Aging in Place Homebuilding
Build the home of your dreams and ensure it suits all of your needs with our aging in place homebuilding. Contact us at UBuildIt today!
With UBuildIt, you will be able to turn your dream home into a reality. With our system, you will be able to build your home to your exact specifications while having all of the tools that you will need to make the process as seamless and stress-free as possible. If you’re looking to build your forever home, you may want to consider the layout and how that will grow with you as you grow older. With our tips for aging in place, you can build your home with your future self in mind. See our tips for aging in place home building here!
When building a home for aging in place, one of the most critical design considerations is mobility. As we age, navig
ating stairs can become increasingly difficult, making a single-level layout a top priority. In a single-story home, all the essential living spaces—such as the kitchen, master bedroom, bathroom, and laundry room—are on the same level, eliminating the need to climb stairs daily.
However, if a single-story home isn’t an option, there are still ways to future-proof a multi-level home. Consider adding a residential elevator or stairlift to make it easier to move between floors. These features can be incorporated into your initial design plans or added later as needed. Additionally, think about installing a full bathroom and a room that could function as a bedroom on the ground floor. This will provide flexibility if mobility issues arise in the future.
Creating a home that is easy to navigate is crucial for aging in place. As mobility issues arise, whether from arthritis, the need for a walker, or a wheelchair, having enough space to move comfortably becomes essential. Standard doorways and hallways can feel restrictive, so it's important to design with accessibility in mind from the start.
Doorways: Aim for doorways to be at least 36 inches wide. This width accommodates most mobility aids, including wheelchairs and walkers, and provides a more open feel throughout the home. Additionally, consider pocket doors or sliding barn doors as space-saving alternatives that also reduce the risk of catching a foot or mobility device on a swinging door.
Hallways: Hallways should be at least 42 inches wide, though 48 inches is ideal for maximum comfort and ease of movement. Wide hallways not only make the home more accessible but also enhance the overall aesthetic, creating an open, airy environment. Furthermore, ensure that corners and turns in hallways are wide enough to navigate easily, particularly for those using wheelchairs or other mobility aids.
#3 Plan for a Safe and Accessible BathroomBathrooms are a key area where safety concerns arise, making them a focal point in aging-in-place design. Slips and falls are common in this space, so it’s important to incorporate features that reduce these risks while maintaining comfort and convenience.
Walk-In Showers: Consider installing a curbless or walk-in shower with a no-threshold entry. This design eliminates the need to step over a barrier, reducing the risk of tripping. A bench or built-in seat within the shower offers a place to rest, and handheld showerheads provide ease of use. Additionally, consider installing anti-scald valves to prevent accidental burns from hot water.
Grab Bars: Strategically placed grab bars in the shower, near the bathtub, and around the toilet can provide stability and support. These should be installed into wall studs for maximum strength. While many people associate grab bars with institutional design, modern options are available in a variety of finishes and styles that blend seamlessly with your bathroom décor.
Non-Slip Flooring: The bathroom floor should be slip-resistant, especially when wet. Choose materials like textured ceramic tile or vinyl with a non-slip surface. This precaution is essential for reducing the risk of falls, especially in an area where water is frequently present.
Comfort-Height Toilets: Standard toilets can be difficult to use for those with mobility challenges. Comfort-height toilets, which are slightly taller than standard models, make it easier to sit down and stand up, providing added safety and comfort.
As we age, our eyesight often diminishes, making good lighting a vital component of an aging-in-place home. Proper lighting not only enhances the functionality of a space but also significantly reduces the risk of falls and accidents.
Ambient Lighting: This is the general lighting that illuminates the entire room. Make sure that each room has adequate ambient lighting, preferably from multiple sources, to eliminate dark spots and shadows. Consider recessed lighting, ceiling-mounted fixtures, or large windows for ample natural light.
Task Lighting: Task lighting is focused lighting used for specific activities like reading, cooking, or grooming. Ensure that areas such as the kitchen, bathroom vanity, and reading nooks have bright, focused lighting. Under-cabinet lighting in the kitchen is especially useful for illuminating countertops, making food preparation safer and easier.
Accent Lighting: Accent lighting adds depth and dimension to your home’s design, but it can also serve practical purposes. Use accent lighting to highlight steps, walkways, or other potential tripping hazards. Additionally, consider installing motion-sensor lights in key areas like hallways, bathrooms, and entryways. These lights turn on automatically when someone enters the area, providing instant visibility without the need to fumble for a switch.
Switch Accessibility: Light switches should be easily accessible and positioned at a height that can be reached from a wheelchair or by someone with limited mobility. Rocker switches are an excellent choice because they are easier to use than traditional toggle switches, requiring less dexterity and effort.
Incorporating smart home technology into your aging-in-place design can greatly enhance convenience, security, and independence. These systems allow you to control various aspects of your home—such as lighting, temperature, and security—through voice commands or mobile apps, making daily tasks easier and more manageable.
Smart Lighting: Automated lighting systems can be programmed to turn on and off at specific times, or they can be controlled remotely via smartphone or voice commands. This is especially helpful for those with mobility issues or memory concerns. Smart bulbs can also adjust brightness or change color to reduce glare or provide soothing light for different times of the day.
Smart Thermostats: A smart thermostat allows you to control the temperature of your home remotely, ensuring it’s always comfortable without needing to manually adjust the settings. These devices can also learn your preferences and adjust the temperature automatically, improving energy efficiency and comfort.
Video Doorbells and Security Systems: Video doorbells provide peace of mind by allowing you to see and communicate with visitors without opening the door. Paired with a smart security system, they can alert you to any activity around your home, offering an extra layer of protection.
Voice-Activated Assistants: Devices like Amazon Echo or Google Home can be integrated with your home’s systems to control lights, play music, make phone calls, or even remind you to take your medication. This technology provides an added level of convenience and independence, especially for those with limited mobility.
With these tips, you can build your dream home while ensuring that it will grow with your needs as you age. Find your local UBuildIt office here and contact us today for more information!
