Retirement is an exciting milestone, and many seniors celebrate it by moving into their dream house. Those building a custom home should consider how changes to their health and lifestyle may affect their daily living. Here are a few custom home design elements to consider as you age.

3 Custom Home Design Features for Seniors

1. Walk-in Showers

Slip-and-fall accidents are a major concern for seniors, and many of these incidents occur while getting in or out of the tub. A walk-in shower is a safer alternative that also opens up more floor space in the bathroom. Adding a bench, grab bars, and nonslip flooring to the shower area can further reduce the risk of an accident.

2. Open, Single-Story Layout

A two-story house may seem like it offers more space, but if mobility issues become a concern, the upper floor could quickly become difficult to access. A single-story layout, with a large, open floor plan will offer plenty of visibility and maneuverability. This mindset should also apply to doors and hallways, which should be 32 and 36 inches wide, respectively, to provide enough space for those who use a wheelchair or walker.

3. Reachable Appliances

Bending over to plug something into an outlet or get something out of a cabinet can cause significant back strain. When designing your home, consider basic changes like raised electrical outlets and pull-out cabinet shelving to minimize physical strain for basic daily tasks. These changes may be visually subtle, but they could make a big difference for your physical comfort in the long run.

For a custom home designed around your dreams and needs, contact R & J Custom Home Builders. Serving Ross County, OH, these new home builders use their industry experience to deliver a stress-free process, from the initial design to when your project is completed. To learn more about their building process or request a consultation, call (740) 703-9242.