Many Southern Californians bought a two-story home decades ago and have no intention of leaving. The neighborhood, the weather and the economics all argue for staying. What needs attention is the house itself, which was built for a younger household.
Deal with the stairs first
In most two-story homes here, every bedroom is upstairs. You have three choices.
- A stair lift. The least expensive and quickest. Right for someone who can sit and stand comfortably.
- A home elevator. A permanent solution that also suits a walker or wheelchair.
- A downstairs suite. Converting a den or adding on, if the lot and budget allow.
Then the bathroom
- A curbless shower with a bench
- Grab bars anchored into blocking
- A taller toilet
- Slip-resistant tile
The way in
- One entrance without steps, often from the garage
- A platform lift where steps remain
- Good lighting and a lever handle
Indoor-outdoor living
The patio and yard are part of the home here. Check thresholds at sliding doors, add a handrail at steps to the garden, and consider an outdoor stair lift where the yard is on a slope.
Small changes with a big effect
- Lever handles and rocker switches
- Brighter, glare-free lighting
- Pull-out kitchen storage
- Removing or securing rugs
Sequence it
Do the safety items now. Tie the bigger projects to your next remodel. If walls are being opened, add grab bar blocking and think about framing space for an elevator.
Get advice on the stairs
Nationwide Lifts of Southern California will assess your staircase and entrances. Call (714) 228-9982 or request a quote.