Dec 21, 2021

Ideas for Elder-Friendly Home Renovation

 

An elderly man and woman standing next to an open window and holding white cups filled with coffee

Are you planning on renovating your home? Why not invest in elder-friendly home renovation and secure your home for the future? You'll create a comfortable, safe, and secure place for all your family members. If you have very young kids, they'll also benefit from these features while you will be able to take full advantage of them as you get older. To help you design your future senior living home, we've prepared a list of things to focus on. With our tips and ideas, you'll create a perfect senior-friendly environment where you'll feel comfortable and safe to grow old.


Elder-friendly home renovation: what to focus on?


When designing an elder-friendly home, the accent should be on increasing accessibility and making all features fully functional. That's exactly what we're going to help you with in this article. We've prepared simple tips and advice to create a safe and comfortable home for your future. All that will be left for you to do is to decorate it without sacrificing safety.


An elderly couple sitting on a couch, eating snacks and watching TV
By investing in the elder-friendly renovation, you'll ensure you have a secure home to spend your golden years carefree


Invest in good lighting


Nothing is less safe than a poorly lit home. Therefore, to ensure your home is safe and secure, make sure to invest in good lighting. Here is what to pay attention to when choosing lighting options for your elder-friendly home:

  • Make sure that outdoor areas, reading areas, bathrooms, stairways, kitchen, and garage are properly lit and have sufficient lighting.

  • Add under the cabinet lights to both kitchen counters and the cooking area.

  • Ensure there are enough windows to provide you with natural light. A good idea is to replace doors and windows in your home, too. That way, you'll ensure to bring enough natural light and vitamin D into your home. On top of that, you'll make sure your home is properly insulated.

  • You should install light switches at both top and bottom of your stairways.

  • The type of switches you want to use is important, too. The best way to go is to use large, rocker-type light switches as they're easy, convenient, and user-friendly to all ages.

  • Install nightlights to help you move around your home at night easily.

  • Make sure your home has emergency lights as they'll really come in handy if there's an electrical blackout.

A living room with a large window and a gray sofa sitting next to an open door
Sunlight therapy has many health benefits for elderly people and even helps with battling depression.



Have in mind that, after you finish upgrading the lighting in your home, you'll have your old fixtures left behind. You can sell them and earn some extra money or give them away.



However, the relocation team from Zippy Shell Louisiana suggested a different option. They advise keeping the extra items from your home in a storage unit. That way, in case something breaks in your home, you'll have a replacement waiting for you instantly.



Replace doorknob handles


Turning a doorknob doesn't seem like a difficult task, right? But when you're a senior, this can be more daunting than you can imagine! It can even be painful for people who have arthritis or other conditions. Therefore, doorknobs are one of the first things to focus on when trying to make your home more elder-friendly.



To make your doors senior-friendly, make sure to choose door handles in the form of a doorknob (round) or door lever.  Door levers might be more suitable as they're easier for kids and older adults to use. Even if your hands are slippery or you're carrying something with both of your hands, it will be much simpler for you to open the doors.



Pay attention to the interior design style you choose


When designing an elder-friendly home, you need to be mindful of the interior design style you choose. You need to focus on functionality rather than style and trends. 



First, make sure your space is not overcrowded with furniture. You want to have enough space between different pieces of furniture to move around freely. If you're left with extra pieces of furniture that you have no room for after renovation, storage can make your life easier. Consider renting a unit where you can keep all of the things you need but are not essential.


A bright-open space kitchen after an elder-friendly home renovation.
Before you start your elder-friendly home renovation, make sure to carefully design the space so that enough room is left between furniture to move around freely.


If you have marble or tiled floor, you should have rugs or carpets covering them. You want to prevent potential slipping or tripping over them. A good idea is to introduce high contrasting colors to your interior design. As many older people suffer from impaired contract perception, this is a good way to make your life easier in case it happens to you.



Safe and accessible bathroom


Probably the most important room in your home to "senior-proof" is your bathroom. For instance, wet bathroom floors are a hazard for everyone, no matter the age. To prevent this from happening, invest in a non-skid bathroom mat. A good idea is to add a telephone extension to your bathroom in case of an emergency.



Another important thing to add to your bathroom in order to make it more elder-friendly is a grab bar. You can even go for a handrail. These devices will help you move around easily, especially in and out of the shower area. As you want to be on the safe side, you also need to make sure the door opens outwards. In case someone falls near the door, you want help to be able to come in. 



