When building a retirement home
Micheal Olupot (not real names) has lived a middle income life for close to 50 years ever since he started working. He has until recently lived in a six-bedroom house with his family. This has, however, changed since most of his children have grown up and left home. Olupot, who has now aged and is headed for retirement has to adjust to a new lifestyle.
Below are some of the things to consider while building a retirement home.
Location
As obvious as it may sound, identifying your preferred location is critical. For any property to qualify as a ‘dream home’, it needs to be strategically located so you can lead your ideal lifestyle in retirement.
In most cases, access to local shops and services is a key priority for customers planning their retirement, even if they are moving to a smaller village. Sit down with your loved ones and property developer to discuss location at the outset.
“Some places are not that favourable for a retirement home,” says Ronald Atwine. He explains that places that are hilly or hard to reach can be cumbersome for someone who is old and weak.
Atwine says a retirement home should also be built in a quiet place.
Development process
It is important to work collaboratively with your property developer from the earliest possible stage so that your new home has the specifications and character you want.
Retirement properties are the result of a lifetime of saving, so it really is your right as a consumer to have your views listened to, and factored into the detail of the development.
Safety and efficiency
The best time to invest in the efficiency and safety of your home is right at the start. Your developer should advise you on what is possible, but make sure they are adhering to the highest industry standards.
In particular, make sure you are getting high quality windows and doors to ensure your property is as secure as possible. Since this is the time to take long vacations and visit family in other countries, ensure that you can be away from your home for long periods, without security concerns.
Maintenance
In the excitement of getting a new property built, it can be easy to ignore the level of maintenance your home will need in the future. Home maintenance can be one of the most time consuming areas for any homeowner, but it can be managed and controlled far more easily when it is factored into the design phase.
Well-designed external space can reduce maintenance. Likewise, plenty of storage space helps, so maximise this both in and outside.
Also Consider...
Number of rooms
This is important because when most people grow old, their children leave home. Ronald Atwine, a structural engineer with Excite Construction, says: “Families in the African setting are in most cases extended. For this reason, someone building a retirement home should consider family members who will be visiting.”
Pius Chelimo, a structural engineer with Trinity Technical Services, says when building a retirement home, consider the material you use. For example, he says, the bathroom should not be built using slippery tiles because these may lead to accidents.
Should have a ramp
This is an alternative to a staircase and helps with movement around the house.
Organization of the house
A retirement home, according to Nicholas Mwebaze, an architect with Construction Consultants, should not be overcrowded. “Leave enough room for moving around the house without bumping into things,” says Mwebaze.
EXPERT SAYS
Budget. Plan this budget well in advance. This will ensure that one saves on a lot.If building your own home, start early and always do a follow-up to ensure that your design is strictly followed. No one wants to regret living in the home of their dreams. Here are some tips to increase your home value.
Plan early. Make early plans, so as to have a smooth transition from a regular hectic life, to a peaceful one. Ensure that you have the means of home upkeep always, even if it means paying someone.
www. qdevelopers.in
