Aesthetics isn’t the only important quality of a home. It’s also important to make sure that it’s accessible, comfortable, and accommodating even when you get old. If you have no plans of moving out, it’s crucial that your home has aging-in-place features.
A good place to start is your doors and replacement windows. Here’s how you can use them to help with aging-in-place.
1. Place Windows Throughout Your Home
As you get older, having ample lighting in your home becomes more essential. Placing windows throughout your home is a great way to let natural light get into every room in your living space. Not only will it make your indoors cozier, but it will also help you see better.
2. Position Your Windows Lower
In cases of emergency, you’ll need to be able to exit your home in a quick and easy manner. For this, you’ll need to either place your replacement windows lower or have lower window sills if you want tall windows. If your home has two or more floors, then it’s more important to place lower windows on the ground floor. In the event of a fire, a lowered window can save your life.
3. Choose Wider Doors
There is a chance that you may need a wheelchair or a walker when you get older. It would be difficult to fit a wheelchair or walker through a narrow door. This is why it’s better to choose wider doors for your home. The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 states that to facilitate aging-in-place, doorways must have a clear space of 32 inches, which would require the door to be 36 inches wide.
4. Install Lever Handles on Doors
Compared to round doorknobs, lever-style handles on doors and windows are easier to open, especially if you have arthritis. Another benefit of lever handles is that they can be opened with the hips or elbows if necessary.
Renewal by Andersen® of Oregon and SW Washington can help you choose patio doors and replacement windows that can facilitate aging-in-place. To learn more about our products and services, call us at (503) 912-2668 or fill out our form. We serve homeowners in Tigard, Beaverton, West Linn, and surrounding OR communities.
