Designing an Age-In-Place Custom Home in Oklahoma City: A Comprehensive Checklist
As you envision your custom home in Oklahoma City, it's essential to consider not just its present functionality but also how it will meet your needs as you age. An age-in-place home design focuses on creating a residence that accommodates changing lifestyles, enhances accessibility, and promotes safety and comfort for long-term living. At Infinity Custom Homes, we understand the importance of designing custom homes that adapt as their occupants' needs evolve, and we're here to help guide you through this process.
In this comprehensive guide, we provide an in-depth checklist to help you plan and design your age-in-place custom home in the Oklahoma City metro area. By following these essential considerations, you can create a beautiful and functional living space that caters to your current and future settings, ensuring a comfortable and fulfilling living experience for years to come.
Accessible and Flexible Floor Plans
A well-thought-out floor plan is the foundation of an age-in-place custom home, providing ease of navigation and minimizing the need for future modifications.
1. Single-Level Living:
Opt for a single-story layout, or ensure that essential living spaces, such as the master bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and laundry room, are located on the ground floor for ease of access.
2. Wide Doorways and Hallways:
Incorporate wider doorways and hallways, ideally at least 36 inches wide, to accommodate wheelchairs and make movement between rooms seamless.
3. Open Floor Plans:
Open concept floor plans with minimal barriers between rooms promote easy navigation and accessibility, enhancing day-to-day living and facilitating social interactions.
Safe and Accessible Bathrooms
Designing safe and accessible bathrooms in your age-in-place custom home is crucial, as they are often the most challenging spaces to navigate for individuals with limited mobility or balance concerns.
1. Curbless Showers:
Include curbless showers with non-slip flooring in your bathrooms to minimize tripping hazards and make entry and exit hassle-free.
2. Grab Bars:
Install grab bars near the toilet, shower, and bathtub areas to provide support and minimize the risk of falls.
3. Adjustable Showerheads and Handheld Sprays:
Choose adjustable showerheads and handheld spray options to allow for comfortable and convenient use by individuals of varying heights and mobility levels.
Functional and Adaptable Kitchens
An age-in-place custom home kitchen should provide easy access, flexibility, and adaptability to accommodate the evolving needs of its occupants.
1. Adjustable Countertops and Cabinets:
Consider incorporating adjustable-height countertops and pull-down shelves, which can be modified to suit the user's specific needs and preferences.
2. Easy-to-Reach Appliances:
Place appliances like ovens, microwaves, and dishwashers at comfortable, easy-to-reach heights to enhance usability and minimize physical strain.
3. Lever-Handle Faucets:
Opt for lever-handle faucets or touchless models to facilitate easy use by individuals with limited hand strength or dexterity.
Enhanced Lighting and Visibility
Proper lighting is essential for safety and comfort in an age-in-place custom home, helping to prevent accidents and make daily tasks more manageable.
1. Natural Light:
Maximize the use of natural light with strategically placed windows and skylights, ensuring that living spaces are bright and welcoming.
2. Layered Lighting:
Incorporate layered lighting, such as ambient, task, and accent lighting, to provide optimal illumination for various tasks and areas within the home.
3. Accessible Light Switches and Controls:
Install rocker-style light switches and easy-to-use lighting controls, such as smart home systems or touch-sensitive dimmers, to simplify lighting adjustments and enhance overall usability.
Outdoor Living Spaces and Entryways
Creating accessible outdoor living spaces and entryways is crucial for seamless indoor-outdoor living and safe access to your age-in-place custom home.
1. Zero-Step Entries:
Design your home with at least one zero-step entryway, ensuring that entry is both safe and accessible for those with mobility challenges.
2. Slip-Resistant Surfaces:
Select slip-resistant materials for exterior walkways, patios, and decks to minimize the risk of accidents and promote safe outdoor living.
3. Adequate Exterior Lighting:
Ensure that all outdoor spaces and entryways are well-lit, using motion-activated or automatic lights to improve safety and visibility.
Realize Your Age-In-Place Custom Home Dreams with Infinity Custom Homes
Planning and designing an age-in-place custom home in Oklahoma City requires careful consideration and foresight, ensuring that your new living space will remain comfortable, functional, and safe as your needs evolve. By partnering with an experienced custom home builder like Infinity Custom Homes, you can confidently create a residence that addresses your current and future requirements, allowing for a lifetime of ease and enjoyment.
Our team at Infinity Custom Homes is dedicated to providing expert guidance and incorporating inventive design solutions for age-in-place custom home projects. Taking each client's unique vision, preferences, and needs into account, we strive to create beautiful, accessible, and safe living environments that cater to all stages of life.
Are you ready to begin your journey towards creating an age-in-place custom home in Oklahoma City that will serve you well for years to come? Contact Infinity Custom Homes today to schedule a consultation, and let our team of professionals guide you through the design and construction process, ensuring that your new residence encompasses the most crucial elements for long-term comfort and accessibility. With the expertise of our custom home builders and our passion for creating personalized living spaces, we look forward to partnering with you in realizing your dream of a custom home designed for a lifetime.