Finding an accessible home can be challenging, which is why it’s a good idea to do plenty of research before you start looking. Universal home design has come a long way in recent years, making it easier for differently-abled homeowners to get around the house and perform daily tasks. When you’re considering how to make a home more accessible, contact Suncoast Custom Homes with your remodeling ideas.
Accessible Home Features
There are different areas of the house that can be more accessible: a home’s entryways, floor-plan, bathrooms, and kitchen should be considered when looking for a new home.
The entryway is an important feature to consider when looking for a new home. Avoid homes that have raised entryways with stairs if possible. However, this is an area of the house that’s not difficult to remodel: it’s feasible to install an entry ramp to make it accessible for those in wheelchairs or with mobility problems. If you’re handy with tools you can do it yourself, or hire a contractor to help.
A home’s layout is trickier to change, so try to look for homes that are single-story and that have wide hallways and open floor plans. Wide hallways and open layouts will allow a wheelchair-user to navigate more easily. While flooring material can always be changed, it’s good to look for homes that have hardwood or tiled floors instead of carpet, as it can be difficult to negotiate in a wheelchair.
Bathrooms in accessible homes are typically larger, allowing enough space for a wheelchair user to comfortably turn around. Another feature that will make it easier for the mobility-challenged is a roll-in shower with a seat. Look for homes with bathrooms that have lower countertops and railings, or options to modify or install accessories where needed.
One area of the home that often requires some modifications is the kitchen. For the kitchen to be ADA compliant, there are a number of factors, including ensuring adequate doorway width, finding appliances that are front-opening and with ample space on either side, and installing lower countertops for wheelchair users. If a home is lacking these modifications, it’s worth inquiring with a renovation company to see how much it would cost for accessible redesigns.
Searching for your new home
When you’ve established your accessible home requirements, it’s time to prepare for your search. Before digging through real estate listings, there are a few things to consider — especially if you’re a first-time homebuyer.
It’s a good idea to have a solid understanding of your finances and credit score. Small mistakes like a missed credit card payment can have devastating effects on your credit score. Checking your credit report before you approach lenders will give you time to reconcile any issues or perhaps even work on increasing your score before you apply for a mortgage.
You’ll also want to organize your documents ahead of time so you can eliminate any errors. If there’s a problem with your documentation, your loan application could be drawn out, causing you to miss out on the home of your dreams. Some of the documents you’ll need for your application will include W2s, pay stubs, and tax returns.
Buyers with disabilities can often qualify for assistance programs. For example, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has a program called the Housing Choice Voucher that can cover the cost of mortgage principal and interest, real estate taxes, homeowners insurance, mortgage insurance, and even the cost of making a home more accessible. However, there are eligibility requirements and the waiting list can be long, so apply well beforehand to benefit from the program
While it may be hard to find a home that ticks all the boxes, it’s usually possible to find a home that will work for most of your needs. For the rest, consult a home renovation company to determine the costs for redesigning for more accessibility.
Need to make modifications to your home? Contact Suncoast Custom Homes to learn about your home renovation options in the Naples area!