When building a custom home, the goal is often to stay in it forever, and today’s homebuyers are taking that to heart. Instead of focusing on what they need now, they’re planning to be in their home in 30 years, too, and looking into upgrades that not only look amazing today, but prepare them for when they may be a little bit older and not able to do as much as they can right now. There are tons of custom options that look forward to the future and help with aging in place in luxury.
Choosing the Right Type of Home
When it’s time to start planning for a custom home, a question many homebuyers have is, What is the ideal home for aging in place? If they’re thinking about the future, homebuyers may want to consider where they’ll be in 10, 20, or even 30 years. Most homebuyers will opt for a one-story home with the right layout to make navigating the home easier. This can include zero-step entryways, wider doors, and wider hallways. Clear floor plans are also perfect for aging in space, as they can make it easier to get around.
Planning for an Elevator
Those who want the extra space a second floor offers may consider planning today for an elevator. Installing one now not only prepares for the future, but makes it much easier to get things like the heavy vacuum or load of laundry up to the second floor. Plus, this is an option that always adds a touch of sophistication to the home. There are tons of different options that can blend in carefully with any home to add a bit of style and help with aging in place in the future.
Think About the Shower
Today’s luxury showers tend to be walk-in, and many don’t require a step up to get in the shower. Opt for one that makes it easier to get in and out, such as a glass-less shower, and add grab bars that look like they belong in a spa instead of a home. The right combination of setup, tiles, and more makes the shower look stunning and modern, while still making it perfect for aging in place without having to worry about mobility issues in the future.
The Latest for Cabinets
When working with luxury home builders, don’t forget to ask about cabinet upgrades. Soft-close cabinets are popular today and can be a great option, but there’s so much more to choose from, too. Consider pull-down shelves for upper cabinets and pull-out shelves for the lower cabinets. Look into appliance drawers to make it easier to access kitchen appliances and opt for lever-style handles instead of knobs to make them easier to grasp. The options for today’s cabinets not only have the stylish look home buyers are after, but they also make it easier to get around in the kitchen.
Voice Assistants in the Home
A technology approach may include adding voice assistants to the home. While this is typically done after the home is built, it is important to consider it during the building process. Custom home builders can add in smart thermostats, smart switches, smart lights, and more when the home is built, so nothing needs to be added later. The homebuyer can just plug in their assistants when they move in and get it all set up easily. In the future, the homebuyer will love being able to just tell the lights to turn off at night or easily adjust the thermostat before getting out of bed.
Designer Smart Lighting Options
Those who are adding in smart technology to the home may want to consider their lighting. All of it can be smart lighting, making it much easier to turn the lights on and off throughout the day. Though this technology is relatively new, there are tons of luxury options on the market. Those who are designing with an eye on the home’s style will love the modern fixtures that not only look great, but are smart, too. There’s no need to give up the stylish look of the home to make aging in place easier in the future.
Non-Slip Flooring Options
Part of planning for aging in place should include considering the type of floors in the home. When picking out flooring, it is a good idea to consider non-slip flooring. This doesn’t mean the floors have to look like they might in a hospital room or nursing home. Instead, look at modern options that happen to be non-slip, like textured tiles. They’re going to look amazing, last forever, and they’ll be mobility-friendly in case that’s needed in the future. Plus, they can be used throughout the home, creating a consistent and cohesive look. There are definitely plenty of eye-catching options that happen to be non-slip, too.
Ramps Designed to Look Amazing
Most homes do have at least a couple of steps to get to the front door, so there may be a need in the future for a ramp to make it easier to get in and out of the house. However, ramps don’t have to look boring or out of place, and they don’t have to detract from the look of the home. Instead, design a sloped pathway that integrates with the garden areas, includes seating in the walls, and has plenty of landscaping lighting to make it easier to see at night. It’ll look like it belongs, not like it was added later.
When you’re planning your home, don’t just plant for now. Plan for the future, too. Whether you may want an elevator to make it easier to get to the second floor or you are interested in high-tech solutions like voice assistants, there are plenty of ways to upgrade your home now so it has the luxury look you need today and is ready for whatever the future has in store. Talk with custom home builders today to create a luxurious home that’s going to work perfectly for you and your family far into the future.
