Baby boomers take note! Options to consider when downsizing to a new home - Remax Nova Real Estate
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The Baby Boomers, who are lucky enough not to have adult children still living at home LOL, are downsizing, some into condos, some into appartments & others into smaller homes.
Home design considerations are different for seniors.
Many people sell the family home as they approach retirement& opt for something smaller perhaps because they want to travel or are looking for less maintenance. Of course, none of us like to think of the “ what ifs” that come with growing older: mobility issues, health concerns, accessibility, etc.
When purchasing a retirement home you need to think ahead at what your needs may be 10 years down the road. Look for the ideal retirement home that has many of the following features or would allow them to be added if needed:
· Landscape design should emphasize aesthetics, safety, long term cost efficiency & low maintenance
· The home should offer weather protection at the main entrance
· The property should offer a level & continuous walkway & driveway
· Have lighting along pathways & at the entrance
· The home & property should be able to comfortably accommodate walkers/wheelchairs, with doorways being a minimum of 36” wide, hallways should be a minimum of 48” wide, and entrances & main areas offering a 5’ wheelchair-turning radius.
· Lever handles on all doors
· Easy grip handles on all cupboards
· Possibly even lowered countertops
· Window hardware that is of the lever type or casement.
· Built-in night lights or motion sensor lights to illuminate main traffic areas.
· Toilets with grab bars along adjacent wall.
· Roll-in shower stall with a modular seat, grab bars within the stall & at the front edge of the stall
· Lever style faucets in the washroom/s as well
· Bathrooms should have a heat lamp or fan
· Consider in-floor radiant heat
· The use of non-glare window & lighting treatments
· Electrical outlets located a minimum of 18”above the floor for easy access
· Electrical switches & thermostats located a minimum of 3’6” above the floor
· Lighted rocker type light switch plates with timers
· A clear area around a toilet of not less than 5’deep from the wall behind toilet & 35” wide
· The use of slip resistant flooring such as cork, linoleum or textured tile
· Conveniently accessible cabinetry, possibly even with the use of pull down larders units for the upper cabinets
· Bottom mount freezer in a refridgerator
· Task lighting under cabinets
· Pull out shelves in lower cabinets
· A raised or countertop dishwasher
· Located in an area that provides convenient access to community amenities, transit, medical facilities, social & educational activities, & services.