*Three Steps To Future Proof Your Home

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The current political chaos and the pandemic has many of us thinking about the future; whether it is rearranging events, planning ahead for 2021, changing careers, future care for older relatives or looking at future-proofing your home. Today's post is focusing on options and ideas to future proof your home as we pass through various stage in life, lifestyles changes and mobility or health concerns that can affect the way you live your life. 

Smart Tech

One of the most useful home improvements we've made over the past year has been to start utilising 'smart home tech' which includes app-operated tech which connects to our central heating and lightbulbs around the house. We use the Hive system which has been fantastic and makes managing the heating and lighting very quick and easy - even when we are away from home. I cannot recommend the Hive system enough and we are definitely going to be looking into more home tech in the future! 

Home Improvements & Mobility Needs

Home improvements especially if they are important, urgent or essential are needed for future proofing your home. However, home improvement can also include: removing stud walls to create an easy to navigate open plan space, switching to non-slip flooring, adding mobility aids to the bathroom or house lifts for disabled people within your household, installing ramps at the entrance doors and you could even purchase moveable partitions to create separate but easily changeable spaces. The lifestyle and needs of your household will change with time so preparing for those changes is one of the most important aspects of future-proofing your home. 

Energy Efficient Alternatives 

Energy saving and environmentally friendly alternatives such as energy saving light bulbs and efficient appliances, as well as energy efficient heating and windows can all help to future proof your home and save money in the long-term. Upgrading an ineffective heating system and improving areas of your home (such as windows, doors and attic spaces) that cause the most heat loss, can be a great first step. Although smaller changes including switching to more energy efficient appliances is a quick option with a smaller price tag. Additionally, improving insulation and adding solar panels to your home are also eco-friendly options to consider. 

There are many alternatives, products and options to consider when future-proofing your home such as redesigning rooms to make them more accessible, adding a smart security system and decluttering and living a more minimal lifestyle; however all of these steps will change as the needs and lifestyle of your family also changes but preparing and considering all of the options for home improvements will ensure you are well informed for making any changes that are needed. 

Have you made any changes to future proof your home?