Building a house in old age – 7 tips
Age-appropriate construction and barrier-free living for people with disabilities
Age-appropriate construction and barrier-free living for people with disabilities
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The children have left home and the family home is now far too big. To ensure that building a house after 50 is well thought out, we have compiled 7 useful tips for you.
Not only do barrier-free homes make life easier in old age, but they also represent a sound investment. Age-appropriate homes are more in demand than ever and offer an attractive resale value.
While single-family homes for families are often built in idyllic rural locations, good access to public transport becomes important in old age. A central location with shopping facilities, a doctor's office, and perhaps even a vibrant community life should also be considered.
For those who want to plan with as little worry and risk as possible, a new build is probably the best option. Components such as the roof, insulation, heating, windows, plumbing, etc., are new and therefore require no renovation, as is usually the case with existing properties in the foreseeable future. Furthermore, a new build can be realized exactly according to your wishes; no compromises have to be made, and the energy and heating supply is state-of-the-art.
Anyone who has ever done a spring cleaning in a spacious detached house knows how time-consuming it can be. Especially in old age, with only two people living in the house, less is more. For this reason, we recommend a living area of approximately 100 m².However, special needs such as hobby rooms and spaces for retreat should definitely be taken into account.
If your budget and available land allow for a granny flat, it's invaluable. This solution provides you with a long-term source of income for retirement or allows you to rent the apartment to a caregiver. Furthermore, you always have the option to downsize your living space and occupy the apartment yourself.
Anyone building a bungalow will later be grateful for not having to climb stairs. Foregoing a basement is also worthwhile, as it allows for step-free access to the pantry and laundry room. Furthermore, the floor plan of a bungalow can be highly customized to suit many individual needs.
If building a bungalow is not possible or desired, the staircases in the house should be as simple as possible. Spiral staircases pose a higher risk of accidents than straight staircases. Furthermore, stairlifts can be installed more easily with a spiral staircase. We also recommend including a bathroom on each floor.
It is particularly important to prevent hazards from arising in the first place. To avoid such hazards, the following measures should be taken:
Smart home solutions might sound daunting at first, especially to older generations. But smart homes mean comfort, a pleasant indoor climate, and above all, security. Learn more from our sales consultants or in our smart home guide.
The requirements for age-appropriate home construction are extensive and should be planned individually for each project. You may not wish to implement all measures from the outset. We can also support you in this regard, for example by preparing connections for stairlifts so that they can be installed at a later date.
We are your contact for age-appropriate construction and will advise you professionally and individually to realize the perfect home for you.
Do you have questions about this topic or would you like a personal assessment? Our experts are happy to assist you.
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