Every family deserves to enjoy their ideal home, particularly those raising a child with special needs. While the wish list for the ideal home differs from person to person, there are certain features to look for in Gloucester homes for sale that will suit almost any special needs family.
One Level Living
If you need disabled access in your family home, having the majority of the rooms on one floor can really help. Your child won’t need to climb a flight of stairs just to get to their bedroom, which is necessary if your budget doesn’t stretch to having an indoor elevator or stair lift installed.
Your child should feel comfortable in their own home, and having many areas that are out of bounds can be frustrating. If that’s the case, make sure to ask your exclusive buyer’s agent to prioritize bungalows, or homes with majority of the living space on one level.
Open Plan Areas
Having a spacious living area will come in very handy when your child needs to navigate through the home. Cramped spaces and small doorways can make certain rooms impossible to access easily. When searching for homes for sale, check if there’s enough space for your child to move around, whether they’re walking or in a wheelchair.
In fact, consider taking a tape measure to your viewings. You can check if the doorways are wide enough, and that there’s a large enough space for wheelchairs to turn around. Generally, wheelchairs need at least a turning circle of 60 inches in diameter, while scooters require a larger radius.
A Quiet Space
If things sometimes get overwhelming, your child should have a quiet and comfortable space where they can feel safe. While a bedroom away from the main living areas of the home may be enough, you may also wish to look for extra rooms or a large garden where they can lose themselves in for a while. Knowing your child as you do, you’ll already know what helps them to feel calm and secure.
A Wet Room
Your need for a wet room or large shower will depend on the special needs of your child. This often requires handbars, benches, and the ability to fit a wheelchair. While you can always make changes to a property to make it more accessible, it will be beneficial to move in without having to make too many changes.
If you’re looking for a home that offers disability-friendly features, make sure you let your exclusive buyer’s agent at Buyer’s Choice Realty know so we can narrow down your search accordingly. Give us a call for a no-obligation consultation about Gloucester MA real estate as well as to learn more about our exclusive buyer agent services. Our Office: 978-468-2138.
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