Remodeling your home can come with many understated perks, like being more senior-friendly. Even adults in their 40s and 50s can be better prepared to age in place with home upgrades that, at first glance, seem only to add greater functionality and design. These high-value upgrades will increase your property value and make your home more accessible. Rather than relying solely on aesthetic benefit, these upgrades have been chosen for the additional improvements they make to the occupants’ overall quality of life.
Before remodeling, it’s always advisable to make a list of wants and prioritize them. Rather than attempting to cram every desirable upgrade into a house, which can actually lower its overall value, choose three to five major features instead. These will allow you to define the scope of your remodeling project and stick to your budget.
Accessible Bathroom
A walk-in shower and touch sensor faucets add a splash of luxury and improve your bathroom’s accessibility. You may also consider replacing the floors in a non-slip material such as ceramic tile. If you opt for stone, there are slip-resistant floor coatings that you can apply to make the bathroom safer without compromising your tastes.
A Home Lift
A life doesn’t have to be excessively large or intricate to be a welcome addition to any home. Taking part in home lifts comparison shopping will help you find a model that’s both practical and pleasing to the eye; consider one that allows senior pets to get up and down stairs with you more easily, or one that eases the burden of lugging laundry, groceries and heavy objects up and down the stairs. You can even choose to have a lift installed to a specific room, creating a personal entry that feels exclusive and sophisticated.
First Floor Guest Suite
A master bedroom and bathroom on your home’s first floor will allow every guest to stay in comfort and style. They will get to enjoy greater privacy and convenience, and you can host without having to sacrifice your own personal space. Senior parents will be safer on the first floor and avoid any discomfort having to repeatedly move up and down stairs, and you may decide to transition to this bedroom yourself as you age. Additional bedrooms and bathrooms can always raise a property’s value, but they have to be implemented in a way that makes sense. The cohesive design of a master guest bedroom and bathroom on the first floor is a sensible and indulgent choice. It could easily become a major selling point if you decide to move in the future.
Energy-efficient Upgrades
Installing new windows and solar panels can lower your utilities and make your home more eco-friendly. Sustainability is more than just a trend in design and architecture; as we progress as a society, it’s important to consider the impact of our consumer-driven lives on the planet. Beyond saving money, you can also feel confident that your home is future-proof with the addition of the most cutting-edge energy-efficient appliances and windows. For those who want to sell their home after remodeling, anything that makes the home more energy-efficient is a major plus. The feel-good benefit coupled with added savings makes every addition a worthy investment.
