As we age we often need to adapt our homes to make them user-friendly. Residential homes are expensive, and there are no longer any reasons why we should move. A better option would be to adapt your home to suit your changing needs. This lets you stay in the home you love, and worked hard for over the years.
Our homes can be made more accessible, and thanks to modern technology, there are ways of doing so at a reasonable price.
Before you decide to contact a home remodeling or home renovation contractor, identify the areas of your home that are giving you the most problems. Start from the outside and work your way in and around the home. You will be surprised to find obstructions that may not be causing a problem now, but could potentially do so in the future.
Outside Access to Your Home
The first key issue is to make sure your home can be easily accessed from the outside. Even a few small steps may be a problem should you come to rely on a wheelchair or mobility scooter.
If, you are only dealing with a few small steps, a ramp may be the ideal solution. A ramp may mean a permanent structure alternatively there are mobile options available. Some ramps can even be folded away, and you can take them in the car when you go shopping. Mobile ramps offer best solution when one homeowner faces physical challenges.
Rails should always be fitted to any longer or shorter outside stairs. They will be their just in case you need them, and do not look obtrusive. Most rails, or grab rails, are easy to fit and can be fitted in less than an hour.
Stairs
The vast majority of senior homeowners complain about the stairs in their homes. As a matter of fact, many homeowners sell their homes as they find they cannot longer manage the stairs. Moving home can be a costly process, but there are alternatives which may cost less than moving home.
Stair lifts offer a fantastic alternative to selling your home, and many options are available. Straight stair lifts are only suitable for straight staircases however there are stair lifts available for both curved and spiral staircases. Even outside staircases can be catered for if you have to cope with a lot of steps on the outside of your home.
Elevators used to be the only option, but stair-lifts have come a long way in recent years. They are quiet and smooth running, and with regular maintenance they will continue to work for many years.
You can order stair lifts with a variety of seat options. A perched seat option is available when you find it difficult to bend your knees, and the seat itself can be made to swivel allowing you to get off and on more easily.
Kitchens
Kitchens can become difficult places to make effective use of as you get older. You may find that cabinets are at the wrong height, or you may a problem standing up for a longer period of time.
Kitchen cabinets can be easily lowered to make sure that you can reach them safely. Once you come to sell your home, cabinets can quickly be repositioned if the new homeowners are more able bodied.
Standing up for longer periods of time is often a challenge as we age, and you may want to consider investing in a tall stool or perching chair.
Bathrooms
Your bathroom may become difficult or awkward to use. Discuss the options available with a plumber or house remodeling contractor, you will find that there are options such as walk-in showers that can easily be installed.
Stepping over a curb to take a shower can be both difficult and dangerous, however, curb less showers are a good option. A shower chair, or dedicated seat in the shower, will go a long way to make the shower a safer place.
Specialist Contractors
Some home building contractors specialize in making homes more user-friendly for seniors and the physically challenged. Discuss all the options available to meet with your current needs, but at the same time make sure you are thinking ahead.
This type of home remodeling projects are often better trusted to a contractor with previous experience, and don’t hesitate to ask for his credentials or proof of previous jobs.
It is a good idea to work with a local contractor. Working with a local contractor will make it easier for you to resolve any problems, and it is better to have someone close to hand should your stair lift need servicing.
Linda Annie joined at HireContractor.com. She covers a variety of topics, in