One of the greatest joys of homeownership is living in the place where you’ve created memories. An accessible home ages with you, letting you spend more time in the space where you built those moments.
With a quality custom home, you can look forward to spending even more years in your castle. At Ivan Yoder Builders, our expert designers have been constructing accessible, Amish-built homes since 1977. Here are four tips we give clients to extend their comfort at home.
Consider First Floor Living
While the privacy of a second floor master bedroom or suite appeals to many, it can lose its shine over the years as mobility challenges introduce new safety considerations.
Even before it’s a necessity, first floor living has its perks. Two story homes with a lower suite are ideal for families with older children. The upstairs bedrooms are separated by an entire level, giving mom and dad a little extra peace.
First floor suites also offer better access to the outdoors. Imagine waking up in the morning, grabbing a cup of coffee, and walking through your bedroom’s sliding glass or French door out onto a patio.
When you finally reach your golden years, your home will be ready for you. Ivan Yoder Builders offers plans with the master bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, laundry and living space–everything you could need–on the ground floor.
Install Wider Door Frames
Making a home more accessible can seem intimidating or conjure images of a clinical looking house, but it’s actually the opposite. We specialize in small changes that make your dream home more accessible while adding a bit of luxury, too.
One of the most common changes we suggest are 3-foot-wide doors (36 inches) to the master bedroom and bath. The larger door frame feels welcoming and provides ample space for wheelchairs, walkers, or other mobility devices. The extra wiggle room makes it significantly easier to glide comfortably around your private living space.
For the rest of the home, we suggest 2-foot-8-inch doors. This opening is standard but is still plenty accessible by wheelchair.
Build a Walk-in Shower
A walk-in or easily accessible shower also provides convenience and safety. The open design feels spacious, turning a bathroom into a relaxing retreat.
Plus, many designs are conducive to grab bars or built-in seats. This could save you from an expensive remodel. Check out our portfolio for examples of swoon-worth and accessible showers.
Design Kitchens with Lower Countertops
Lower countertops extend independence. They allow home cooks to create new memories and prepare family meals for years to come. Look for a design that accommodates a wheelchair or a seated chef.
Shorter cooks also find lower countertops appealing because they’re able to use more of their body weight when chopping or kneading, making the job easier. (They’re also great to get the grandkids involved!)
Start Planning Your Dream Home
Planning for future accessibility needs is one of the greatest gifts you can give to yourself or a family member. Ivan Yoder Builders makes it easy.
Book a Home Design meeting with us to start planning your dream home.
