Custom Remodeling Projects Consider Accessibility, Mobility for Seniors

The older homeowners are, the more likely they are to consider convenience and mobility in a custom home remodeling project. When making changes to a home, projects often include bathroom and kitchen remodels. With older clients, custom remodeling projects go beyond attractive countertops with coordinating cabinets and stylish flooring. Soon-to-be retirees and seniors often prefer additional changes, such as better accessibility for walkers and wheelchairs and appliances with easy-to-use controls. Another option is to choose furnishings that require little maintenance or have better durability and will need less frequent replacement.

Floors
Floors with hard surfaces or carpets with very short pile are easy to care for and maintain. As people get older, it becomes more physically challenging to run the vacuum cleaner over thick carpet or scrub the floors. It is also easier to use a walker or wheelchair on hard surfaces with little give. Smooth seams on the flooring in between rooms makes it easier to traverse not only with assistive devices, but also makes it easier when people do not pick up their feet as high when they walk. Seniors should consider avoiding potentially slippery surfaces like marble and highly polished hardwood to prevent slip-and-falls.

Doors
When doing a custom home remodeling project, older homeowners may want to consider widening doorways and making archways bigger. Not only does this create more space to move around in, it makes the home more accessible to assistive devices in case they are ever needed. Exterior doors should be equipped with locks that are easy for arthritic hands to maneuver while still providing good security. A security system is something to consider, especially in urban or metropolitan suburbs.

Guests
When doing a residential remodeling project, creating guest quarters is a popular notion. The homeowners should consider the number of house guests that may regularly visit, as well as the age and needs of the guests. For example, if the grandchildren are very young, twin beds or bunk beds might make the most sense. For empty-nesters whose house guests are adult children without kids, a double bed or queen size is more appropriate. If there is a potential for in-home caregivers staying on a regular basis, a bedroom with an adjoining bathroom is a consideration. If senior parents are coming to stay at the home frequently or permanently, homeowners might want to put a guest room or suite on the ground floor to avoid any stamina or mobility issues with the stairs.

Kitchen
Kitchen remodeling projects usually include a change in appliances. Easy-to-read and easy-to-use options are available for ranges, ovens, refrigerators and dishwashers. Consider lowering countertop and light switch height for seniors that may be in wheelchairs. Refrigerator and freezer layout is something else to consider with accessibility. Accessible placement of microwave ovens, toasters and coffee pots is also important.

Bathrooms
There are many non-slip features and safety railings now available for bathroom remodeling projects. Use flooring surfaces that are easy to clean and will not create puddles of water on the floor. Accessibility to assistive devices should also play an important role in the bathroom and adjoining spaces. Consider the possibility of using a roll-in shower or adding bathtub features that make it easier to enter and exit without falling.

Author writes about a variety of topics. If you would like to learn more about Arlington kitchen remodeling, visit http://www.fosterremodeling.com.