Many people give very little thought to how the homes they buy when they are young will affect them when they are older. Staircases that were no problem in their thirties suddenly become hazards in their seventies. And heavy doors and windows that seemed to be such a nice perk to have, become unmovable.
Here are some things to consider about the doors and windows of your home, whether you are young and looking for your lifetime abode or you are in your retirement years and are downsizing to something simpler. If you are already in your home and are having a difficult time, we also have some suggestions on how to make life a little easier.
Consider How Easy it is to Clean
The desire or ability to climb up a ladder diminishes with age, so hard to reach places in the home end up going without cleaning the older we get. Because these places still need to be cleaned, you are left with only two options. One, you can hire a person to clean for you; which is really not a bad idea no matter how old you are.
Two, you can make adjustments to your home so that so that you don’t have to clean these spots as often. For example, windows that open, but are located in places that are hard to get to can be replaced with glass blocks or with windows that don’t open. These replacements will give you less to clean and will allow you to be able to go longer between cleanings; which will save you money on a cleaning service or the time spent on a ladder.
Seriously Consider Those Heavy Windows and Doors
Unfortunately, as we age things get harder to open and lift. Windows become more difficult to raise so they are left close, and heavy doors take so much effort that it could lead to an injury.
To make life easier, replace windows that can only be opened by lifting them up with windows that are easier to open. For example, have windows installed that slide horizontally or open with a crank handle for easier opening.
Old, heavy doors can be replaced with strong, sturdy metal doors that are much lighter. These doors will allow you to get into your home with less trouble. And heavy, sliding doors to the patio or deck can be replaced with easier to open French doors instead.
