Senior Living

New Features Keep Pace with This Active Generation

Baby boomers, who were the largest American generation until the Millennials took over, are either retired or quickly nearing retirement age. Boomers, born between 1946 and 1964 and who count more than 76 million, may be getting older, but they are definitely not ready to head to the retirement home!

The boomer generation is more active than generations past, has a more sophisticated style and wants options and choices in their homes. Whether they are selling the homes where they raised their children and heading to sunnier pastures, or staying put and redesigning to accommodate their retired lifestyle, boomers are making an impact on housing trends.

Some features that home builders and remodelers are seeing as they begin to cater to the boomers include:

Home Offices: Some boomers are choosing to work past the age of 65. As they transition from a traditional 9-to-5 job, however, they want home offices for flexibility. A second career or part-time employment often eliminates the hassle of commuting while keeping them active and bringing in supplementary income.

Tech/Media Centers: The tech-savvy boomer generation wants top-of-the-line amenities for their homes such as a media room with surround sound and central control systems, which manage all media sources in one location. The house may include a wireless home network, remote control lighting and security features.

Wider Doors and Hallways: As a person ages, there is a likelihood that use of a wheelchair might become a necessity. Designing a home that is livable now but can transition and be functional as the occupant ages is important in ensuring that the home will be a good long-term investment. Wider doors and hallways are useful for moving larger furniture today, and will also be wheelchair accessible tomorrow.

Better Lighting/Bigger Windows: The need for more lighting usually increases as we grow older. To accommodate this, builders are adding more windows and making them larger to let in more natural light. They are also adding more light fixtures in areas including under cabinets and in stairwells. Multiple switches to reduce the number of trips and dimmer controls to eliminate glare are other options.

First-Floor Bedrooms and Bathrooms: More than 40% of new homes have master suites downstairs, a 15% increase over a decade ago. Boomers not wishing to go up and down stairs with bad knees and aching backs have helped fuel this trend. The bedrooms also are also larger, with more spacious walk-in closets and bathrooms that have a separate tub and shower and dual sinks.

Easy to Maintain Exteriors/Landscaping: Yard work, painting, and other landscaping chores may no longer be enjoyable to aging home owners. People who move to a new home when they retire may opt for a maintenance-free community. Those that choose to stay in their homes might make improvements to exterior surfaces such as installing stucco, brick or low-maintenance siding. Lawns are being replaced with living patios, decorative landscaping, or flower beds which can be a hobby for gardening enthusiasts.

Flex Space: Flex space has become more prevalent in both new homes and remodeling. Flex spaces are rooms that take on the purpose of the present home owner’s needs but can adjust with changes as they occur. What may have once started out as a guest bedroom can be redecorated to serve as a hobby room or library. This allows home owners to stay in their homes longer as it continues to serve their needs throughout life’s stages.

A Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) has been trained in the unique needs of the older adult population, aging-in-place home modifications, common remodeling projects, and solutions to common barriers. Access our directories to find a designated CAPS builder or remodeler in your area.

Find a Pro

Our members are ethical and reliable. Find a dependable professional here.

You can also call our office at (440) 934-1090 and ask for a list of our members.

SEARCH THE LIST

2022 Membership Directory & Consumer Guide

Builders and Remodelers are our foundation; you can also find local Accountants, Bankers, Landscapers, Window Washers and much more!

SEE THE GUIDE

Shop the Virtual Parade of Homes!

The Virtual Parade of Homes is open online 24/7. Many of the homes featured in our ALL NEW Virtual Parade host regular open house hours for those consumers who are looking to tour the actual homes.

LOOK NOW

Free Consumer Resources

More Articles from Our Blog

Keep Your Fireplace Clean and Safe this Winter

Keep Your Fireplace  Clean and Safe this Winter Tim King, President North Coast Building Industry Association – NCBIA – www.ncbia.com Picture yourself hosting a gathering at your home during the holidays. The mental image you conjure most likely includes some...

read more

5 Ways to Make Your Home Cozy This Winter

5 Ways to Make Your Home Cozy This Winter Judie Docs, Executive Officer CSP, CMP, CGP, MCSP, MIRM, GRI North Coast Building Industry Association (NCBIA) ncbia.com The winter months can be a great time to tackle home improvement projects. As the weather turns cooler,...

read more

How to Find an Honest Contractor 

How to Find an Honest Contractor  Tim King, President North Coast Building Industry Association – NCBIA – www.ncbia.com Severe weather may be approaching with the arrival of the winter months. If Mother Nature damages your home, you may need to call a professional for...

read more

Top 10 Remodeling Terms You Need to Know

Top 10 Remodeling Terms You Need to Know Judie Docs, Executive Officer CSP, CMP, CGP, MCSP, MIRM, GRI North Coast Building Industry Association (NCBIA) ncbia.com If you are remodeling your home for the first time, the process may seem daunting. A professional...

read more

What Type of New Home Builder Should You Hire?

What Type of New Home Builder Should You Hire? Judie Docs, Executive Officer CSP, CMP, CGP, MCSP, MIRM North Coast Building Industry Association (NCBIA) www. ncbia.com Imagine getting the keys to a new home that perfectly fits your family’s lifestyle. Before making...

read more

Don’t Ignore Outdoor Home Maintenance Chores This Fall

Don't Ignore Outdoor Home Maintenance Chores This Fall Tim King, President North Coast Building Industry Association (NCBIA) www.ncbia.com When the summer heats turns to the crisp air of fall, it's time to focus on some essential lawn care and home maintenance tasks...

read more

5 Tips to Help Sell Your Home Fast This Fall

5 Tips to Help Sell Your Home Fast This Fall Judie Docs, Executive Officer - CSP, MCSP, CGP, CMP, MIRM North Coast Building Industry Association (NCBIA) ncbia.com Spring gets all the attention when it comes to home buying. However, homes sell year-round. And despite...

read more

5 Ways to Make Small Rooms Look Larger

5 Ways to Make Small Rooms Look Larger Judie Docs, Executive Officer - CSP, MCSP, CGP, CMP, MIRM North Coast Building Industry Association (NCBIA) ncbia.com Only some homes have grand foyers, great rooms, and huge living areas. More often, homes have at least one...

read more

5 Benefits of New Home Construction

5 Benefits of New Home Construction Tim King, President North Coast Building Industry Association – NCBIA – www.ncbia.com The first step for new home buyers is deciding if they want a new or existing home. Choosing a structure that best fits your needs is essential...

read more

Is It Time to Remodel or Relocate?

Is It Time to Remodel or Relocate? Judie Docs, Executive Officer - CSP, MCSP, CGP, CMP, MIRM North Coast Building Industry Association (NCBIA) ncbia.com There is always something on a homeowner’s to-do list, from changing air filters to finally repairing that leaky...

read more

Address:

North Coast Building Industry Association

5077 Waterford Drive, Suite 302

Sheffield Village, OH 44035

Contact:

(440) 934-1090

info@ncbia.com