Building a Home for your Retirement
The kids have all moved out or maybe you’re not getting around as well as you used to. The home you’ve spent years making your own now may not make sense. However, you don’t think you’ll ever be happy in a retirement center or even in a condo with shared walls.
Why not look into building your retirement home? Even if you’re not ready for retirement, it doesn’t hurt to start planning now for something that may be a few years in the future.
Something to think about at the start is location. The dream for some is to move to a sunny locale and play golf everyday – but that could mean moving away from the life you’ve spent decades building. Being a three-hour plane trip away from family and friends may seem doable at first, but holidays, birthdays, and other celebrations can add up quick, not just for you but those who want to see you.
Once you decide what city to live in, think about where to live in that city. You probably won’t be building a new home in the city center, but it’s important to think about your proximity to the city’s amenities. Shopping, restaurants, and health care are just a few things to think about. You may not be able to drive in 15 years, so will you be close enough to walk or even use public transportation?
Another way to make your home more livable if mobility becomes a problem is to find an open floor plan. With fewer hallways and corners to navigate, walkers or wheelchairs will be easier to navigate.
As for the livability of your house, it’s important to think about the future, too. Could stairs be an issue in a few years? You may want to think about a single-story home or ways to mitigate those stairs if your mobility is hampered at all while you live there. Stair chair lifts are a possible solution, or even an elevator is need be. If you do go with more than one story, think about having the master bedroom on the main floor. You’ll begin and end every day there, so making it easier to get is a plus.
Another way to make your home more livable if mobility becomes a problem is to find an open floor plan. With fewer hallways and corners to navigate, walkers or wheelchairs will be easier to navigate. Wider hallways will also help in that regard.
There are a few alterations you can make in the bathroom as well. Walk-in showers with no lip will eliminate a tripping hazard. Adding a bench with support bars and a removable shower head are added safety measures to prevent potential falls. If you don’t want to abandon baths altogether, you can even have a walk in bath installed.
Finally, think about the outside of your house – mowing an acre of lawn might be a great way to get exercise now but could prove troublesome in the years that follow. Flower beds, vegetable gardens, and even leafy trees can be a lot of work to care for, although there are landscaping companies who can ease your burden when the time comes.
You’re not quite ready for retirement yet, but it doesn’t hurt to think about the future. If you’re interested in building a custom home for retirement, contact Rain Creek Construction for more information or to discuss your project.
