Many people want to remodel their homes when they retire. Once you are home more, you might realize the property hasn’t been updated in a long time. You might also feel that the home no longer fits your lifestyle or preferences.
Another reason many retired people remodel their homes is so they can age in place. They’ve owned their homes for a long time and don’t want to move. However, the house might need updates to be suitable for an aging person.
Regardless of why you plan to remodel your house during retirement, there are many points to consider. This post will cover some topics for designing your home remodeling project.
Tips for Renovating Your House for Your Retirement
Start With Financing
You’ll need to start with a look at your finances. Assess your budget and see what you can afford. It would be best if you also considered different funding options.
Please pay for everything in cash. You could also consider a bank loan. Home equity loans can be advantageous if you have enough equity in the property. Reverse mortgages can be a good option for people over 62.
An expert from ARLO Reverse Mortgage (reverse. mortgage/calculator) said, “You need to take your time when shopping for a reverse mortgage. There are many options and many providers.
Compare offerings from as many as possible, and review the terms before taking the loan. Reverse mortgages can be useful, but there can be a significant difference depending on various factors.”
Remodel Your Bathroom
Your bathrooms should be one of the top things to consider when planning a home remodel during retirement. Updating the look is one obvious benefit.
However, it would be best to consider making the bathroom more functional for aging people. For example, a walk-in shower will be easier to use than a tub you have to step into. Consider making the door wider or putting bars and handles near the toilet.
Doors and Windows
The doors in your home can be a significant feature if you plan to stay there as you age. If your front door has stairs, but the side door doesn’t, you might want to consider preparing the side door to be your primary entry point.
Wider doorways might be helpful if you need a mobility device like a walker. You could also consider switching from doorknobs to handles since they are easier to use.
Updating your windows could be another consideration. First, there are many benefits of energy-efficient windows.
They can help you save money on your utilities and make your home more comfortable. Different window designs can be easier for people to open and close if they have problems with their hands.
Halls and Stairways
Halls and stairways can also be an issue for people planning to age in place. Ideally, you want to avoid using stairs as much as possible. If you have halls, let’s see if you can widen them.
The best option is to design your house so you can do everything on one floor. It will be even better to eliminate hallways and switch to a more open-plan design.
Update Your Kitchen
Kitchen updates are often among the top priorities for people planning a home remodel. If you like to cook, you want the kitchen set up to make your work easy.
You might also want to update the kitchen’s style or design. Another issue is that you might need to redesign the kitchen to make it more accessible for an older person.
Most kitchens are not designed to be easily accessible by older people. There are many things you could do to remedy this.
For example, if you have a kitchen island, you could remove it to make the space easier to navigate. Lowering counters by a few inches could also help. You might also reduce cabinets and drawers.
Update Home Lighting
Lighting can be another concern for older people. Most people don’t see as well as they get older. However, you could update the lighting to address this concern.
You could install brighter lights or focus lights on areas of concern. You could also add lights to different places to ensure you can see well. Considering exterior lights near the entry door or along walkways might also be a good idea.
Consider Home Automation
Some older people might benefit from adding home automation systems to the home. Home automation can make the property more convenient and improve safety. Many automation devices can simplify the lives of older people.
As a start, you could consider smart security and fire alarms. Smart locks can make it easier to lock and unlock doors.
Bright lighting can offer a more straightforward way to manage lights in your home. A smart thermostat is another feature to consider. There are also intelligent appliances.
As a final point, consider doing the remodel in stages. Please make a list of everything you need to do and get estimates for how much it will all cost.
If you can’t afford to do everything immediately, set priorities and do the most important updates first. You can then work through the list as you can afford the work.
