6 Things To Look for When Shopping for a Home as an Aging Buyer

Guest post by Andrea Needham

The number of seniors in the United States is projected to nearly double by 2060, and more and more people are looking for ways to age in place. If you want to avoid moving into an assisted living or nursing home facility, you must find a home that meets your needs now and in the future. PRK Williams Building Group has listed six key features to keep in mind as you pursue the perfect home for your golden years:

1. A Home Warranty   

Home warranties provide homeowners coverage against defects or malfunctions with major systems and appliances. Such warranties often include coverage for plumbing, electrical, heating, and cooling systems and appliances like refrigerators and washing machines. If something breaks down because of normal wear and tear, a home warranty can pay for it, so you don’t have to worry about unexpected repair costs!

Note that most warranties don’t cover preventative maintenance or pre-existing conditions, so read the fine print before purchasing one! You’ll also want to compare providers and plans before choosing a warranty; you can streamline your search here.

2. One-Story Homes  

Finding a one-story home can be a big win when you plan to age in place. These homes minimize the number of stairs you have to climb every day, and they make it easier for those with mobility issues or who use wheelchairs to navigate the house. Moreover, one-story homes tend to require less maintenance than multi-story homes since there’s no need to worry about major repairs on multiple levels.

3. Wider Hallways and Doorways   

Wider hallways and doorways can make navigating around your home much easier as you age. For instance, wider hallways give seniors more maneuverability while using wheelchairs or walkers, while wider doorways allow them easy access to each room without having to squeeze through tight spaces.

Fortunately, many builders today offer homes with wider hallways and doorways as standard features, making this aspect of your search relatively easy. And you can always contact professionals like PRK Williams Building Group for your design, construction, or remodeling needs!

4. Accessible Bathrooms and Kitchens   

It’s essential that your bathrooms and kitchen are accessible in your golden years. An accessible bathroom typically features a walk-in shower with handrails for added safety, as well as toilets that are higher off the ground — making it easier to get on and off the toilet.

When evaluating kitchens, look for countertops with lower heights so you can reach items from the upper cabinets more easily. It’s also a plus to have drawers that pull out completely; that way, none of your items are hidden away or too difficult to reach from a seated position.

5. A Convenient Location     

Consider the geographic location of your potential new home relative to essential services like medical care centers, grocery stores, and pharmacies. The key is to live somewhere with easy and convenient access to what you need. Being located close to essential services will mean you don’t have to travel too far, which is especially important if mobility becomes an issue down the line.

6. An Easy Yard

For older adults, a home with a small yard can be much easier to maintain than one with a large manicured garden. Smaller yards require less upkeep, so they’re less time-consuming and expensive to keep neat and tidy.

Look for homes with native plants that don’t need extensive care (like pruning or fertilizing). And keep in mind that properties with gravel instead of grass can provide an attractive alternative without so much ongoing work.

Wrapping Up 

You must be strategic when searching for a new home in your golden years. Remember to research home warranties and narrow your search to homes that are one-story with wider hallways and doorways, accessible spaces, and all the other features above. And don’t forget — you also want a home that just “feels right.” So keep an open mind and practice patience as you pursue your next forever home!

Would you like to read more helpful content or learn about our designing and building services? Visit PRKWilliams.com today!