Due to rising housing and healthcare costs, multi-generational living situations are becoming more common across the United States. A study conducted by the Pew Research Center in 2016 ??found that 64 million Americans–or a fifth of the U.S. population–were living in multi-generational homes, and this number is expected to increase in the coming decades.
Today, Highland Design + Build, a top home improvement company, shares tips on making your home more accessible for family members of all ages.
Bedrooms on the Main Floor
Seniors with mobility issues may have trouble accessing the bedrooms on upper stories of the home. To make your home more accessible for senior family members, or for yourself if you plan to age in place, it’s a good idea to have at least two bedrooms on the main floor of your home, if possible.
Wider Hallways and Doors
It will be easier for seniors and people with mobility issues to move through the home if the hallways and doors are wide enough to accommodate walkers or wheelchairs. This also benefits small children who may be running through the home, making the space safer for everyone.
Separate Entrances and Exits
Creating separate entrances and exits in the house gives all family members more privacy. For example, if children need to go to school early in the morning, they can leave through a different exit so as not to disturb older members of the household who might be sleeping.
It All Depends on Your Needs
Keep in mind that this list isn???t exhaustive. No two homes???or two families???are completely alike. Before adding new features, make sure to consult an experienced remodeling contractor. With their expertise, they???ll be able to help you figure out a home plan that will work for you and the rest of your household.
Highland Design + Build, winner of the Best of Houzz Service Awards for four years straight, offers expert home remodeling services. To get started on your remodeling project, call us at (205) 968-6000, or leave us a message here. We serve homeowners in Birmingham and Homewood, AL, and the surrounding areas.