San Antonio nonetheless has a youthful inhabitants in 2025, however none of us are getting youthful. Older San Antonio residents who’re nearing their retirement years could also be considering making modifications to assist ease into the following part of life. And owners who’re involved about getting older of their present properties – however do not need to get caught up within the metropolis’s fluctuating actual property market – are discovering options via residence renovations that particularly accommodate for the long run.
Inside design consultants Houzz revealed that greater than half of all owners undertook some sort of residence renovation in 2024, and essentially the most sought-after upgrades centered round “growing old in place,” that means renovations that addressed the long run wants of householders as they dwell of their properties for so long as potential. Renovating may even function a financially preferable choice for owners fairly than downsizing or relocating to a retirement group.
For San Antonio owners who want inspiration to assist plan their very own residence upgrades, Houzz has seven concepts for one of the best growing old in place methods.
Widening walkways and doorwaysHaving the required area to maneuver round comfortably needs to be a high precedence as an individual ages. Open idea layouts have spacious options already included into the house’s design, however those that have differing residence layouts may have a singular problem to face.
Houzz recommends spacing out all furnishings and fixtures to have broad clearances round them, and suggests widening all walkways and doorways in the home.
“Professionals on Houzz suggest 36-inch doorway openings to supply simpler entry for mobility aids like walkers and wheelchairs,” mentioned senior editor Mitchell Parker. “Within the kitchen, designers suggest a minimum of 48 inches of clearance between counter tops and an island to make sure a secure and accessible work zone.”
Putting in steady and nonslip flooringTripping hazards are a serious concern irrespective of how outdated somebody is, and having a constant flooring all through the house drastically reduces any threat to each owners and guests.
Putting in non-slip flooring is essential for loos and kitchens the place there’s a heightened chance for slipping on moist surfaces. Selecting a traditional pebble tile or a matte end mosaic tile with a number of grout strains are key choices for owners to enhance toilet flooring traction, Houzz says.
Tile with a number of grout strains supplies good traction within the toilet and bathe space.Photograph courtesy of Structure By George/Avery Nicole Pictures
For properties with steps main as much as the entrances, Houzz recommends putting in a gently sloped ramp that enables for a easy transition from open air to indoors.
Having the first suite on the bottom floorSingle-story owners needn’t fret about this tip, however San Antonians who personal two-story homes ought to think about relocating the first suite to be on the bottom flooring for ease of accessibility.
“It’s necessary to permit ample room to maneuver comfortably across the mattress and furnishings — and to accommodate medical gear if wanted,” Parker mentioned. “Professionals on Houzz counsel desirous about the best way to present improbable views ought to one grow to be bedridden, the power for people to maneuver themselves and the power for others to have the ability to transfer them.”
Putting in curbless showersCurbless showers are a terrific resolution to keep away from journey hazards, and it provides to the earlier tip about steady flooring. These with restricted mobility profit considerably from having a “barrier-free” entry into the bathe space, Houzz says.
Moreover, Houzz’s 2024 toilet traits report discovered that just about 40 % of all renovated loos featured curbless showers, proving that it is a widespread improve amongst owners.
Varied toilet upgradesHouzz recommends a number of upgrades for bettering security within the toilet, however particularly highlights putting in seize bars, benches, and handheld sprayers within the bathe space.
“Paired with a close-by handheld sprayer, [a bench] permits customers to bathe whereas seated with ease and independence,” the report mentioned. “It additionally supplies larger performance for caregivers aiding with bathing. For added comfort and security, select fashions mounted on a slide bar that doubles as a seize bar.”
Seize bars would even be helpful close to the bathroom, however the report warns that making these upgrades would require thorough planning to keep away from any potential points such because the bar ripping off the wall.
“Structural backing should be put in behind the wall to make sure the bar can safely help weight and strain throughout use,” the report mentioned.
Having well-lit areas and a number of lighting optionsAccording to the report, having poor lighting in the home mixed with diminished eyesight can improve the chance of accidents. Householders may help scale back their threat with options comparable to putting in recessed ceiling lighting and pendant fixtures, in addition to including under-cabinet lights.
“Low-level lighting, comparable to LED strips put in in toekicks, can also be a terrific addition — it softly lights pathways and helps stop journeys and falls in the course of the night time,” Parker mentioned.
Putting in easy-grip levers and handlesAs one ages, dexterity and grip energy could weaken, so Houzz suggests exchanging the small cupboard knobs generally present in kitchens and loos for one thing sturdier like cupboard pulls. Likewise, conventional faucet knobs needs to be changed with taps with lever handles.
Cupboard pulls are a sturdier resolution than small cupboard knobs.Photograph courtesy of Allison Ramsey Architects, Inc. © Andrew Fraizer, Voyage
