As people reach retirement age, they may discover their children have moved out and wish to downsize into a smaller home. An empty-nester house plan may help reduce homeownership costs while offering features retirees may appreciate such as easy access to kitchen and laundry areas, cozy fireplaces and spacious front or back porches.
House plans designed for retiree couples typically offer all of the primary living areas on one level, to allow those with mobility issues to move around freely from room to room without straining themselves. Furthermore, these floor plans feature laundry rooms conveniently close by so you don’t need to carry clothing up and down stairs as frequently.
These types of house plans are an ideal choice for retirees, as well as people planning on having adult children or parents move in together in the future. This trend is becoming more and more prevalent among baby boomers as the aging population encourages many parents and children alike to remain together after retirement. Multigenerational living can take many forms; many prefer house plans with extended family suites for grandparents or in-laws so everyone has enough privacy.
Empty-nester house plans typically feature one-story homes; however, some plans with two or more bedrooms offer an excellent solution for people wanting to entertain during retirement without needing as much space than when their children were growing up. Furthermore, such plans may provide ample accommodation should grandchildren visit often – ideal if retiring soon and planning to host family and friends regularly!
Your retirement home design must meet local regulations when building it, so always consult the building department and homeowners association before getting underway with construction. That way you’ll know your home doesn’t violate any rules!
Some retirees choose to build their home early with the goal of adapting it for use during their senior years when the time comes. Such houses tend to adhere to Universal Design principles. Home modifications that provide accessibility can allow the owner to stay in their own house as they age, saving both cost and stress from moving into an assisted retirement community. Include features like wider doorways, raised-height counters and toilets, five-foot turning radii and other Universal Design principles in your house plan to improve accessibility for elderly or disabled residents. To see some examples of house plans that incorporate Universal Design principles, read this article: Adaptable House Plans That Can Be Modified As You Age. If you are retired couples searching for house plans with these characteristics be sure to explore this gallery of house plans to see which ones might work for your situation.