A custom home design can not only be a dream come true, but also a way of remaining safe and independent as you age. Abilities change along with necessities, and preparing for the next stage of life now will make the transition easier. If you’re thinking of remodeling or building a custom home, there are some design options you should consider.  

How Can a House Be Made to Better Suit a Senior's Needs?

1. Make it One-Story

There’s such a thing as “too much house” as you move into retirement age. Having two floors can limit access to some rooms when going up and down stairs becomes difficult. Downsizing to a single-story house gives you all of your rooms on one floor.

2. Update the Floors

Most slip and fall accidents happen in the home, especially on recently washed floors. These accidents can be avoided by installing carpeting, which doesn’t need as much maintenance. The carpeting should be half an inch thick at maximum to comply with guidelines from the Americans with Disabilities Act.   

3. Design a Relaxing Bathroom

Walk-in showers reduce the likelihood of falling because there’s no tub to step over. If your custom home design allows for a large shower, add a bench for increased safety. Consider adding other safety amenities around the bathroom like adhesive treads on the floor to prevent slipping and installing grab bars next to the toilet and the shower for balance and support.

4. Increase Accessibility

Outdoor ramps leading up to the door makes your custom home design more accessible, and less dependent on stairs. Inside, wider hallways provide enough space for walkers and wheelchairs. Often, electrical outlets are kept low to the floor, making them difficult to reach, while light switches are too high. Use your custom home design to place outlets and switches at easier to reach locations.

5. Replace Doorknobs and Fixtures

Almost half of senior citizens will experience arthritis, making it difficult to grasp objects like doorknobs and faucets. In a custom home design, you can replace traditional doorknobs with lever-style handles which are easier to grip and replace kitchen and bathroom fixtures with motion-detecting faucets.

If you’re a senior considering a custom home design that best suits your needs, reach out to J&D Builders, Inc. in Waipahu, HI. Their contractors have 110 years of combined experience in general contracting and construction, taking on a variety of projects from room additions and structural stabilization to flooring and masonry. They have built their outstanding reputations on customer-driven results, superior workmanship, and Ohana. Set up a consultation by calling them at (808) 680-0506. To view a gallery of their previous projects, visit their website.