There are many factors that go into building your forever home. Here, Alair Homes Burnaby outlines things to consider before construction begins.

Changes

Building a custom house means thinking about the long term. If there are currently children living at home, they will eventually leave the nest and start their own families. That may mean babysitting grandchildren. Multi-generational households are also becoming more common. A house serves seniors best when it accommodates the changes that come with aging. Therefore, it pays to plan ahead.

 

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Accessibility

Aging often means at least some changes in mobility. While no one enjoys thinking about such possibilities, putting certain elements in place during construction often proves to be cost effective versus making changes later on. For example, stairs are more difficult to navigate as a person grows older. This is a safety concern. One way around this issue is to build a one-story home. Another option includes placing the master bedroom on the first floor. This empowers the homeowner to age in place and remain independent.

If a second floor is needed, modifications like stairlifts and elevators can be added for assistance. Grab bars are useful in showers. It is smart to leave enough room at the front of the home for a wheelchair ramp. Overall, the homeowner should plan for five-foot turning radiuses, four-foot hallways and three-foot doorways. This will make getting around in a wheelchair much easier.

Space

Another major change over the years includes space needs. Having many extra rooms makes sense when children are growing up, but the homeowner is often tempted to downsize after they leave. This should be carefully considered because aside from hosting grandchildren, there is always the possibility of needing live-in professional home care. In that case, having an extra bedroom is beneficial. Many adult children remain at home until after they graduate from college and get started in their careers. A custom home should also include space for entertainment for both family and friends.

Location

Some argue the single most important step in building a forever home is choosing the right location. Families with children will prioritize neighborhoods with good schools and safe parks, while older homeowners often want to be close to hospitals, pharmacies, grocery stores and the doctor’s office. Another consideration is the complexity of the local streets, which can be challenging to older drivers or those who must use public transportation. The right lot is the one that is future proof.

Building a custom home with Alair Homes Burnaby is one of life’s biggest investments. Careful planning and consideration of the different factors that make up your ideal living space will result in building the perfect house – one that supports the needs of all family members at every life stage.