Are Adaptable Homes the Answer to Future-Proofing Property?

One of the key reasons people move is due to a change in family circumstances. If house builders could eliminate this requirement, property owners could purchase their forever-home that would adapt to their changing needs.

It is very rare that someone will remain in their first property for the rest of their lives. They might move in with a partner, need a larger home when they start a family or want to downsize when their children leave home. Whatever the reason, people’s requirements from a home will develop over their life time.

There is now a new trend for builders to create adaptable homes that could be the answer to people’s changing needs. These are designed to change with the requirements of the owners, whether they require more or less space or need to change the overall layout. These new style of homes have made it quick and simple to alter the arrangement and they are becoming increasingly popular.

A Cost-Effective Approach

By considering these elements during the initial design and build period, it becomes a much cheaper option than making alterations further down the line. It is also a more cost-effective solution than having to pay the costs and fees associated with moving a number of times.

There is a range of options open to builders who want to create these types of properties. They can use movable walls, which allow the interior layout to be changed without any major building work. This can be achieved by fitting the pipework into the floor and using underfloor heating, which eliminates the need for radiators. Another option is for deeper foundations to be dug, enabling the garage to be transformed into additional living space, including self-contained flats for a live-in nanny or grown-up children.

Removing Room Definitions

An alternative solution to enable houses to adapt to their occupants is to have less strict room definitions. This enables the layout to be used in the way that suits the owners, rather than having the room uses dictated by the builders. This could include a free-flowing living, dining, kitchen area or creating useable loft spaces with steel staircases that can be used when required.

There are a number of options open to builders looking to create contemporary properties that meet the needs of a modern buyer. Rather than simply continuing with similar properties to those of the past, they need to examine how homes are used and adapt their designs to suit these changes.