Reinventing Your Home

Recently I came across some statistics that I thought you might find enlightening, just as I did. A poll by AARP found that 84 percent of the population over the age of 50 would like to remain in their homes, but only 16 percent of them have modified them for safety or comfort.
Demand for suitable housing is expected to increase as baby boomers hit 65 in 2011. By 2050, one in five Americans will be over the age of 65, with the fastest growth in suburban areas, according to data from the Census Bureau.

Plan designers have been focusing on strategies to create age-friendly homes in what might be called boomer towns. Using universal design in new construction and remodeling existing homes is one way to keep people in their homes as long as possible. This allows people to “age in place.”

Some of these features include wide doorways, no-step entrances, and wider hallways, grab bars in the bathrooms and walk in showers. Other items in universal design include lower kitchen cabinets in certain areas in the kitchen, all the bedrooms on the main floor, and appliances that can be installed at varying heights.

The great concept of universal design in housing is that it is not just for the boomer generation. It has appeal to the Generation X’ers as well because they don’t have to lug strollers and groceries up the stairs, and children can easily use countertops that are a little lower than the normal height. Universal design in housing does not make a home feel or look like it is designed for “old people."

We invite you to check out our website http://www.julielaterrahomes.com/ or call 704.979.1188 to speak with one of our consultants about the design and amenities that you would like to include in your next home or for more information on remodeling your existing home.