New Home vs. Resale
When it comes time to buy a home, there are two main choices: you can either build the home of your dreams from the ground up, or you can find a great home already built and customize it to your needs. While the appeal of brand-new appliances, floors, heating, cooling, and electrical systems is understandable, there are many benefits to buying an existing house over building a new one.
First of all, an existing house is going to cost homebuyers less money than a brand new one. They also have better quality construction, as older homes are generally constructed from lumber from old-growth trees, plaster, and lathe-- materials that are much more sound than the drywall construction of most modern houses. Buying an established home is also buying into an established community, and you know what they say: “Location, location, location.” You can also count on finding a better lot size when you’re looking for an established property. Finally, an older home has more character, which is something new homeowners can’t just buy.
If you live with a disability, buying an existing home means you are either going to have to narrow your search down to places that are already accessible, or you will have to renovate and add the accessibility features you need. In this article brought to you by SPORK!, we discuss how to find a home that suits your particular mobility needs as well as how to modify an existing home to suit them. Use this information when searching through homes to make your home-buying experience easier.
The following guide is one of many articles on SPORK!’s website designed to provide a Voice for the Disabled Community. For more news and inspiration for those who are differently abled, visit SPORK!’s library of resources.
Essential House Hunting Help
Sure, you can browse as many homes as you want from the comfort of your own home nowadays thanks to the internet, but don’t let all that go to your head. A licensed and experienced real estate agent is still the best resource for home buyers-- especially when it comes to looking for homes with existing accessibility features. Most real estate agents have a particular niche they work in. Finding an agent that is experienced when it comes to accessible homes will make the whole process more streamlined.
They can also help when it comes to winning a bidding war or negotiating on price when you like a house that will need expensive renovations. Furthermore, they can help when it comes to knowing your rights as a disabled home buyer. An agent whose niche is accessible homes will be able to see foul play from a mile away, so you’ll have someone watching your back.
Modifying a Home for Accessibility Needs
Most home buyers end up changing something about the place they end up with no matter what. While you may be able to find a home with many of the accessibility features you want, chances are that there will be certain renovations or slight modifications you either want or need. Before deciding whether or not you want to buy a house, consider how much house you can afford and how much renovations might cost. Bring your contractor in and get a sound estimate on what renovations will cost. Have your real estate agent present during these go-throughs so they can have the numbers necessary when it comes to negotiating the offer price.
Accessibility features you may want to consider include:
A stair lift for two-story homes
Ramps over slight changes in elevation
Extra lighting or more natural light
Wider door frames
Low-profile exterior door thresholds
Slip-proof flooring-- especially in the kitchen and bathroom
Extra handrails and grab bars throughout the house
Lower work surfaces and countertops in the kitchen
Extra smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on each floor
Braille labeling on important home features
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Buying an older home gives you the opportunity to invest in a place with character in an established community. To find a place with certain features, find a licensed real estate agent whose niche is accessibility. When you find a place you like, bring in a contractor to discuss the renovations you will need done, and use that information when it comes to negotiations.
For more information, please visit the ADA Standards for Accessible Design: www.ada.gov/regs2010/2010ADAStandards/2010ADAstandards.htm
Linda Chase created Able Hire to help people with disabilities build rewarding, successful careers. As a person with disabilities herself, Linda understands the challenges people with disabilities face when trying to get hired. She hopes Able Hire will be a resource for people with disabilities seeking jobs and for hiring managers seeking a better understanding of what people with disabilities have to offer.
Cover Photo: Pexels
*Audio Narration Coming Soon