5 Ways to Future-Proof Your Home

 **Collaborative Post**

Once you find the home of your dreams it can be hard to imagine ever wanting to leave right? But just because it is the home of your dreams right now, will it also work for you in the future? As our lives change, family dynamics change and of course technology advancing all the time, future proofing your home is something everyone should consider. Not only will it mean your home stays relevant and habitable as time goes by but future proofing your home will often make it work better for you all round too. 

There are many ways that you could look to future your home and so before you invest any money or spend anything it's important to look at all of your options and decide which projects and adaptions are the most important to you and will make the most difference to your home. Below I am sharing just a few of the ways that you could future proof your home... 

Make Your Home More Energy Efficient & Eco-Friendly

By making your home more energy efficient and eco-friendly, not only will you be doing your bit for the environment, but you will most likely be saving yourself money in the long run too! There are many ways that this can be done including using recycled or reclaimed materials for any renovations you may do and choosing things such as low VOC paints when redecorating can all help the environment. There are also options such as installing solar panels to your property which although will be an initial outlay are an investment that could really save you money in the future. 

There are some bigger changes you may want to consider too such as replacing single pane windows with double glazing which will help retain heat. You may also want to consider swapped older toilets with newer low flow models (to save money) and check just how efficient your insulation is. Nobody wants to be cold in the winter months and spending excess money on heating due to poor insulation or windows! 

There are also lots of technological advances (read more about these below) which can help your home become more energy efficient through different gadgets and appliances. 

Easier Accessibility

As we get older one of the biggest factors of staying in your own home is often accessibility. Making changes now will mean you can make the adaptations slowly, spreading the cost and meaning you aren't faced with lots of bit jobs all at once. Adaptions such as widening doorways (for wheelchair access and to make them easier to walk through) and replacing steps up to your doorways with ramps are relatively simply changes to make. 

One other thing to consider, and it can be a big one as people get older or less able is the stairs! If your bedroom and only bathroom is located upstairs, being able to access this is essential at all times. Of course, there is the option of having a stair lift, but if you really wanted to ensure easy, unhampered access at all times, an internal home lift is a fantastic solution. Not only is it easy to get in and out of but these can often be accessed even in a wheelchair or with a walking frame too and there is no manoeuvring on and off the chair at the top and bottom like with a stair lift. 

More Accessible Bathroom

Being able to access the bathroom is something many of us take for granted, but as you get older or if your mobility becomes effected in any way, being able to manoeuvre and access the bathroom easily and freely can require some adaptions. Now this could be as simple as inserted some handrails in places such as near the toilet and bath/shower area or it could be placing a stool or chair in the shower or bath areas too. 

There are of course some bigger changes that can be made too such as installing a wet room, rather than your traditional bathroom area. This is of course a big change will it does mean accessibility is much easier. If you don't want to commit to a full wet room you could always create a smaller wet room shower area or install a bath with easy access such as those with a door or seat built into them. 

Create Space and Storage

One thing we all want more of in our homes is space and storage, right? So why not start thinking about it now, that way you can build it into your home and never have to worry about it again! It is important to remember that over the years you will gather more and more belongings that will most likely need storing away safely. Your furniture and needs for your home will probably change too, so this is worth bearing in mind when thinking about storage and space. Don't just create something that is perfect for right now, think about the future and what space you might need then too, it will save you a job in the future and give you more space right now. 

If your home is quite dark or you enjoy lots of light, now could be the perfect time to consider a summer house, conservatory or extension to your home. Not only will this add value to your house it will also provide you the extra space you might need too.  

Consider different Technology and Gadgets

As I mentioned above, technology is always advancing and whilst some people are wary of new technology, there are lots of very helpful gadgets and products that can help future proof your home. These can make your home more energy efficient, easy to manage and even save you money sometimes too. 

With more and more products and technologies relying on Wi-Fi, a good quality and reliable Wi-Fi connection if one of the first things to ensure your home is fitted with. This will not only mean you have good access to the internet within your home, but it will also help if you plan on added different products that are reliant on the internet in the future. Considering products such as a smart thermostat or smart metre, can make your home much more energy efficient whilst also allowing you to control things like the temperature in your home more easily as well as seeing where your money is being spent. 

I also really like gadgets such as the video doorbells, these are a really simple and easy to use piece of technology but can give such a huge sense of security for vulnerable, older or more anxious people who do not like answering the door when they are unsure of who it is or if they are alone. 

As I mentioned above, there are so many ways that you can future proof your home to create a safe space that gives you the freedom to enjoy it whether you are young or old for many years to come. The above are just a few but I would love to hear any changes (or things you have been considering) to future proof your home in the comments below. 

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