According to U.S. Census data, the number of Americans 65 and older is expected to rise 35 percent from 2010 to 2020. This plays a big part in the upswing of universal design and aging-in-place home features the past few years, accompanying the increase of multigenerational homes. A recent article fromThe Washington Post cites AARP findings on the subject:
According to AARP, the majority of older Americans want to stay in their homes permanently and live independently. This demographic change translates into demand for residential designs that anticipate changes in health, vision or mobility, and ensures that homes stay safe, comfortable and aesthetically pleasing.
The National Association of Home Builders' What Home Buyers Really Want report released in 2013 surveyed new and prospective home buyers nationwide to identify which features they want (and don't want) when looking to purchase a home, and the following accessible features are in high demand by consumers:
Source: NAHB, What Home Buyers Really Want Survey Results, Released May 2013
The NAHB also compiled a comprehensive checklist for builders and remodelers when working on new construction or renovation projects for older home owners or multigenerational homes. Builder narrows down the most significant structural items from the list here...
Learn more about markets featured in this article: Washington, DC.
