Staying in the house where you’ve grown comfortable and made memories may sound ideal after retirement. But you may want to make some adjustments to it before that.
Home upgrades are always tricky, and this process requires a lot of energy, patience, money, and time. That’s the reason why very few people actually enjoy renovating their homes.
However, if they want to make their place more suitable and lovely, this is necessary. We have to admit that, as we age, we gradually lose the strength we had in our 30s. That’s why it’s critical to prioritize home improvement projects before retiring, as they can be more difficult and time-consuming than ever in your golden years.
This is obviously the case if you’re planning to remain in your home after retiring. We thought it may be helpful to round up some potential home upgrades you may want to consider doing before retirement. Think of what you’ll need in the coming years and start making the perfect house for your retirement!
Here are some suggestions that may inspire you!
1. Modernize Your Kitchen
Whether you love to cook or you don’t, the kitchen is the heart of your house, so it deserves all the attention it can get (especially if you and your family spend a lot of time in there).
Unfortunately, most modern kitchens aren’t as useful as they should be. In other words, those who built them didn’t pay enough attention to essential features like practicality and accessibility.
So, if you’re planning a home upgrade, make sure you update your kitchen if that’s the case. It’s important to make it more accessible, especially if you live alone. Doing this may sound like a challenging process, but it doesn’t have to be.
Stick to a few simple tricks that can go a long way. Pay attention to the layout, the lighting, the floor, and the storage, and you’ll have no issues using your kitchen daily.
2. Replace the Windows and the Doors
One home upgrade that really pays off is having your windows and doors replaced. This is definitely a project that has a number of benefits and a lot of potential.
Replacing your old windows and doors with new models that are more durable and safer will make your house more secure than ever. This is also something you may want to do before retirement if you intend to put your house on the market at some point in the future. New windows and doors will definitely make your property more valuable.
If you’re skillful and handy, you may be able to replace your windows and doors on your own. However, if you’ve never done this before, the best option is to hire an expert to do the job for you.
3. Spice Up the Floors
If you’re living in an older house that has never been renovated, you definitely have to make multiple home upgrades. Chances are that floors are among the things that need to be replaced or taken care of.
In fact, installing new floors should be a top priority, especially if they are slanted, sloping, or faulty. Having bad floors isn’t just bad for the aesthetic look of your house; it could also be dangerous, as you may get hurt.
That’s why replacing old floors is a home upgrade project that can go a long way. Make sure you choose the safest option available, but don’t forget the visual appeal either. Oh, and don’t forget the rugs! They can take your house to a whole new level, embracing the design with a cozy vibe.
4. Update Your Backyard
Retirement offers us all the chance to be able to do all those things we haven’t been doing while working and enjoy life to the fullest. That’s precisely why so many seniors enjoy spending their days outside, so make sure you pay special attention to your backyard as well when planning your home upgrades.
Creating a lovely backyard is pretty easy, especially if you know what to do. Keep things simple and smart, and stick to those projects that are practical and cost-effective. Buy a grill, add a gazebo, invest in some comfy backyard furniture, and build a small outdoor kitchen—and enjoy your golden years to the fullest!
5. Replace Your Roof
Roof replacement can be quite expensive—but so can roof repairs, especially if you do them often. In fact, if you’re trying to repair your roof every year, that may be a sign that you should consider replacing it for good.
Roof replacements and repairs are the kind of home upgrades that cost a lot. We did some market research and discovered that a new metal roof costs an average of $10,850. That’s a lot of money, but at least you won’t have to worry about roof repairs in your golden years.
In other words, ensuring that the top of your home is in good shape can really ease your mind and is truly a top priority if your roof is old or damaged.
Keep reading to discover other home upgrades you should consider before retirement!
6. Eliminate the Door Threshold
As we age, just getting to the door may not be enough. A traditional entry door usually has a threshold that’s about an inch or so above the ground level, making it challenging to pass over and posing a tripping risk.
Eliminating door thresholds is a home upgrade project that is reasonably affordable. You can remove a threshold bump yourself or hire a professional. If you go with the first option, you’ll have to give your door a retractable bottom that lifts when the door is swung open and seals when the door is closed.
With no threshold bump, you can easily walk in, and there are no air leaks either.
7. Move Bedrooms to the Main Floor
This is for homeowners who live in a two-story house. This kind of property has its main bedroom upstairs, a feature you may want to consider changing before retirement.
While transitioning to one-floor living comes with its own challenges, it will eventually be worth the trouble. According to experts, there are many retirees who regret not doing this home upgrade earlier.
It’s noteworthy that adults who live in large houses tend to choose to downsize during retirement. That’s because they realize that a two-story house, for instance, is turning into a financial—and physical—burden as they get older. However, doing this home upgrade can potentially add an average of $85,672 to your property’s value (if you eventually decide to sell it).
8. Add a Full Bathroom to the Main Floor
If you’re still wanting to live your golden years in your two-story house, then you may also want to add a full bathroom to the main floor. Similar to bedrooms, whether you’re planning to sell or stay in your house, adding a full bathroom to the main floor of your home tends to be an asset.
Not only will it be helpful as you age if you’ll be living there in your golden years, but a guest bathroom can increase the resale value significantly. If your house already has a bathroom on the main floor, consider making your shower or tub more accessible.
9. Brighten Things Up
Vision declines as we age, and that’s a fact! Therefore, don’t forget to improve the lighting in your home. This is a home upgrade that most people tend to forget, so we’re here to point that out.
Your old ceiling fixtures may not provide enough brightness, and adding lamps around the room doesn’t actually fix the problem. Again, we’ve searched the market and found a solution that you may want to consider.
For about $1,600, you can install two rows of four LED canister lights (on each side of your living room, for instance). This small home upgrade project can turn a dark room into a cozy space where you can comfortably curl up on the sofa with your book or tablet. The best part? LED bulbs are known to last for years.
You may also want to read 5 Home Upgrades You Should NEVER Do By Yourself.
