Your dream home should grow with you, not limit you. Whether you're planning your custom retirement home or looking ahead to decades in your future space, today's choices shape tomorrow's comfort.
At Lakeshore Custom Homes, we see homeowners thinking differently about their builds. Instead of planning to move every few years, they want homes that serve them beautifully through every life stage—from hosting grandchildren to enjoying quiet retirement mornings with coffee and lake views.
This isn't just about preparing for old age. Universal design creates homes that work better for everyone, regardless of age or ability. Wider hallways make furniture moving easier. No-step entries eliminate struggles with groceries in the rain. A main-floor master offers convenience during temporary injuries or when caring for a new baby.
Building custom lets you incorporate these features from the ground up, creating a home that's stunning today and represents a wise long-term investment. When designed expertly, aging-in-place features don't compromise style—they enhance it.
What Does "Aging in Place" Really Mean?
"Aging in place" has evolved beyond seniors staying home rather than moving to assisted living. Today, it's about designing for life's inevitable changes—temporary injuries, mobility challenges, or natural aging. It's creating a home that adapts to you.
Many people still picture sterile hospital corridors when they hear "accessible design." Modern universal design is seamlessly integrated into beautiful architecture, often so subtly that visitors never notice the accommodations.
Won't Universal Design Features Make My Home Look Institutional?
This is our most common concern, and it's understandable. Today's accessible design is often indistinguishable from luxury design. A curbless shower looks like a high-end spa feature. Wider doorways create spaciousness. Well-designed ramps look like attractive landscape features.
The key is working with builders who understand that accessibility and beauty are complementary. At Lakeshore Custom Homes, many of our most stunning design elements happen to be universally accessible.
The Financial Case for Future-Forward Design
Many homeowners focus on upfront costs, but that's only part of the picture. The real question isn't whether you can afford aging-in-place features—it's whether you can afford not to include them.
How much more does it cost to build with aging in place in mind?
Many universal design features add little to no cost during construction. Wider doorways might add a few hundred dollars—minimal expense that would cost thousands to retrofit. Reinforced bathroom walls for future grab bars cost perhaps $50 in materials during construction, versus $1,500+ to retrofit later.
Retrofitting is expensive and disruptive. Bathroom accessibility modifications easily cost $15,000-$25,000, while incorporating the same features during construction adds a fraction of that.
Beyond avoiding renovation costs, homes with universal design features often see stronger resale values. As the population ages, buyers recognize the long-term value. A retirement home that accommodates multiple generations appeals to broader markets, potentially reducing sale time and increasing price.
There's also the hidden cost of not planning: potentially needing to sell your beloved custom home because it no longer meets your needs.
Essential Main Floor Living Features
Main floor living has become popular for good reason. Having primary spaces on the entry level isn't just practical—it creates relaxed, flowing lifestyles that many find appealing regardless of age.
Master Suite Placement
A main-level master offers immediate benefits beyond aging considerations. During illness or surgery recovery, you'll appreciate avoiding stairs. New parents find main-floor masters invaluable during exhausting early months. There's appeal in having your private retreat easily accessible from main living spaces.
Full Bathroom Access
A main-floor full bathroom serves multiple purposes throughout your home's lifetime. Essential for guests, convenient for daily living, and flexible as households change. Whether hosting overnight visitors, managing temporary mobility limitations, or wanting a powder room that doubles as a full bath, this feature pays dividends.
Kitchen and Laundry Integration
Positioning kitchen, laundry, and primary living spaces on entry level creates natural flow and efficient routines. No more hauling laundry baskets up stairs. Meal preparation becomes social when kitchens flow into areas where family naturally gathers.
What If I Love Two-Story Homes—Can I Still Age in Place?
Absolutely! Many clients want the grandeur of two-story design. The key is ensuring all essential daily functions can happen on the main level. Design your main floor with everything necessary—master suite, full bath, kitchen, laundry, living spaces—while using upper levels for guest rooms, offices, or hobby spaces. You'll enjoy the full house during active years but have flexibility to live primarily on one level if needed.
Northern Michigan Climate Considerations
Our harsh winters make many accessibility features practical year-round benefits, not just aging accommodations.
Gradual walkways help everyone navigate safely during icy months. Wider doorways accommodate bulky winter coats and boots. No-step entries eliminate daily challenges with potentially slippery steps when carrying packages or when visibility is reduced by snow.
These features aren't about limitations—they're about practical Northern Michigan living that happens to provide long-term flexibility.
Getting Started: Key Questions
As you begin planning your custom retirement home, consider these essential questions:
- How do you envision using your home in 10, 20, or 30 years?
- What family health considerations might influence design?
- Which features should be built now versus prepared for later?
- How can design choices enhance your current lifestyle while providing future flexibility?
Next Steps
In our next article, we'll explore specific universal design features that add both luxury and function to your custom home—from spa-like accessible bathrooms to chef-friendly kitchen layouts that work for everyone.
