With retirement approaching, you might be thinking about building a custom home that you can age in. Maybe you’re looking to downsize from your current home in order to save time and money on maintenance, or possibly even upsizing to prepare for an elderly loved one to come live with you. Whatever the reason you’ll still want to choose from custom home floor plans you love and build a home that’s just for you. The good news is you have plenty of custom home floor plans to choose from and your custom home should be a fresh start to cover all current and future needs. There are any number of reasons why you may be considering a custom home at this stage in your life and we’re here to help you with some suggestions before you get started.
An open floor plan allows moving from room to room much easier.
Open floor plans are typically a popular feature. Instead of having rooms sectioned off, the entire home becomes one great room allowing for easy maneuverability with plenty of space in between pieces of furniture and room transitions. Have a big family? Open floor plans are great for family gatherings and allow everyone to be a part of the conversation, even if they’re in the kitchen prepping for dinner.
Every room needs to be wheelchair accessible.
This is a design feature you don’t want to overlook when searching for custom home floor plans especially if you will be helping to take care of an elderly loved one. Your shower entrance shouldn’t have a curb, but more than that you’re going to want a floor plan without any steps. So, be sure you avoid multi-level and split-level homes.
Multi-level counter heights allow for increased efficiency.
When it comes to the kitchen and bathrooms, you’ll want to install counters at multiple heights. This will make working while standing or sitting possible. As you age, it might be more difficult to do the things you do now, so having the option to sit at the counter and prepare a meal may be incredibly beneficial. If you have young grandkids anxious to help in the kitchen, it’s a perfect place to sit and work together.
Natural light and task lighting need to be incorporated throughout.
As you age, one thing that will become a little more difficult over time is seeing. Things like reading, cooking, and preparing food can become more tedious and tiresome without the right lighting. Having large windows, sky lights, and task lights will allow you to accomplish everyday tasks easier. An open floor plan will help here as well since it will allow more natural light to filter in from windows in other rooms.
Sunrooms allow for outdoor enjoyment year round.
If you love spending time outside, but hate the never-predictable-weather, then a sunroom is the perfect solution. Add in temperature control and you can enjoy Mother Nature without actually leaving your house. These all glass rooms are perfect for sipping an early morning cup of coffee or enjoying that afternoon of reading you’ll finally have time for.
As you consider all of the custom home floor plans, don’t forget to look for the features that will help retiring and aging in place easier. And, when you’re ready to get started building your home, the custom home builders at Hamilton Homes would love to hear about all of your ideas. Contact us to schedule a time to talk!
