Barrier-free renovation: Which property is suitable?

Staying in one's own home as one ages is a dream for many Germans. However, older properties are often not designed with seniors' needs in mind. Steep stairs, high thresholds, and narrow hallways frequently make life even more difficult for those with physical limitations. The question then becomes: what should one do? Should one sell or renovate to make the home accessible? We'll explain what's important when undertaking an accessible renovation and what you can expect.

Condominiums and single-family homes differ when it comes to barrier-free modifications. Both have different priorities. For example, the location within a condominium is relevant. If it's on the ground floor, owners don't need to worry as much about accessibility. This also applies if the building has an elevator. If not, and the apartment is on an upper floor, a stairlift is a good option. Generally, no structural alterations are necessary for this. However, it's recommended to discuss the installation with the building authority. The crucial factor here is ensuring that the minimum stair width of one meter is maintained. Therefore, installing a stairlift is often not possible, especially in older buildings with narrow stairwells.

Stairs are a key aspect of the renovation

However, any alterations to the interior spaces should also be reported to the building authority and discussed with the owners' association. This is important, for example, if a hallway is to be widened or the bathroom enlarged. Unlike the rest of the house, water and electrical lines, for instance, cannot simply be moved at will.

Staircases are a key consideration when remodeling a house. If they are too narrow to install a lift, it's possible to redesign the house so that only the lower half is used as living space. The upper half could then be used, for example, as living space for children or a caregiver. Furthermore, it's generally easier to make changes to the room layout or plumbing in a house.

Renovations should be well planned

Whether it's a condominium or a house, renovations should be well-planned. Ideally, you should carry them out while you are still physically able. The downside is that many homeowners find it difficult to assess their needs when they are still physically fit. Therefore, it would be sensible to start with the most common modifications. These include installing wider doors, removing thresholds, installing ramps and stairlifts, walk-in showers, and non-slip flooring. These modifications are not only beneficial in old age but also offer greater living comfort now.

Would you like to know if your property can be converted to be barrier-free? Contact us! We would be happy to advise you.

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https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barrierefreiheit

https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seniorenwohnung

https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Umbau

Legal notice: This article does not constitute tax or legal advice for any specific case. Please consult a lawyer and/or tax advisor to clarify the facts of your individual situation.

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