QA Forum

Question & Answer

We are discussing Home Modifications - making your home safe and easy.
With Entry not found in index

Question:
We are building our retirement home and want it to meet our needs as we get older. What are some of the things that we should consider?

Answer:
Merridy - Ensure there are spacious rooms and corridors throughout. Ensure there is plenty of circulation space around door openings and doors are wide (820 mm for internal doors and 850mm for front door). Consider large, easy to operate power and light switches that are located within easy reach.

Install lever door handels 1 metre from the floor. Install capstan (four pronged) tap handles. Use slip resistant floor tiles and low pile carpet. Ensure the shower recess is large with no or a minimal step. Strengthen walls of showers, bath and toilet with plywood for future fitting of grabrails.

The Master Builders Association has published an excellent booklet called 'Housing for Life: Designed for Everybody' which discusses these and many more ideas in detail. Contact the Master Builders Association in your state to obtain a free copy.

View answer to: prev question | next question