Opinion : Letter to the Editor: What to Look for in Accessible Homes

By Patrick Young

Buying a home is a big decision, and it's something that should be well-thought-out. There are a lot of things to consider, such as location, size, price, and accessibility. If you're looking for an accessible home, there are certain features to look for when house hunting.

Vinton Today shares what you need to look for in your search, as well as other important considerations to ensure that your home meets your needs.

What to Look For in a Home

When you're looking at houses to buy or rent, try to find ones with wider doors, ramps instead of stairs, and wider hallways in case you need to use a wheelchair or other mobility device. Knowing what to look for will make your search much easier.

Modifications You May Need to Make

When you purchase a home, there's a very good chance that some modifications will need to be made. But this is preferable as opposed to not being able to go up on the porch or having your bedroom on the second floor.

In fact, chances are you'll need to make some modifications to your home, whether you're purchasing a newly constructed home or one that's been on the market for years.

It's likely that you'll have to install ramps, widen doorways, and make other changes to ensure that your new home is reasonably accessible.

One way to make these modifications is through a grant program. Many communities offer grants for homeowners who wish to modify their homes for accessibility. These programs can provide funding for such projects to ensure that you're able to make the necessary adjustments to meet your needs.

How to Ensure a Stress-Free Move

You should always be sure to budget for a moving company when buying a house. A home purchase is usually one of the most stressful events in life, and having the help of professionals is always worth it.

It's also important to hire a trustworthy and reliable moving service. You can ensure this by checking online reviews and narrowing down the companies with the best customer ratings.

The sooner you secure a moving company, the less worry you'll have come moving day. So take care of this early on to get it out of the way. You can then focus your attention on other matters in your move.

The Home Buying Process

Buying a new home is usually one of the largest purchases you'll make in your lifetime. It can be exciting to imagine the future, filling up your new space with furniture and decorating it just how you want it. 

However, before you sign on the dotted line and hand over all that money to someone else, it's important to know what you're getting into. The buying process isn't something you should take lightly. 

If you want to avoid any potential pitfalls along the way, you should consult with an attorney and hire a home inspector to inspect the property. You'll also want to examine the accompanying land records to check for potential red flags.

If the house isn't in optimal condition, you might be able to make an offer on it "as-is." This could potentially save you a considerable sum of money on your purchase. Just be prepared to pay to have the house fixed up. And don't forget to factor into your budget the necessary modifications to make it accessible.