It’s not a secret that many of us are ageing in place. Nor is it a secret in my family that the house we’ve occupied for the last twenty or so years has a steep and narrow staircase. Built in 1900, no codes in our neck of the woods obliged gentler ascents or broader steps. A few years ago I talked to a builder about remediation. He asked me how interested I’d be in gutting most of the house because building a code-compliant staircase would require extensive changes to where the stairs started and ended—end of discussion.
Believe it or not I am more fortunate than some people in my area who deal with steps that seem to be more like ladders then staircases. The stair cases in the front of those country homes are generous, but the rear staircases are steep. One friend who lives in a divided house says that her stairs are worse than mine, and narrower too.
I began to look for alternatives: elevators, lifts, and little doohickies that ride a side track. I am still very capable of going up and down what exists. But short of levitation, I think the possible fixes may be more than our old home can bear.
Move, you say. Well, put the kettle on for tea while we discuss that. We could sell, but replacement housing stocks around here are limited. And expenses are high. Builders are not building smaller houses on one level. They are building huge MacMansions, albeit with code-compliant stairs. And I am not interested in a condo. I say no to endless fees. Nor am I interested in an assisted living situation that would drain my small capital.
No. More and more My thoughts turn towards investing in an ADU ( additional living unit) or a small first floor expansion. This woud all us to age in place.
Is this my dream house? Hell no. But I haven’t had good luck with the achievement of fantasy, and rumor has it- on good authority- that things are not going to get much better. No lovely open plan futuristic home with sweeping views of mountain meadows.
Anyway, you can’t always get what you want.
“No, you can’t always get what you want
You can’t always get what you want , but if you try sometimes, you’ll find, you’ll get what you need!” Love those Rolling Stones.
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The trouble is that when we usually buy houses, we are fit and can’t foresee an otherwise. The question of how we can stay put for the long run is valid.
You’re correct on both counts, and as a nation the problem is growing.
“Luxury Without Limits—Power Without Interruption.”
let’s link up 😊
sounds much too political!
That song features on my blog post today — great minds…
Sing it loud, Lou! I love it… hugs
Senior living options here in Georgia all come with a high price tag.
around here too.