When it comes to renovating our homes, we should plan our design ahead and take an honest look at our living habits before making drastic changes. Universal design renovations have the benefits of relying on foolproof concepts that do not get old. They rather help us age within our own spaces. They help us improve our comfort and overall enjoyment of life.

Assessing Our Real Estate.

Resale value is great to keep in mind generally speaking. But, ultimately, we are the ones currently living in the space and nothing—and nobody—can guarantee that a client-oriented resale renovation would be a good investment may one day we decide to put the property on the market.

That being said, even if we already know we will be selling, the next homeowner of the dwelling might very well have the same needs we currently have. There is a long list of universal wishes that are sure to appeal to anyone. And work for any lifestyle. As long as we stick to common sense and universal design renovations standards, chances are that a proper upgrade of the space might prevent a future further redo for a space poorly planned and envisioned in the first place. Or redone using the wrong approach just to meet the standards of a very fluctuating and highly impressionable market.

The Balancing Act Of Trend Vs Function.

Now we should remember that a trendy renovation is based on fashion, when a direction is being taken relying on momentarily ideas developed at a certain point of time in history. According to specific generic standards greatly influenced by marketing strategies. Trends do fluctuate and are meant to change.

A functional renovation, on the other hand, based on universal design, is a way to have our space be as practical and useful as can be over a long period of time. Whether we decide to incorporate attractiveness in a fashionable manner—as to reflect the standards of today—or keep the design minimal so its aspect can evolve over time.

Way too often do we see upgrades being made before a house hits the resale market, in an effort to seduce the next homeowners. Only to realize a couple of months later that the same house is undergoing renovations, yet again, so that the new homeowners can make the space “theirs”. An incredible amount of time, resources and money therefore going down the drain, so to speak. A totally inevitable waste may the project had been properly thought and executed in the first place.

Universal Wish List.

A functional space should only require minor adjustments to fit most people’s lifestyle, as long as it meets certain criteria. Storage. Low maintenance flooring. Insulation, above and beyond. Optimum air quality. A foyer, designated space or staged entrance functioning as one. Natural light. Open concept for easy navigation. Energy efficient. Easy to clean. Good flow between the rooms…

Those are some of the staples anyone would be thrilled to have in their current—or their next—home, although those boxes unfortunately do not necessarily check on most of our dwellings. Undertaking a renovation with common universal design concepts is a great strategy to minimize future needs to upgrade the dwelling itself. Its saves time. And money. And most of all resources, so we can keep in check some that ecological footprint that needs addressing.

A home renovation starts with the will to make life better. To improve certain areas of our routine so that the rest can fall into place smoothly. It only makes sense to think it thoroughly, ahead of time. To do it the proper way, do it once, and enjoy in the long term.