MyFolsom.com is proud to present this article from guest blogger Patrick Young
Living with a disability doesn’t have to mean living with limitations these days. There have been
many advances in technology that have made things easier for individuals who have mobility
issues.
However, finding the right home for your needs can be a challenge. There are so many
things to consider, from making sure your safety is a priority to staying on budget with
modifications, and it can be a stressful process to go through.
One of the best ways to get started is to make a list of the things you’ll need in a home. Think
about your mobility, what kind of counter space you need, and how much room you’ll want to
have in the areas you use most. If you use a wheelchair or other equipment, the doorways have to
be a certain width for your safety, and a ramp may be necessary if there are steps outside. These
details add up, so writing them down may be helpful in keeping track of them all.
Here are a few things to consider when you’re looking for an accessible home.
Write Down Your Needs
When you’re living with a disability, it’s important to think about what your daily needs will be,
both now and in the future. Buying a new home means looking into the future a bit and thinking
ahead. For instance, will you have safety issues in the bathroom as you get older? If so, installing
a grab bar or step-in shower may be necessary. Write down what your current needs are and
think about how they might change a few years from now. Also, talk to your doctor about the
best ways to stay safe and comfortable according to your specific abilities.
Factor in Safety and Security
Your safety and security are crucial, so it’s a good idea to make an appointment to have the locks
changed in your new home as soon as possible. By making sure you’re the only one with a set of
keys to your house, you can rest easy while feeling comfortable and secure. Keep this in mind
when setting a budget for the move, as changing locks costs between $30 to $300 on average.
If your new home doesn’t have a fence in the backyard, make sure to budget for this as well, as
having a fence can provide security and privacy. It can cost anywhere between $1,674 and
$3,987 to have a wood fence installed. This includes the cost of lumber, which can be $7 to $15
per foot, and labor, which averages $10 to $30 per foot.
Have the Property Cleaned
Hiring someone to come in and give your new home a thorough cleaning will give you peace of
mind that the house is healthy and safe, so think about the best way to go about it. There are
likely many local cleaning services that will make sure everything is cleaned and tidied up before
you begin this exciting new chapter of your life (these companies usually charge $30 – $60 an
hour). You can also go through and make sure things like the gutters, drains, and air filters are
clean. Not only will this allow you to get things on track before you move in, but it will also help
you get acquainted with all the aspects of your home that will require maintenance down the
road.
Think About Mods
Home modifications can be simple or extensive, cheap or pricey, DIY or contractor-led.
Depending on what your specific needs are, there are many different changes you can make to
your home that will help you stay safe and comfortable for years to come. Common mods
include widening doorways, changing out the bathtub for a step-in shower, lowering counter tops,
and switching out cabinet door knobs for easy-to-grasp handles or levers.
Finding an accessible home can take quite a bit of time, so give yourself some leeway, especially
if you know you need to be out of your current place by a particular date. The search is only part
of it; even if you find a great home, you may still need to make changes to make it livable and
safe. With a good plan, you can ensure that your new house meets all your needs.
Ableusa.info | patrickyoung@ableusa.info