Building a home that can last a lifetime or span generations? Let’s make it happen with thoughtful planning and expert design. If you’re thinking about building a forever home in North Carolina, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Consider your current & future needs.
- Use designs that can withstand the tests of time.
- Create a functional floor plan for any age.
- Make your home easy to live in.
- Incorporate smart home features.
- Use sustainable energy sources.
- Find a forever location for your home.
- Building forever homes in North Carolina.
Consider Your Current & Future Needs
Building a forever home is all about creating a space that you can live in comfortably for the rest of your life. It’s important to consider both your current needs and those that you may have in the future when designing your home.
This means thinking about factors such as family size, hobbies and lifestyle. If you plan on having children or already have them, it’s important to consider how many bedrooms you’ll need and whether you want a separate play area or family room.
If you have aging parents who will come to visit, or plan on aging in place yourself, accessibility considerations are a must in the planning and design. Think about how you’d navigate the space as you age and any potential mobility issues that may arise. Keep reading to learn about some common accessibility features people consider when designing a home that’s easy to live in for any age.
Using Timeless Designs
When designing and building your forever home, it’s important to keep in mind that trends come and go, but some designs are timeless. While it may be tempting to incorporate the latest design trends into your home, always remember that they can often leave your home looking dated and out of place in a few years.
Choose classic designs that will stand the test of time. This not only ensures that your home will look beautiful and relevant for years to come, but it also helps maintain its value. Life is full of twists and turns and your long term goals of living and aging in your home may not always go according to plan. Classic designs tend to appeal to a wider range of people, making your home more attractive to potential buyers, should you ever have to sell.
Creating A Functional Floor Plan
Functionality is key when it comes to designing a forever home that will allow you to age in place. One important consideration is an open floor plan that provides easy access and movement throughout the home. This design allows for a seamless transition between rooms, making it easier to navigate the space as you age.
Another useful tip is to build a bottom-heavy house. This means having everything you need to live on the main floor. This includes the master bedroom, kitchen, laundry room, living room and any other essential spaces you’ll need. Having optional spaces like guest rooms upstairs is a great way to maximize space without sacrificing functionality.
Keep the home’s size in mind. Building a home that is too big can be overwhelming to maintain and can become a burden as you get older. Remember to consider even the smallest features, such as the placement of the laundry room. Keeping your laundry room close to the bedrooms and bathrooms on the main floor can save time and energy on laundry day, reducing the need for carrying heavy baskets up and down any stairs.
By working with a builder that is experienced in designing and building homes where you can age in place, you’ll be able to design a home that is not only beautiful but also practical and convenient for all ages.
Making Your Forever Home Easy To Live In
Designing a forever home that is easy to live in requires thoughtful consideration of accessibility and comfort. Small changes can make a big difference in making your home more comfortable and functional as you age.
One simple change is to opt for lever door handles instead of door knobs, as well as large, easy-to-grasp cabinets and drawer pulls rather than small knobs. This makes it easier to open doors and cabinets, especially when dexterity is limited. You can also use drawers instead of doors for cabinets, reducing the need to bend or reach.
Height makes a difference! Installing higher level toilets can make it easier to stand up or sit down as you get older, while higher vanities and counters can reduce the strain of bending over. Consider installing a curbless, walk-in shower which not only makes the bathroom accessible but easier to clean.
The proper flooring is important to prevent falls and strain. Look for low-pile, tightly woven carpet that’s easy to walk or roll over, as well as non-slip flooring for areas like the bathroom and kitchen. By making these small, yet impactful changes, you can create a home that is both comfortable and easy to live in, regardless of your age or mobility.
Incorporate Smart Home Features
Incorporating modern features like smart technology can make your forever home more functional and comfortable. For instance, installing a smart thermostat can help regulate the temperature and save energy, while a smart security system can give you peace of mind and enhance safety.
However, it’s important not to go overboard with technology, as too many gadgets can quickly become overwhelming. Consider only the features that will be most useful and relevant to your needs, and prioritize quality over quantity.
Use Sustainable Energy
Sustainability is a growing concern for many homeowners, and incorporating sustainable energy features into your forever home can help reduce your carbon footprint and lower your energy costs.
An option to consider are solar panels, which can generate electricity from sunlight and provide an eco-friendly source of power. Other sustainable energy technologies include geothermal heating and cooling systems, which use the earth’s natural heat to regulate temperature, and energy-efficient windows and insulation to reduce heat loss.
Not only do these features help the environment, but they can also add value to your home and save you money in the long run, even though the upfront costs are higher. By incorporating sustainable energy into your home design, you can create a more eco-friendly and cost-efficient living space that will stand the test of time.
Find A Forever Location For Your Forever Home
When it comes to building a forever home, location is key. You want to choose a location that will suit your needs not just now, but for years to come. This means thinking about factors like accessibility, community amenities, and the overall quality of life in the area.
You may want to consider proximity to family and friends, medical facilities, and other essential services, as well as things like recreational opportunities and cultural events. It’s also important to consider the long-term viability of the location, including things like natural disaster risks, climate change projections, and potential changes to the surrounding infrastructure.
By finding the right location for your forever home, you can ensure that your investment will continue to provide you with the quality of life you deserve for many years to come.
Not only do these features help the environment, but they can also add value to your home and save you money in the long run, even though the upfront costs are higher. By incorporating sustainable energy into your home design, you can create a more eco-friendly and cost-efficient living space that will stand the test of time.
Building Forever Homes In North Carolina
If you’re looking to build a forever home in North Carolina, Crystal Coast Construction is here to help. Our team of experienced professionals can guide you through every step of the design and build process, from choosing the perfect location to incorporating the latest sustainable energy and smart technology features.
We understand that building a forever home is a big investment, and we’re committed to ensuring that every aspect of your home is tailored to your unique needs and preferences. Don’t wait to start building the home of your dreams – contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards creating a forever home that you and your loved ones will cherish for years to come.
