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4 Upgrades to improve home safety, accessibility

Capital - 11/23/2019

Whether your abilities are changing or you have lifelong accessibility needs, there's one place you should always feel comfortable: home. With a growing number of design and service professionals focused on making homes convenient for people of all ages and abilities, there's more opportunity than ever to renovate and remodel for a more safe and equitable future - with no relocation necessary.

1. Doorways and ramps: Widening doorways and adding ramps for seamless exit, entry and maneuverability throughout the home is an investment that benefits wheelchair users, walker users and anyone else who isn't able to repeatedly ascend or descend stairs. On average, homeowners report paying between $941 and $2,840 to install a wheelchair ramp, according to HomeAdvisor's True Cost Guide.

2. Easy-access bathrooms: Falls are the leading cause of injuries among seniors, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and bathroom renovations can go a long way in helping to mitigate that risk.

Making a few safety accommodations can cut your chances of falling down greatly, says Jim Greatorex, vice president of the VGM Live at Home Membership Network. Greatorex says walk-in showers, grab bars and handrails are some of the most common renovations he sees people make as they increase the accessibility of their homes.

You might also consider installing additional overhead lighting to increase visibility, a seated bathtub or shower bench to make bathing easier, and nonslip flooring to further prevent the risk of a fall. Homeowners report paying an average of $10,414 to fully remodel a bathroom, according to the True Cost Guide.

3. Smart assistance: Technology upgrades are valuable renovations too. Hands-free communication with everything from your thermometer to your phone can simplify life at home. Setting up this type of tech can be intimidating, but it doesn't have to be. Home automation professionals can assist with setup and show you how to use any devices or features you aren't familiar with. Homeowners report paying between $298 and $1,556 for professional assistance with smart home installation, according to the True Cost Guide. Of course, the cost of your project will depend on the technology you're using and the extent of the job.

4. Stress-free kitchens: Kitchen upgrades can be a game-changer. Shallow-basined sinks with automatic valves and varying counter heights with knee clearance are just a few upgrades that make it easier to cook and clean up. Lower-cabinet storage solutions put everything you need within reach, and toe-kick lighting is an inexpensive way to accentuate where the island ends and begins. The average full kitchen renovation ranges between $12,792 and $35,530, according to the True Cost Guide. But smaller renovations can make a big difference too. Homeowners report paying an average of $4,951 for cabinet installation or replacement, for example. And a handyman can often help with simple lighting and other improvements. Homeowners report paying an average of $390 to hire a handyman.

Caption: Curbless showers, benches and grab bars can all help to improve safety in the bathroom.

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