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How to Find the Accessible Home
You’re Dreaming About

House hunting is pretty complicated and stressful no matter how you spell it. In fact, some surveys indicate it ranks right at the top of stressful things we do these days. If you’re looking for particular details, it can feel that much more overwhelming. Here’s how to find the perfect abode when accessibility is a concern. 

Consider Your Future First

As you begin your search, it’s important to remember that you're most likely going to spend several years in your next house. Because of this, think about what the future might hold and how that impacts your search. For instance, if you have a degenerative condition, Better Health Channel explains you might want to leave space in your budget for ongoing home upgrades. If you plan to add to your family, then you might want more square footage than you currently need. 

Along those same lines, older adults should consider whether a senior-friendly house or an assisted living environment is most suitable. With assisted living, you would have staff on-hand to help with things like dressing and eating. No two facilities are the same, so research is a must. 

For example, A Place for Mom partners with 37 facilities for assisted living throughout Virginia Beach, and those facilities vary from communities with book clubs, fitness centers, and educational seminars to ones offering memory care. If you’re in a situation where you could use a bit of help throughout the day, it’s an important option to contemplate. 

Position Your Priorities 

Generally speaking, there are certain search criteria that are a boon to both seniors and house hunters with disabilities. Those aspects fall under the moniker of universal design and include features like one-story living, an open floor plan, and a maintenance-free exterior. From there, think about what features are your priority in conjunction with your disability. 

As an example, those using assistive equipment might prioritize bathroom accessibility, since as Easterseals explains the bathroom can be the most hazardous space in the house. Partially sighted and blind individuals might prefer non-slip flooring and/or textile flooring in the home. For those who prefer not to drive, being on a public transportation route might be a must-have. Everyone is unique, so sort your personal priorities in your housing search.

Aim for Almost Perfect

One way into a house that isn’t already ideal is to find a home that meets your prioritized criteria, or most of your priorities, and then make changes. Properties that fully comply with universal design concepts are few and far between, for example, but one-story homes with open floor plans are relatively abundant, so that can be an ideal place to start.

Granted, that means you might need to live with some minor construction right off the bat, and you may need to apply for a flexible loan that can cover the improvements, such as an FHA loan. If you can find a house with the right general structure, though, creating a home environment that is supportive of your independence and comfort is often less challenging, less disruptive, and less costly.

A number of home improvements are just that—low-cost, minimal construction, and simple. Some common choices are things like grab bars and taller toilets for bathroom accessibility, and offset hinges to widen door frames. If you use assistive equipment, a ramp installation might be a necessity for at least one entryway. 

Hire a Pro

Any time you’re house hunting, it’s a plus to work with an area real estate agent. By the nature of their work, they are intimately aware of homes on the market, their pluses and minuses, and how to help you meet your housing goals. Do your preliminary research online, but then get in touch with a local professional who can assist you with your home search.

Are you ready to start house hunting? Think about your future, assess your priorities, and enlist the help of someone whose job it is to find your perfect fit. You’ll be in your dream home in no time.

"Patrick Young an educator and activist has been disabled since he was a teenager. He believes people with disabilities must live within a unique set of circumstances--the outside world often either underestimates them or ignores their needs altogether. He created Able USA to offer resources and advice to others with disabilities in an effort to help them navigate the various aspects of life as a person with a disability. "