Whether you’re downsizing after retirement or dreaming of a vacation getaway, building a custom home is the best way to ensure you have a living space tailored to your needs. With some careful forethought about your future needs, a well-designed home allows you to age comfortably and safely. Below are a few design elements to consider if you’re retiring to a custom-built home.

5 Design Elements for Your Custom Home

1. Eliminate Stairs Wherever Possible

As you age, staircases can become increasingly difficult and could present a fall risk if you develop mobility issues. Even if you have no trouble with stairs now, installing a ramp on the front porch and planning a single-level home will make it easier to live in your home for years to come.

2. Put Seating in the Kitchen

Standing for extended periods can become difficult for seniors, which makes meal prep a challenge. Built-in seating or a breakfast nook in the kitchen will give you a comfortable place to sit while you chop vegetables or season meat.

3. Install Accessible Fixtures

The bathroom is the single most dangerous room in the house for seniors, so take precautionary measures when selecting your fixtures. Bathtubs with lower walls, higher toilets, and showers with built-in seats can prevent falls and severe injuries in the future. Also, install non-slip mats in the shower or tub as well as in front of the vanity, as they can prevent accidents resulting from standing water or slick floors. 

4. Install Grab Bars

Handholds are also instrumental in preventing falls, so consider adding them before your house is completed. To make your custom home as safe as possible, ask your contractor to install grab bars in the bathtub, by the toilet, and next to the bed.

5. Focus on Lighting

Dimly lit rooms and hallways can present a falling hazard and may contribute to eyestrain. If you’re planning a custom home to retire to, adding additional lighting will allow you to adjust to your needs as you grow older. Focus on brighter light in areas that are going to be used regularly, like the living room, kitchen, and bathroom. Your bedroom should have softer lighting to promote calm and help you go to sleep faster.

If you’re planning a custom home, the results may depend entirely on the expertise and level of service provided by your builder. The professionals at Hampshire Home Builders have been serving the West Virginia panhandle and Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley for over 33 years, delivering exceptional results on every project. They can help you create a home that matches your vision and addresses any medical needs you may have. Visit their website now to see some samples of their work, get more tips and advice on Facebook, or call (304) 856-3875 to discuss your custom home ideas today.