Build Your Home Today with an Eye toward Tomorrow

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– Building for Longevity –

No one likes to think about getting older. But the facts are that people are living longer – and the growth of the senior population is outpacing that of other age groups.

Experts who specialize in housing and health encourage homebuyers in their 50s and 60s to incorporate features into their new homes that will make it easier for them to stay in their homes as they age. Studies show that those who are able to stay in their own home are generally healthier and happier. And by incorporating a few simple changes when your home is being built, you save yourself the cost of retrofitting in 10 or 20 years – when prices will likely be significantly higher than they are today.

Here are a few tips for longevity when building your new home. After all, we’re confident you’re going to love your new RNL Home so much you’ll want to live there as long as possible!

  • Don’t be so quick to rule out a 2-story home. Choosing a floor plan with the master suite downstairs, and a junior suite upstairs – like our Lisa plan – accommodates a number of scenarios. If you’re younger, you might have your parents stay on the first floor while you stay upstairs. If you’re older, the upstairs suite works for a live-in caregiver or adult child who has moved in to help. This design gives everyone privacy while keeping mobility limitations in mind.
  • Choose door levers rather than door knobs. They’re easier for aging hands to use – and there are several sleek, stylish designs to choose from.
  • It’s all about balance – literally. As people age, they often experience issues with balance, which can lead to falls and broken bones. Thick wainscoting or chair rails can be used as hand-holds to help you regain your balance.
  • Depth perception also changes with age. To reduce glare and shadows, the Aging in Place guide recommends a color temperature between 2700 and 3000, with a color rendering index of 100.
  • Choose smooth flooring to reduce the possibility of tripping.
  • The kitchen will always be the heart of your home. But as we get older, it can be difficult to stand while preparing meals. Consider including a place to sit during meal prep.
  • Consider a walk-in shower with a seat.
  • Include blocking to be installed while in framing stage for future grab bars.

It can be tempting to shrug off the idea of building and designing your new home for the future you. But being forced to leave your home due to mobility issues, or having to do expensive renovations, can be traumatic. Making these decisions now help ensure that you’ll be able to enjoy your RNL Home for years to come.

And don’t think for a minute that thinking ahead means sacrificing style. Our design expert, Nora, stays up-to-date on all the latest trends and innovations that make your home both beautiful and functional.

At RNL Homes, we want to be sure your home works for you. That means thinking ahead and helping you make the best choices for your family’s unique needs and lifestyle. When we say every home is built by our family, for yours – we really mean it.