House-Hunting Tips for Finding an Accessible Home, by Patrick Young
This is a guest blog from Patrick Young.
Patrick Young has been disabled since he was a teenager. When he’s not busy working as a graphic designer and writer, he spends time playing on a wheelchair basketball team and enjoys cooking with his wife. He created Able USA to provide advice and help to others navigating the challenges of life that come with having a disability.
If you are in need of accessible housing in the United States, you aren't alone. Some 57 million Americans have a disability of some sort. Many people require a home that can accommodate unique needs, especially if they have to use a wheelchair. Unfortunately, finding a fitting property isn't always easy when you're living with a disability. Read on to find out what you should look out for and what types of modifications you can make to a property if it isn't already perfectly suited to your needs.
What to look for in an accessible property
A single-level property is likely the best option when looking for an accessible home. This makes the use of mobility aids like walkers or wheelchairs easier. If you require a wheelchair, also consider the width of hallways and door frames and the heights of the counters in spaces like the kitchen and bathroom. Although you can adjust these aspects for wheelchair accessibility, the remodeling will be pricey.
Your precise needs in a home will vary depending on your accessibility requirements. If you have impaired vision, for example, extra lighting installations may be useful. Should you require a guide dog, you might want a yard where the pup can get some fresh air. If you don’t need a wheelchair but face mobility hurdles, railings in hallways will offer added stability as you move through the home.
When purchasing your property, make sure you will have the money you'll need for a down payment. Usually this is about 20 percent of the home’s sale price. You can use the money you make from selling your current house to fund this expense. Get an idea of how much your home is worth by using an online home value estimator. This will give you a rough idea of the property's market value, but you should still spring for a formal appraisal from a professional. Keep in mind that the median sale price in Minneapolis is $305,000.
Once you’ve established your home-buying budget and accessibility requirements, it’s time to connect with a seasoned and talented real estate professional who has expertise in the local real estate market and can match you with a home that meets your needs.
Renovations you can make to enhance accessibility
You probably won’t find the perfect property that meets all your needs immediately. Luckily, you can undertake some simple home renovations to enhance accessibility and create a space that suits you. For example, if you can’t find a one-story home that suits you, you can get a stair-climbing wheelchair to move between floors, or have a chairlift installed.
When considering renovations, focus on the bathroom—which you use regularly every day—first. Creating an accessible bathroom keeps you independent. You can get a walk-in shower or tub with a seat if you struggle with mobility, for example. Other simple bathroom renovations include raising the toilet seat and installing easy-to-grab lever handles, which are simpler to use than turning handles. Even something as simple as adding no-slip bath mats can help you feel more secure and at ease in your home.
How to prepare for a smooth move
Once your property is ready to be inhabited, you can prepare for a move. Shop around when looking for movers, checking customer reviews to ensure you hire a reliable, punctual, and professional company. Other factors to consider when selecting movers include trustworthiness, experience, and a proper license. Long-distance movers in particular should be licensed by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Finding and moving to a new home can be stressful, but the above tips will make the process easier. Keep your sights set on the end goal: An accessible home of your own that will meet your unique needs and make day-to-day life easier. Once you’re all settled, you can enjoy this cozy nest for years to come.
—Patrick Young
Note from Sean: Sean’s Renovation can help with some of the remodeling work listed above, particularly modifying a kitchen or bathroom for improved accessibility. Widening doorways is also a fairly straightforward process. Widening a hallway is an especially involved remodel project because it requires modifying the rooms on the opposite side of the hallway too, and especially if the walls being moved contain mechanicals— like electrical outlets and switches, heat registers, etc.— it can be very expensive and invasive. Sean’s Renovation recommends purchasing a home that already has the hallway width you need.