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The Basics of House-Hunting for Accessible Homes
by Bob Shannon
Purchasing a house is one of the biggest decisions most people make during their
lifetime. Besides location, you want to make sure the house you buy is suitable for
your present as well as your future needs. For people with disabilities or those
wishing to age in place, here are some tips from Hughes Homes Realty to help you
find and buy the perfect house for your needs.
What You’re Looking For
If you or someone in your household has a physical disability or limited mobility,
finding an accessible home is a necessity. Accessible houses are designed to be
user-friendly for the people that live there, whether they are blind, in a wheelchair,
or otherwise impaired.
But accessible homes are not just for disabled people: If you’re planning on aging in
place, an accessible home will accommodate your growing needs as you get older.
Look for a house with wider doorways, and with a master bedroom and bath on the
main floor. An open floor plan will allow you to navigate your wheelchair or walker
throughout the living areas with minimal obstacles. Houses built with ADA standards
in mind are your best bet when it comes to aging in place.
Finding a fully accessible home can be like finding a needle in a haystack, so don’t
limit yourself. Consider exploring out-of-the-box housing solutions like home-
sharing, and maybe look for someone seeking a roommate for their accessible
home. Other options include senior cooperatives or even senior villages. which are
areas where accessible homes are more common.
If you’re set on buying a new place for yourself but options are limited, consider a
temporary move to an accessible apartment first. This can give you and your
Hughes Homes Realty agent more time to find the ideal spot where you can age in
place. When surveying Orlando rental offerings, make sure to filter for terms like
“accessible” or “senior-friendly” to save time and zero in on a spot. Your agent may
also have some great suggestions for the interim.
The Buying Process
Once you’re ready to become a homeowner, you need to calculate how much house
you can afford, come up with a down payment, get preapproved for a mortgage,
and find a real estate agent who will take your housing needs into account. Search
online for houses for sale, or drive through neighborhoods you’re interested in to
see what kind of houses are available and in what price range.
Potential Modifications
If you’ve found a house in your desired location, but it doesn’t have all the features
you need to make it safe and accessible for you and your household, some
modifications can be implemented throughout the home. Ramps and railings can be
added both inside and outside to help people with ambulatory difficulties and to
prevent falls.
Many household accidents occur in the bathroom, so make modifications a priority.
A walk-in bath can be installed to replace a regular tub or shower, or a shower seat
may be added inside the shower stall. Extra grab bars on the walls of the shower
will also provide added safety. Don’t forget to add grab bars near the toilet or invest
in a toilet safety frame, as seniors often have a hard time getting up and down.
Easier-to-use, paddle-type faucet handles can also replace knob handles in the
bathroom and kitchen.
Stress-Free Moving
No matter how excited you are about moving into your new home, the actual
process of packing and unpacking your belongings can be daunting and stressful.
Start by getting rid of anything you’re not planning on bringing into your new use
and either sell, donate or toss it. Give yourself enough time to pack and create a
system to easily find what you’re looking for when it’s time to unpack. Label or
color-code the moving boxes according to which room they belong so they can go
directly into their new home as the moving truck is being unloaded; you may even
number them to make sure they all reach their final destination.
If you’re hiring a moving company, be sure to do your research; get referrals, and
call several businesses for estimates. And don’t forget to keep a bag of essentials
with you so you don’t have to unpack everything as soon as you move in!
Whether you have a disability or you’re planning to age in place, living in an
accessible home will allow you to stay independent. The right modifications will keep
you safe both indoors and in your yard. So, find your perfect neighborhood and start
house-hunting!
Hughes Homes Realty is a full-service agency dedicated to helping clients find the
perfect home. Serving Volusia, Seminole, Orange, Lake, Osceola and Polk Counties,
we can point you toward the best property with the best price. Call today! 407-557-
8775
