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What Boomers--and Others Want in a Home
A story about designing homes for "aging" (ahem!) baby boomers in Nation's Building News brought to mind a thought that hits me every time I buy contact lens solution, of all things. I buy the stuff made especially for "sensitive eyes" and always wonder: Who would choose anything else? It's not like there's a discount for buying a "diced-onions-don't-phase-me" version.
Anyway, the housing story detailed some the housing features we aging boomers crave, based on a National Association of Home Builders survey. We want smaller homes that are easier to take care of. The preferred size of those surveyed is 1,903 square feet.
And, though there were certainly a couple of things on the list of preferences that scream out "oldster," such as van service or single-level living, many of the preferences would have been quite attractive to me back when I was chasing toddlers. How about not having to worry about mowing grass or raking leaves? Having someone reliable available for home repairs? Proximity to shopping? And access to a high-speed Internet connection?
Maybe homes ought to be built so they're comfortable for the duration of a buyer's home-owning days. Honestly, who's going to sign up for the more-maintenance, less convenience option?
By Elizabeth Razzi |
September 29, 2009; 6:00 AM ET
| Category:
Buying
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Funny
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Home features
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New construction
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Remodeling and repair
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Posted by: janedoe5 | September 29, 2009 8:39 AM
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Well, THE ONE home in the neighborhood I wanted, in my price range, that I was willing to buy is on a corner lot, so there will be plenty of snow shoveling and lawn mowing. If I had the money, I would contract that out, but I don't. I think that conveniences like these are something that you endure when money is tight and hire out when it isn't.