Guest Post by Rebecca Lee
If you’re looking to build a home of your own in a village, there’s plenty you need to consider.
But what really goes into constructing a new home in a retirement village? Let’s analyse some key tips you can use to succeed.
Location, location, location. . . It’s a core mantra of real estate for good reason.
Choosing the right location for your new retirement village home is essential.
Here are some things to look for when searching for the perfect community to build your home in:
Leisure amenities
Something very important to consider when looking for the perfect village for you is leisure amenities.
These can make or break your retirement village experience, and are definitely worth strong consideration when deciding where to build your home.
Here are just a few amenities to consider including in your village:
Swimming pool with ramp access and aquarobics classes
Bowling green and bocce court
Cinema
Arts and craft studio to help your residents unleash their creativity
Walking trails
Library packed with books, magazines and newspapers
Games lounge filled with cars, billiards, ping pong and more
Outdoor patio complete with barbecue and dining spaces
Auditorium/concert hall for live shows, lectures and other special events
Healthcare
There’s no overstating the importance of robust healthcare in a retirement village.
Whether it’s a full-on integration with aged care facilities or some more modest offerings, you should have a strong understanding of what healthcare will look like in a retirement village before you construct a new home there.
Having an alarm system with 24-hour emergency assistance buttons will be important as you age.
Other healthcare facilities might include rehabilitation gyms and mental health services.
Before you begin construction, you should understand how the village offers holistic care to its residents.
This will give you the best peace of mind that the village is the right choice for you.
Safety and security
The safety and security of residents in a retirement village should always be paramount.
On top of the integration of healthcare into a retirement community, there’s plenty more to be done to ensure safety and security.
Video surveillance around the exterior of the village
Check-in at the front gate for all visitors
Staff available 24/7 – you never know when an emergency may arise
Adequate lighting all around the village
Period safety checks of smoke alarms and other critical pieces of equipment
Clear signage for emergency exits and fire extinguishers
These are just some of the markers of a safe and secure village, which you should look for when constructing your new home.
Designing your home
With your location set, now’s the time to make some design decisions.
Here a few key concepts to keep in mind as you’re drawing up your plans:
Wheelchair access: If wheelchair accessibility is a concern, your new home should be single-story with wide halls and doorways.
Anti-fall measure: Include grab bars, railings and non-slip floors to help mitigate the risk of falls.
Landscaping: When it comes to landscaping, prioritise flat walking paths with plenty of rest areas.
Storage space: Your new home might eventually require some additional storage space for medical equipment including oxygen tanks and mobility scooters.
Energy-efficiency: Include insulation and double-glazed windows for a more sustainable design. You can even consider solar panels, which might save you a penny to boot.
Type of home
Now, what type of home will you construct?
Many villages have a range of houses that you can choose from, while others may have more choice within style guidlines.
For more inspiration on a range of homes in a retirement village, check out this range of Adelaide retirement villages.
If you’re building your own home in an existing community, the choice is all yours. Do you want an extensive property with plenty of gardening to take care of? Or is a cosier accommodation more suitable for you?
Be sure to give plenty of consideration to this all-important detail.
Budgeting
Retirement community or not, budgeting for building a new home is a mammoth undertaking.
It’s often worth getting professional advice at this time.
Here’s a brief overview of some things to budget for when constructing a new home in a retirement village.
Who’s paying what?: For incoming residents constructing new homes in retirement communities, ensure you have a comprehensive understanding of which costs you are paying for, and what, if anything, is being paid for by the village itself.
Village entrance and land fees: Fees and costs associated with acquiring land in a retirement village can be confusing at times. Be sure to read all the fine print so you understand exactly how much you are spending.
Construction fees: At the outset of construction, create the most comprehensive budget possible, understanding that it is very much not set in stone. Be sure to ask around and get plenty of quotes.
Landscaping and outdoors: Don’t forget these all-important parts of the process! Landscaping costs can add up quickly, so you’ll need to have a solid budget set aside for it.
Constructing a new home in a retirement village can be a daunting process.
Be sure that your new structure is a fitting and welcome addition to the community.
This will ensure happiness and prosperity in your golden years.