To remodel or not to remodel, that is the question? Young people may remodel because they are trying to keep up with the Jones, or because they are trying to find a way to control the chaos in their lives. Older people approach remodeling from a different perspective, but either way it is a big decision. Seniors are looking for ways to make their lives safer and easier, but they find themselves reluctant to spend the money and they wonder if it is worth the bother.
Transition points in life are what cause most to people to think about remodeling. People surveyed admit that they think of remodeling when the first or third child arrives, when the kids move away from home, and when aging parents come to stay.
People who chose remodeling over moving often say that it is the yard that keeps them from leaving their old home. I know this would be a factor for me. I love my trees and would always wonder if the next person would continue to feed my squirrels and birds. The yard is a factor, but so is parting with all of your “stuff.” You may not be a hoarder per se, but you still have accumulated a lot of cherish belongings along the way. Many people use remodeling as a way to organized space, while figuring out a way to make their homes lighter and roomier. It could be that you need more light to lift our spirits, but from a practical standpoint it is an admission that you need more light to see well as you grow older.
Simplicity and universal design are the trends but a little added luxury isn’t far behind. As people get older they feel that they deserve a few little luxuries, such as a really nice bathroom or heated floors, and why not?
It pretty much boils down to whether you should “stay put” or move. This is the question that people in their 70s or beyond give a lot of thought too. Many people opt to “stay put.” It is more comfortable living out your life in your home, and in many ways more economical. Lesley Alderman in an article for the New York Times (July 18, 2009) pointed out that assisted living facilities often cost from $34,000 to $70,000 a year depending on the area and the services offered. If you are saving for your money for a rainy day you might have to come to terms with the fact that the clouds are gathering.
While staying at home is cozier and cheaper than moving into a senior community, it is not always safer. If you plan right your home environment can be supportive of your well being, but it can also be health hazard. If you want your home to be safe and supportive, you are going to want to follow remodeling guidelines that will help you achieve this goal. In general, insurance companies will not cover physical upgrades to your house, but they will often pay to have an occupational therapist come in to do an assessment and make recommendations.
Know when to improve and when to move. As you grow older you are going to have to lean toward adapting your home to meet your needs. Don’t make home improvements for the sole reason of boosting the home’s value, although attractive universal design features can do just that. You should be undertaking projects that will give you pleasure and keep you safe.
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