You built endless memories there, from holiday dinners to block parties, and your children grew up in this home. Chances are, you don’t want to leave anytime soon. If you hope to age in place and make this your long term dwelling, you’ll want to make sure it can meet your changing demands. One area of concern is the exterior. This list of important modifications will get you started.

1. Install lighting in traffic areas and around the house.
Well-lit traffic areas will help you remain on the walkway to your house. If any debris has blown onto your path, the lighting will help you notice them and avoid tripping.

Install your lights facing at an angle downward directly onto the path to prevent excess shadowing. Use frosted bulbs instead of clear ones to prevent glare and choose fixtures that make burnt-out bulbs easy to change.

For security purposes, make sure you install lights above and near all entrances and exits. This includes doors you don’t use often. In addition, install lights at all four corners of your home. If your mailbox is at the end of the driveway, you also might want to place lights there, and near windows and your garage would be wise.

To keep your energy bill as low as possible, make sure you choose motion-sensing lights. It also helps if the lights automatically turn on and off at sundown and sunrise.

2. Make entryways and walkways non-slip.
Add an awning or canopy near the entryway to keep steps or ramps dry and prevent long-term solar heat damage. If you don’t have a ramp and railings, look into adding them. Also, apply some strips of non-slip substance over the current entryway or install textured flooring. Scuffing all outdoor walking surfaces to prevent falls is another option.

3. Correct any potential tripping hazards.
Keep your shrubs and trees well-trimmed so they don’t block your paths and entryways. Repair sidewalk cracks and correct unevenness caused by ground sinking. This will prevent not only tripping but will provide a smoother surface for family members with various mobility concerns. If you do still use steps, make sure you fix any broken ones and tighten loose railings.

For security purposes, make sure you install lights above and near all entrances and exits. This includes doors you don’t use often. In addition, install lights at all four corners of your home.

4. Make outside of the home as low-maintenance as possible.
If you want to cut down on the time it takes to maintain the outside of your home you can add gutter guards that will stop you from using a ladder to clean out the troughs near the roof. Additionally, vinyl siding instead of paint will stop you from having to tend to your exterior walls as much. Composite decking, vinyl windows and PVC trim reduce maintenance and rot. Making it much easier to take care of and lower cost over time.

Quality Craftsman is the right renovation and remodeling partner to help you stay in your home for as long as possible. We are certified aging in place specialists helping families throughout the East Cobb area create a home that will meet your changing needs and help to ensure you can continue living in your home today, tomorrow and well into the future. Contact us today to get started.