Keep in mind that when you retire, you'll probably have a lower monthly income. To save money and help protect the environment at the same time, consider adding eco-friendly features.



The bottom line


We hope our article inspired you to start planning your elder-friendly home renovation. Even though you might not need these features now, they will be useful to you at some point. So why not take advantage of your renovation and create a place where you'll feel safe and comfortable as a senior? We guarantee you won't regret it!



Photos used:


https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-and-woman-holding-white-ceramic-mugs-7330130/


https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-and-woman-sitting-on-couch-7330917/


https://unsplash.com/photos/bwIqQ5qQhXs


https://unsplash.com/photos/YqbvabE8AHc




Dec 15, 2021

Buying a House in Sydney: Things to Consider


In case you are wanting to move to Sydney soon and purchasing a house is one of your main concerns, there are a few things you should know to stay away from any problem en route. Right away, it very well may be very difficult and overpowering, however when you extend your insight on how stuff functions, it ought to be a going great movement. For what it's worth, this article has recorded down certain updates that you might observe supportive when you begin searching for a house to purchase in the capital. 


Image:cubitts.com.au


1. Know your spending plan – You can't buy a house in Sydney on the off chance that you need more spending plan – that is the manner by which plain and simple it is. Thus, it is vital that you plan your financial plan. Ability much you can apportion for contract installment and expertise much is a lot for you. Your spending plan will fill in as the anchor when you haggle with the home dealer. It will likewise fill in as your aide while picking a house. When arranging your spending plan, it is significant that you think about a few variables, like your employer stability, pay, different costs, other monetary obligations, and unforeseeable costs like health related crises. When you think about these elements, you can concoct a more sensible spending plan. 




2. Study the current real estate market – It is essential to be savvy purchaser in case you are intending to purchase a house in Sydney. Due to the vital and helpful area of this rural area, expect that the houses being sold in the space are no place modest. Thus, it is significant that you research about the momentum nearby real estate market to realize which kind of house to get. By doing this, you would realize how much a normal Sydney house would cost and the amount it would cost later on when you choose to sell the house that you will purchase. In the event that you don't have insight in doing statistical surveying, you can generally ask help from realtors. 




3. Realize what sort of house you need – Since the Sydney real estate market is consistently improving and developing, you are probably going to find a house that you've been longing for quite a long time. There are many kinds of houses you can browse – from split level houses to granny flats. To dive more deeply into which kind of house is best for your spending plan and needs, you can generally look for the exhortation of homebuilders. On the off chance that you wish to have granny flats, you can ask granny flat developers around to have a superior comprehension on how much cash you need to designate for its support and improvement. The equivalent goes to a house you might wind up picking. 




4. Contact realtors – The best and most helpful way of finding and purchase a house is to employ realtors. These specialists know the nearby market and have extensive organization of home venders. Basically, they are the ones you should approach assuming you need to purchase a house that will suit your spending plan, your inclination, and your necessities. Realtors won't just assist you with observing a house to purchase yet will likewise coach you with regards to everything identified with land in Sydney. They will likewise help you in getting ready and recording important desk work, making your home buy considerably more advantageous and less unpleasant. 




Purchasing a house in Sydney ought not to be an overwhelming and overpowering errand. If you make the best choice and follow the right advances, you can pick the best home. If you have more worries or questions, it is consistently a smart thought to talk with realtors, granny flat developers or any homebuilder, or even your associates who have more broad involvement with purchasing Sydney houses.




Dec 11, 2021

Top tips for selling a home in winter

 


Lighting fixture improvements


Winter brings our favorite holidays to spend with family and loved ones. Therefore, significant changes like relocation and home hunts usually wait for spring. Still, if a unique opportunity in your life shows up, timing is not always a priority. Selling a home in the offseason might not be ideal since many future homeowners prefer home hunting during the spring and summer months. That means sellers need to put extra effort into making houses attractive and appealing during the winter while focusing on specific home improvements. However, the process is not complicated as it sounds. You need to prepare well and adjust the home selling strategy to reflect the season. If you're considering putting up your house on the market in the upcoming months, here are the expert tips for selling a home in winter.



Focus on seasonal maintenance and home improvements


Winterizing your home every year is necessary when living in a temperate or climate with harsher winters. Whether you're simply taking care of your home maintenance or preparing it for sale, you need to be sure things work like a clock, saving you from potential mishaps and discomfort low temperatures and bad weather can bring. Therefore, before putting a home on the market, focus on maintenance and improvements that will make an easier sale:


  • roof inspection and repair,

  • HVAC and heating system maintenance,

  • sealing doors and windows drafts for better insulation,

  • cleaning gutters,

  • examining pipework,

  • checking for traces of mold and mildew,

  • having a chimney and fireplace checked.


