01 November 2010
Congratulations – time to put away the work clothes and to enjoy the fruits of your labours…
- You’ll undoubtedly be spending more time at home, so time also to assess your spaces and check that they will meet your needs in the years to come.
- Hopefully, you’ll have a lump sum to enjoy and may choose to spend some of this on making necessary alterations to your home.
- Be ruthless and focus your energies and money on those areas where you will be spending most of your time, generally the kitchen/dining/living areas.
- You may find it appropriate to create one large space for these areas, all the better if it is in the sun and opens onto the garden.
- In any event, make sure all possibilities to enjoy the sun are fully exploited in how your rooms are set out and furnished.
- Be warned – adult children who have left the home may be aghast at the prospect of any changes to their childhood environment!
- You will, of course, provide a downstairs toilet or even a Shower Room, space permitting.
- Consider, also, how a downstairs room might be converted to a bedroom, should the need arise.
- If fitting a new kitchen, make sure it offers maximum ease of access, with drawers below counter level and upper cupboards that are within easy reach. An eye level oven could be joined by a dishwasher fitted at high level also for ease of access.
- Take time to review your locking and security systems. Consider installing an intercom link to the front door, to prevent having to open the door to unknown visitors.
- Assess your insulation levels and heating system in tandem and insist on heating controls that are conveniently located and easily adjusted. A remote controlled gas fire could be a useful – and cosy! – addition.
- Enjoy…!
