There are lots of ways that you can renovate your home to make it more accessible. Carefully consider your renovation decisions so that you don’t hurt the resale value of your home. Here are some of the renovation ideas that you can complete and not affect your home’s value.
Install Removable Grab Bars
You may have seen grab bars that help those who struggle with mobility. Most people don’t want to purchase a home with these bars installed all over the house. These grab bars can be easily removed as long as they are properly installed. Improperly installed grab bars can result in damage to the wall. They should be mounted to the stud so that they provide the greatest amount of support. The bars can easily be removed and the holes repaired using a little bit of patching material.
Also, you don’t have to worry about grab bars hindering your home’s interior aesthetic appeal. These bars can be found in all types of lengths and thickness. Short, thin bars aren’t as much of a design-obstructing eyesore like the long, thick ones you might see in handicap stalls in restaurant bathrooms. The short kind allow for a person to hang on to them so that they can gather themselves, get balanced, and then move on.
Such bars can also be easily painted over so that they match the walls that they are attached to. However, because elderly individuals tend to have vision problems, it might be best to paint them a different shade of your wall color’s so that the bar doesn’t blend too much into the wall and can be easily sought out when needed.
Consider a Walk-in Shower Solution
The bathroom can be a problematic area of the home for the elderly. Look into a bathroom remodeling project that makes cleanliness a less daunting task. A walk-in shower with a corner seat may be the right solution for your loved one. It also has the benefit of being very popular for the modern bathroom design. Many bathrooms are getting away from the standard bath and shower situation. Consider using a flooring material that is naturally skid resistant.
Intercoms Are a Plus
Intercoms have evolved with the times. You may be able to install units that are wireless and easy to remove when they’re no longer needed. Consider placing them in bathrooms, living areas, and bedrooms. This can give your elderly relative peace of mind knowing that they can get assistance whenever they need it. With the wireless units you don’t have to worry about running wires through your home. This will allow you to easily remove them when it comes time to sell.
Flooring Makes a Difference
The type of flooring that you put in your home makes a difference for mobility. Low pile carpeting in the bedrooms can help your relative to maintain some of their independence. It also provides a little bit of cushioning if they were to experience a fall. The ease of cleanability should be another factor that you take into consideration. A harder surface in kitchens and baths, such as hardwood or laminate, can help maintain your home long-term.
Renovating your home with mobility restrictions in mind can be a challenge. It’s made even more so if you want to maintain the inherent value of your home. Use these tips to help you master this task.
