Make no mistake, retirement marks a dramatic change to your life.
You’ll suddenly find yourself with time on your hands and spending many of the hours formerly spent in meetings in your own home.
It might coincide with your family shrinking in size, as grown-up children flee the nest, and it’s also a time many think about future-proofing their homes so they can remain on their own beloved property when mobility gets harder.
Here are some of the best choices for home renovations during retirement.
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Home office
There are a number of home renovations that are beneficial to your livelihood during retirement.
One of the most popular is creating a new home office.
This might be a place to continue dabbling in part-time work, sort out paperwork, or pursue a hobby, and it can be converted from a room that’s not being used anymore, such as a bedroom.
Don’t break the bank
Some changes in the home won’t cost much at all, whereas renovating a room might cost several thousand pounds.
You will likely be using money from your savings and retirement fund, therefore it’s important to properly assess all the costs and keep them within budget.
However, if you’re over 55 you can apply for an equity release from your home for more funds.
This allows you to free up funds from your home that can be used elsewhere.
Improving accessibility
Making bathrooms and kitchens more accessible is another wise option.
Even if you’re in good shape now, you never know what might happen and you don’t want to have to move out because you weren’t prepared.
Changes might be as simple as adding grab bars in the bathroom, changing door knobs to easy-to-grab door handles, or adding age-friendly kitchen utensils.
But more dramatic alterations can include getting a new kitchen worktop, cabinets and shelving fitted at a height where everything is easy to reach.
In the bathroom, a walk-in bathtub or an open shower with no lip to step over are both good options.
Family Space
If you are lucky enough to be a grandparent then you will need room for the little ones to play when they visit your home.
Similarly, looking to add family space into your home can create a relaxing space where you, your children and grandchildren can come together as a family.
When renovating your home during retirement, consider what spaces could be renovated into space for you and your family.
Renovating the garden
Again, you’ll likely have more time to enjoy your outdoor space, so make sure it’s as beautiful as you’ve always dreamt, as well as accessible enough for you to cherish in 20 years’ time.
Adding a deck or patio with a ramp leading from the house and to the lawn will ensure heading outside is never a daunting prospect.
Upgrading paths, perhaps with handrails, will also keep no part of your garden out of bounds.
Whether it’s little changes here and there, or major renovations to your home, you’ll thank yourself for making them now, as it might be years in the future before you truly benefit.
Retiring doesn’t mean you have to leave the place you love – it actually enables you to spend more time loving it.