The Bathroom remodel thread brings up a broader question that should prove interesting to members... What would/will you choose as a good size for a retirement home? Am thinking about that time in life, when your space needs may change: ie. when the kids are gone... if and when entertainment of friends is not a party of 16... when the enthusiasm for decorating and remodeling and do it yourself projects isn't quite as intense, and when going up and down stairs or cleaning the extra room isn't as much fun.
Yes... for some, doing car repairs or putting on a new roof, even at age 75, may be what keeps the body and spirit young. And yes... your YMMV if your income or plans include maintenance and household help. (Personally, I think I could handle being Master of Downton Abbey)... but 'tis not to be.
Maybe you are thinking of downsizing when you get older, or staying in the "homestead" that you have spent years in planning and building.
Of all things that may define retirement, the housing decision may be one of the most varied. Absolutely, positively, NOT one size fits all.
In our case, we initially moved from a 2400 sf home to a 400 sf park model and a smallish mobile home for a number of years immediately after retirement... That, along with camping and traveling. At age 69, we bought our current home in a full services retirement community. It is likely to be our long term residence.
The home is 1592 sf, 2BR, 2BA, 2-1/2 car garage, one floor, no basement, it has vaulted ceilings, and is designed with state of the art (as of yr. 2000) handicap-friendly space and accessibility features. HOA, with lawn/garden/snow and exterior maintenance.
So, even though younger members have no reason to make this kind of a "final resting place" decision, there may be good reason to consider the longer term outlook, when it comes to spending money on the current home.
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I suppose this falls into the category of being snoopy. Just as one should NEVER ask a farmer how many acres he owns, or a rancher, how many head of cattle... the difference between a 6000 sf mansion and a basement apartment is significant...
So... what do you see as an optimum size for a retirement apartment, condo, or home, and at what age might you make a change?
Yes... for some, doing car repairs or putting on a new roof, even at age 75, may be what keeps the body and spirit young. And yes... your YMMV if your income or plans include maintenance and household help. (Personally, I think I could handle being Master of Downton Abbey)... but 'tis not to be.
Maybe you are thinking of downsizing when you get older, or staying in the "homestead" that you have spent years in planning and building.
Of all things that may define retirement, the housing decision may be one of the most varied. Absolutely, positively, NOT one size fits all.
In our case, we initially moved from a 2400 sf home to a 400 sf park model and a smallish mobile home for a number of years immediately after retirement... That, along with camping and traveling. At age 69, we bought our current home in a full services retirement community. It is likely to be our long term residence.
The home is 1592 sf, 2BR, 2BA, 2-1/2 car garage, one floor, no basement, it has vaulted ceilings, and is designed with state of the art (as of yr. 2000) handicap-friendly space and accessibility features. HOA, with lawn/garden/snow and exterior maintenance.
So, even though younger members have no reason to make this kind of a "final resting place" decision, there may be good reason to consider the longer term outlook, when it comes to spending money on the current home.
...................................................................................
I suppose this falls into the category of being snoopy. Just as one should NEVER ask a farmer how many acres he owns, or a rancher, how many head of cattle... the difference between a 6000 sf mansion and a basement apartment is significant...
So... what do you see as an optimum size for a retirement apartment, condo, or home, and at what age might you make a change?