Paying attention to necessary improvements can add to your home value and make a faster sale since no one wants additional costs when moving to a "new" house. Also, you won't have to worry about inconveniences during home inspections and showings if something doesn't work during viewings.



Using neutral colors when home staging is one of the best tips for selling a home in winter
Silver, white, and light pastel color details and textures can bring the winter spirit to any home.



Stage to amaze


Many real estate agents agree that creating a warm and welcoming house-staging atmosphere is one of the most important tips for selling a house in winter. A cozy vibe attracts most buyers regardless of season, so do your best to make every part of the house appealing. The potential buyer needs to imagine their life in such surroundings but to make such ambiance, you'll need to depersonalize the place.



When staging your home, to impress possible buyers, you'll need to focus on neutral furniture and snug fabric and texture choice. Use thick drapes to address the vertical decor, and throw pillows and blankets on beds and armchairs to create a feeling of comfort. Some sellers use winter scents such as clove and cinnamon aromas during showings, but scents can be a turnoff if associated with bad memories. Thus, instead of using smells to create a certain appeal, use the real thing instead. Offer a serious buyer a cup of winter tea or mulled wine.



Lighting can do wonders in winter homes


The sun rises later and sets earlier during winter, allowing less natural light in our homes. Since natural light is essential, invest in brighter light fixtures when working on home improvements. In addition, you can add some ambient light for a pleasant atmosphere. 




Festive candle as part of winter home staging
Track light or festive candles can accent corners and specific features of place.



Show off with energy-efficient appliances


The opportunity for saving money on utilities is a great feature to emphasize. Therefore, if your house has quality energy-efficient appliances, you should take advantage of them. In addition, when investing in improvements to add value to the property, consider eco-friendly features installments.



Make sure your curb appeal is seasonally appropriate


When selling a home in winter, many homeowners make bad choices when working on a curb appeal. Winter brings holidays, which can help with the sale. However, sometimes sellers go overboard with festivity decor. A home can look tacky if many colorful lights and specific holiday decor are used. Such items distract the potential buyers and hide the best features your home exterior has. Therefore, instead of going all-in with holiday decorations, invest in pleasant and neutral landscape lighting and seasonal plants.


Make sure your outdoor furniture is clean and stored since it has no purpose during winter. According to moving and storage experts from promoversmiami.com, the number of sellers who opt to rent storage units rises at the end of the year. This is due to storing not only holiday decorations but also curb decor and patio furniture.



White lantern as front yard decor during winter home selling
White lanterns with LED light can create a fairytale-like ambient if selling a home in winter with snow



Keep everything fresh and clean


Nothing repels buyers more than a dirty house. Cleaning every inch of the home is crucial when putting a home for sale. Every detail needs to be tended evenly, from deep cleaning the carpets, hardwood floors, and upholstery to power washing the outdoor stairs, porches, and driveways.


Pay special attention when cleaning certain areas, such as the bathroom and kitchen. They are critical features in any home, and at the same time, they are very high-traffic areas. Keep them fresh and neat at all times, especially if you plan to live in the house during showings.



Benefits of selling your home in winter


Regardless of the slower housing market end of the year and holiday season brings, winter sales have its perks. Firstly, many sellers will pause the sale until spring or take the home off the market. This means less competition and more motivated buyers. In addition, your home won't get lost in a sea of houses the market has. 



Whether it's your ad or home staging, introducing a discreet holiday aesthetic will do wonders. Therefore, to attract more potential buyers, follow these top tips for selling a home in winter and stay neutral with decor. Winter brings festivities for many cultures; thus, remaining unbiased will help a lot with the genuine appeal. You can decorate your home in a festive spirit even without setting up a flashy Christmas tree. Instead, focus on lighting and neutral decor that will bring out the best features of your home interior and exterior.



Photos used:


https://www.pexels.com/photo/contemporary-country-house-facade-in-winter-7031406/


https://unsplash.com/photos/yL9ruXs5I9c


https://unsplash.com/photos/iKHXbvNHXPQ


https://unsplash.com/photos/qC117ahi-mE



  © Blogger template 'A Click Apart' by Ourblogtemplates.com 2008

Back to TOP