Imagine stepping into your dream home – open layouts, sunlight streaming through large windows, and spaces designed just for you. Now, picture this home adapting effortlessly as your needs evolve over time. What if you created your dream home with every stage of life in mind? A home that not only raises your children but could one day embrace their children as well? What if you could continue making cherished memories in these walls for decades to come? That’s the essence of aging-in-place design: creating a custom home that supports independence, safety, and style throughout life.
What Is Aging-in-Place Design?
Aging-in-place design blends functionality with aesthetics, creating a home that allows you to live comfortably regardless of age or ability. Building your custom home to accommodate every season of life is the best way to future-proof your investment.
Why is Accessibility Important in Custom Homes?
When building your custom home, accessibility should be the foundation of every decision. Not only does accessibility add convenience to simplify your daily tasks, but it also minimizes the risk of accidents and injuries. Building with accessibility and inclusivity in mind increases the resale value of your home and infuses it with timeless appeal that will save you the cost of retrofitting your home in the future as your family’s needs change.
How to Make Your Custom Home Future-Proof
Below are some key considerations for aging-in-place design to future-proof your home:
Wide Doorways and Hallways
To make your home easily accessible for everyone, especially those who may need mobility aids such as wheelchairs or walkers, wide doorways and hallways are a must. Aim for at least 36 inches in width for doors and hallways to provide smooth navigation through your home.
Zero-Step Entries
Provide barrier-free access to all entry points of your home, including the front, back, and garage doors.
Slip-Resistant Flooring
Balance aging-in-place design with style with slip-resistant flooring options such as textured tiles or vinyl options in high-traffic areas like hallways, bathrooms, kitchens, and entryways.
Lever-Style Handles
Levers are easier to operate than doorknobs for those with arthritis or reduced hand mobility. Consider installing lever-style handles on doors, cabinets, and drawers to make your home more user-friendly.
Accessible Bathrooms
Aging-in-place design tactics ensure that one of the most important rooms of your custom home is accessible to everyone and your future self. Adding a walk-in tub or a curbless shower, strategically placed grab bars near the toilet and tub, and a comfort-height toilet make your bathroom safer, more functional, and easier to navigate.
Adjustable Counter Heights
Flexibility is key when planning spaces that cater to varying needs. Height-adjustable countertops in your kitchen, bathrooms, and workspaces ensure that the spaces can be used comfortably by people of different heights and mobility levels.
Smart Home Integration
A future-proof home isn’t just physically accessible – it can be technologically advanced too. Consider integrating smart home technology like smart thermostats, lighting systems, voice-activated assistants, and smart security systems that enhance comfort, safety, and energy efficiency.
Build Your Forever Custom Home with LaFollette Custom Homes
Start planning your future today. At La Follette Custom Homes, we can help you dream, design, and execute a custom home layout focused on aging-in-place so you can plan ahead without sacrificing style. We will work with you to create a custom home that evolves with you, offering comfort, safety, and independence for life. We understand that this is not just a house – it’s your forever home. Don’t know where to start? Download our free guide.