How to improve the accessibility of a second home and increase its value

leomaxwell1999

The good weather is arriving and now is when you use your second home the most, the one you have on the beach or in the mountains . You even consider, using technology, going there before summer arrives (according to the INE, in Spain there are around three million second homes), and thus be able to take advantage of it more. There is only one drawback: it is already old and the stairs leading to the bedroom floor are held back. For example.


And when you bought it you didn't think that those stairs were going to resist you but the years don't pass in vain... It can also happen that your second home is used as a vacation Phone Lead rental and of course, that lack of ramps and those stairs will They are preventing a certain audience from arriving. Not to mention that all the elements that facilitate accessibility will give your beach house more shine when you want to sell it, there is no doubt...

How can you then improve the accessibility of your second home? “ Only 1% of homes in Spain meet the universal accessibility criteria .” Compared to the large number of people with reduced mobility, the figure is very low. Although the use of second homes is not as frequent as the habitual residence, it is equally important to adapt it to improve inclusion and, in turn, revalue the property,” declares Alberto Badás, marketing manager of Stannah Spain.



There are different solutions, both for the exterior of the house and for the interior. Outside, it is common, and even more so if the buildings are old, for there to be stairs to access the main door, the garage, in the common areas... In this case, outdoor stairlifts can be an optimal solution. If you opt for one, you should choose one that can withstand adverse weather conditions, whether rain, low temperatures, sun... “Stannah chairs are made with UV-resistant plastic and a waterproof motor and battery. It is also possible to install stairlift platforms to provide any user with total autonomy in their use, without having to give up their mobility support – such as walkers or wheelchairs –,” explains Badás.

Another option for outdoors is ramps, it is a very widespread alternative, but you have to be careful because they can be slippery and, sometimes, too steep.

Apart from the previous elements, we must not forget others such as non-slip floors and support bars . In addition, access doors must be wide enough for a wheelchair or walker to pass through.

Solutions for the interior In homes with two or more floors, the installation of a single-family elevator is increasingly common . These are undoubtedly a great investment to increase the market value of the home. “Its design and installation have advanced over the years. In fact, they take up very little space, are completely aesthetic and, in addition, easy to install, which reduces time and costs," they add.

It also doesn't hurt to eliminate certain elements, such as rugs , that may hinder the passage of people with reduced mobility, as well as adjust the height of furniture and install sliding doors and grab bars in strategic places like the bathroom.