Build an age-appropriate home – a home for life

People who build a single-family home usually plan to live in it for the rest of their lives, even as they get older. For this dream to come true, you need it (in addition to health). advance planning. Because even if you’re still physically fit now, things could change in the future. If you build in an age-appropriate way If you wish, consider your future needs before designing your home Don’t make decisions based solely on your current life situation.

What are the advantages of an age-appropriate building?

At the beginning of the construction project, many building families hesitate to design the new building in an age-friendly manner due to the additional efforts it may involve. However, you should keep the whole picture in mind:

• A barrier-free facility has one significantly higher resale value.
• There will be no more costs, no mess and no inconvenience caused by any necessary subsequent changes.
• You can do this with an upcoming new building all measurements according to your wishes implement and coordinate. Next, depending on your home’s floor plan, this may be difficult or even impossible.

Building for Age: Here’s What You Need to Keep in Mind!

The essential requirements for accessibility in living spaces have existed since 2011 DIN 18040-2 held. These regulations are initially only recommendations and it is not necessary for all of them to be implemented (the legal situation varies depending on the federal state). However, if you wish to apply for financing, you may be bound by the guidelines.

Below we summarize, What are the main points to consider when building in an age-appropriate way.

Entrance area

• Weather protection in front of the entrance door, large enough even for wheelchair users
• An additional one Handrail for support on stairs
• Install one Intercom

Build the interior in an age-appropriate way

• Thresholds Avoidwhich could impede a walker or wheelchair
• Anti-slip Floor coverings serve to reduce risks
• Space for Handles design and use non-slip surfaces
• Install sufficient light sources to avoid dark areas. Motion detectors or dimmer switches, for example, also serve as an aid
• Wheelchair accessible door widths of approx. 1 meter (if necessary also the installation of sliding doors)
• Plan the stairs that will be easy to design later Stairlift can be installed. Also take contrasting steps to avoid tripping.
• Sufficient Movement area in the rooms create, especially before and after the doors
• Position the sockets so that they are easily accessible

bath

• Install a floor-level shower, ideally with the option to install a shower seat later
• Plan for sufficient storage space
• Use non-slip tiles
• Select accessible sinks with swivel taps
• Make sure shower cubicles have doors that open outwards or, alternatively, do not use a door
• In multi-storey houses, install multiple bathrooms so that the distance to get there is short and there is no need to change floors

You can find more bathroom design tips in this article.

bedroom

• light source placed next to the bed
• The room should be large enough so that the bed can be reached from three sides and there is still enough distance to the wall next to the bed

Kitchen

• Kitchen elements accessible in some places
• appliances inside comfortable height position so that no deep bending is necessary

If you want to build in an age-appropriate way, consider for example designing the new building as a bungalow or planning a multi-generation house or a single-family house with an additional separate apartment from the start. This means that you can later live in your home with carers or your children and still enjoy privacy.

Of course, there are many quirks to consider when building barrier-free buildings, but they can pay off in the long run. And don’t worry: our experts are very knowledgeable and will of course be happy to advise you.