Important Considerations for Home Buyers with Disabled Family Members

Patrick Young has been a regular contributor to our blog.  Patrick is an advocate for those with disabilities and writes important information pertaining to those with disabilities.  This post discusses important considerations for those with disabled family members. 

Important Considerations for Home Buyers with Disabled Family Members

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Purchasing a home is an exciting venture, but it’s also stressful and overwhelming.  It can be especially complicated if you have a family member with a disability.  While sometimes existing homes are adapted for accessibility, it’s likely you will need to make some modifications.  When house hunting with accessibility in mind, here is information to assist you in making your decision.

Many considerations

When purchasing a property, location is a key factor.  You also will need to assess the dwelling and surrounding landscape.  Before looking at properties, contemplate your specific needs.  As noted by Realty Times, “Before commencing on the actual home buying process, it is advisable to, first of all, consider and determine your needs in as far as your disability is concerned.  This could be a close proximity to the local pharmacies, public transport and the physical layout of the house.  It is imperative to avoid features like long driveways and narrow stairwells.  After establishing these needs, you will then see how much you can afford to shelve for the project in order to know the neighborhood or type of house to search for.”

Home shopping

When evaluating potential homes, take into account the overall accessibility of the house and property.  It can help to take a checklist with you:

●     Are entrances and walkways smooth and well-lit, and would additional lighting be easily accommodated?

●     Is at least one entrance to the home free stair-free?

●     Are the entrance thresholds easy to see?

●     Are bedrooms on the ground floor, as well as the kitchen and at least one bathroom?

●     Are stairwells well-lit and do they offer handrails and light switches at both the top and bottom landings?

●     Are smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on each floor, and do they offer both visual and auditory alarms? 

●     Could emergency services easily find the property?

Potential modifications

Lighting is one of the most important considerations in home buying for those with disabilities.  Be mindful of areas that lack natural lighting, such as stairwells and hallways.  If hand or wrist mobility is limited, consider doors with levers rather than knobs.  Bathrooms may require grab bars and non-slip flooring.  You may require a seat and wide entrance to the shower, and perhaps the kitchen would be more accommodating with a lowered countertop in one section.  These are some considerations that can affect the overall cost of the house and any accessibility modifications that need to be made. 

Stairs

Some professionals advise that stairwells are the most common deal-breaker for those with disabilities, especially if a wheelchair is involved.  See if any stairs could be removed, ramped, or otherwise modified.  Chartwell Insurance offers an interactive home modifications guide if you are unsure.

Your new home

Once you make a selection, Disabled-World suggests these simple additions you can do yourself to ease comfort and provide peace of mind at minimal cost:

●     Purchase a trash compactor to reduce the amount of trash you must manage.

●     Install brighter light bulbs in light fixtures and add lights as needed.

●     Mark steps and countertops with different colors to improve visibility.

●     Install grab rails as needed.

●     Install closet rods at lowered levels as needed.

Appliances

As someone whose life includes a disability, you are used to being creative in problem solving, and there are often small ways to make life easier in your new abode.  Some small purchases can be very helpful in accommodating disabilities.  For instance, Familyshare recommends adding a food processor, an electric jar opener, and an electric can opener to the kitchen for added convenience.  Floor-length rubber bath mats can help in the bathroom, and lights that alert hearing-impaired individuals to the doorbell can be installed throughout the home. 

Home sweet home

Home shopping isn’t easy, but with careful considerations, you can make an informed choice.  Be mindful of potential adaptations you might require when viewing properties, as they will increase your financial commitment to making the home work for you.  Consider lower cost options and small ways to make life in your new home easier and safer.  With this excellent advice, you’ll find your perfect home in no time!

Patrick created AbleUSA to offer resources to people with disabilities and officer advice about navigating various aspects of life. For more information and resources, you can contact Patrick at AbleUSA.   

It is our desire to provide you with relevant information in regards to real estate appraising and real estate related needs.  If you have any questions about real estate appraising or appraisals please contact us at www.dwslaterco.com.  Our thanks to Patrick Young for sharing his information to help those with disabilities.