What is Adaptable Design?

An adaptable design accommodates lifestyle changes without the need to demolish or substantially modify the existing structure and services." In some cases, haphazardly designed homes will oblige homeowners to change their residence due to life situations. For example, perhaps a two-story house may have bedrooms located only on the second story and a steep set of stairs. This layout will often mean that elderly couples will need to move to a home with easier bedroom access. Similarly, a smaller house that has only one room that can practically act as a bedroom will often force young couples to change homes once children come along. On the other hand, adaptable homes are specifically designed so that a single space or room can cover several different functions and roles throughout the lifetime of the house. A room used as a home office during the first years of occupancy be converted into a child's bedroom, a teenager's private retreat space, a family study, or an extra bedroom for a guest during different periods.

What Are The Benefits of Adaptable Design?

Several obvious benefits and advantages come with a flexible and adaptable home, including: An adaptable home will allow people to remain in their homes throughout aging, injury, or illness, while also providing accessibility for unexpected disabilities that might occur later in life. Even though green homes can command industry premiums on the real estate market, an adaptably designed home that allows you to stay in your home for a longer period of time will let homeowners enjoy the savings that often come with sustainable and energy-efficient upgrades and investments. For example, a solar PV system might take about a decade to pay off through your monthly energy bill savings. Since solar systems can easily last for over 25 years, staying in your home for a longer period can enable you to enjoy extended economic benefits. Flexible home design can also allow homeowners to generate income later in life. Consider the three-car garage that was so necessary when you had four teenagers living in the home. It can easily be renovated into an attached accessory dwelling unit that can be rented out for extra income in your later years. Many people use also use Airbnb to help them pay for expenses and increase the utilization of their homes.

Adaptable Design: How to Build a Home for a Lifetime