. Contact Harth Builders today to learn more about how you can modify your home to safely age in place.