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Increase Accessibility

Right now we need a single-floor home, with a basement for my shop.

One big thing we need is that the house must be wheelchair/walker friendly.

Another thing is that we have specific requirements for the master bathroom.

Make sure that your bathrooms and kitchen are the size you want. Changing
this later can be expensive.

D. Jay Newman

Hand rails in the hallways, half walls, grab bars in the bathrooms, wider doorways, and wheelchair-friendly flooring come to mind, and perhaps a kitchen counter without legs at the corners nor drawers or sides to prevent the wheelchair from rolling under the counter. Sliding doors are much easier than doors on hinges too, and/or automatic door openers.
Patrick Murphy

For installing grab bars, check out the Wingits web site:
http://www.wingits.com/
These “super toggle bolts” will support several hundred pounds on a tile & sheetrock wall, so you can install full-strength grab bars where you need them without worrying about building in blocking or trying to fit the grab bar to the studs. Their nylon grab bars are wonderful too....the look great and they are never cold to the touch. Installing a grab bar in a tiled shower told all of 15 minutes.
Jon Chandler

If you are over 50, these things are important:

1. Do NOT build a house with stairs. As you age, stairs become a serious safety problem, even when you are relatively healthy. Ranch style homes are also easier to heat and cool; the second story either gets too hot or too cold vs the bottom level.

2. Get a walk-in bathtub. Getting in and out of bathtubs is another serious safety problem. We own a walk-in tub that has built-in high pressure jets. The result is a relaxing yet safe bath. These cost 3x normal tubs, and they are worth every dime.
BobAxtell

Convenience Idea
Accessibility Idea