Many people postpone the issue of accessibility in their own four walls until later. But if you start designing your home in a timely manner to suit your age, you will not only be able to live more comfortably in the long term, but you will also save considerable costs.
Avoid expensive retrofits
Renovations in old age often involve major interventions. Once you start thinking about ramps, threshold-free transitions or a barrier-free bathroom, the costs can quickly run into the tens of thousands. According to a report in the Frankfurter Neue Presse, it is worthwhile to act early because individual adjustments are gradual and therefore easier to manage financially. When you move into a house or apartment that already has accessibility, such as a new building, you save additional renovation costs.
Make targeted use of funding
Government subsidies also play a crucial role. KfW Bank supports barrier-free conversions with programs that promote both the conversion and smaller measures such as installing wider doors. As the consumer advice center emphasizes, regional funding is often also available. Those who inform themselves in good time have a greater chance of making use of such funds before the funding pots are exhausted.
Secure property value in the long term
A barrier-free home not only benefits your own life, but also increases the value of a property. This is shown by an evaluation by ImmoScout24. Living space that is accessible without obstacles is increasingly in demand in view of demographic change and achieves price premiums of up to 30 percent compared to conventional properties, according to the analysis.
Standards and advice as a basis
Barrier-free living is subject to clear technical standards. The DIN standard 18040-2 specifies minimum requirements for doors, movement areas or sanitary facilities. Expert advice ensures that individual needs are taken into account and legal requirements are adhered to. Housing advice centers and architects provide support from planning to implementation. It is also important for tenants to clarify with the landlord in good time whether renovations are permitted and whether dismantling must take place after moving out, according to leben-und-finanzieren.de.
Editorial team finanzen.net