When clients come to us and inquire about whether a first floor primary suite is a smart move for various life stages, we know just what to tell them. This design choice is not about current conveniences, it is about preparing for future needs as they and their family members age. In Northern Virginia, where many homes offer multiple levels, transitioning to a first floor primary suite can enhance accessibility, safety and the overall quality of life no matter how old you are. In this post, we’ll look at why investing in a first floor primary suite is a forward-thinking approach to maintaining independence and providing peace of mind as you age.

Age 40-50: Planning for the Future in Your First Floor Primary Suite

Considering remodeling or adding a primary suite at age 40-50 helps future-proof your home by making it more adaptable to changing needs as you grow older.

Why Now?

While you may not need accessibility features now, incorporating elements like wider doorways, a walk-in shower, or a first floor layout allows you to avoid costly renovations later. Planning for these changes early on allows you to enjoy a functional, comfortable space as you age, reducing the need to relocate when you’re older.

Another benefit is an increase in property value. A well-designed first floor primary suite appeals to a wide range of buyers, especially those looking for aging in place features. Whether you plan to sell your home soon or in the future, a first floor primary suite can enhance your home’s marketability as more buyers are seeking houses that can accommodate long-term living.

A third reason is the immediate convenience for guests and family members with mobility issues. A comfortable, accessible bedroom and bath on the first floor makes it easier for aging parents or visitors to stay comfortably in your home. It shows thoughtful planning for the needs of others and strengthens your home’s ability to accommodate different life stages.

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“As you approach your different stages of life, your requirements for your home can change significantly. For example, a first floor primary suite can alleviate the challenges of climbing stairs, which becomes more difficult with age,” says Andrew Schroeder, co-owner and CEO of Schroeder Design Build. “It also offers practical solutions for managing mobility or aging in place issues, ensuring that your living space evolves in line with your needs.”

Age 50-60: Enhancing Quality of Life with Your Main Floor Primary Suite

At age 50-60, addressing emerging needs means anticipating potential mobility concerns.

Why Now?

Even if you’re not experiencing major issues now, it’s common to develop joint pain, arthritis or balance problems in the coming years. Installing wider doorways and hallways, along with barrier-free or low-threshold entryways ensures your home is easy to navigate, even if you eventually do need a walker or wheelchair. Making these changes now helps you avoid more extensive renovations later.

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“Safety is a big concern when we’re designing at this stage of life,” Andrew says. “Falls are more common as we age, so we recommend non-slip flooring in the bathroom and throughout the primary suite, along with grab bars near the shower and toilet, and adequate lighting in the hallways and entryways.”

 

“Consider your accessibility needs too. A walk-in or roll-in shower with a bench and handheld showerhead can allow for easier bathing. Lever-style door handles and faucets are easier to grab than traditional knobs, and light switches, outlets and storage should be at reachable heights so your space remains functional as your physical capabilities evolve.”

Comfort and ease are just as important at this age. Having a first floor primary suite reduces your need to climb stairs, and ensuring your bedroom, bathroom and closet are located near each other simplifies your daily routines.

Age 60-70, Enhancing Quality of Life with Your First-Floor Primary Bedroom

At age 60-70, creating a first floor primary suite should focus on improving your daily living comfort as your physical needs begin to shift. You may not need full accessibility features yet, but you’ll certainly enjoy the subtle adjustments that can make daily tasks easier.

Why Now?

“Here again, a walk-in shower with a built-in bench can make bathing safer and more comfortable. And we may recommend adjustable-height countertops or pull-out shelves in the closet and bathroom to make reaching for everyday items easier without bending or straining,” Andrew says.

Maintaining independence is another key goal at this stage of life. As your mobility may gradually decline, designing for self-sufficiency is crucial. Wide doorways, lever-style handles and easily-reachable light switches and outlets make it easier to navigate without assistance.

Reducing strain and effort in moving about the house is also important. Features such as non-slip flooring, minimal thresholds between rooms, and well-placed handrails and grab bars can make a significant difference in navigation ease. With the ability to move between areas with less effort, you can reduce your risk of falls or injury.

Age 70-80: Ensuring Safety and Convenience with Your First-Floor Primary Suite

By age 70-80, your focus should be on ensuring your safety and reducing the risk of falls.

Why Now?

“Falls are a significant concern for this age group, so you’ll want to address potential hazards within your primary suite,” Andrew explains.  We’ve already mentioned how slip-resistant flooring, grab bars and adequate lighting can help, but additionally, remove or secure loose rugs to minimize tripping hazards.

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Mobility issues may become more prevalent at this life stage, so design your first floor primary suite to make daily activities as convenient and effortless as possible. Place the bathroom, bedroom and closets close together to reduce the need for extensive walking, and allow adequate space to move around furnishings. Integrate features such as a low-threshold shower, adjustable-height countertops and built-in seating to help you maintain comfort and functionality.

Providing peace of mind for family members is also important. Knowing your home is equipped with safety features and accessibility adjustments can significantly ease their concerns about your well-being. A well-designed first floor primary suite not only supports your own independence, it reassures family members that you are living in a safe and manageable environment.

Age 80+: Facilitating Aging in Place with Your First-Floor Primary Bedroom

Most people don’t want to have to leave their beloved home that’s filled with a lifetime of memories as they get older.

Why Now?

alexandria va long term memory care facility remodel 5311“Creating a first floor primary suite for those ages 80 and above is all about enabling aging in place,” Andrew says. “This means designing a living environment that allows you to remain in your home safely and comfortably as you age.” Key considerations can include a zero-step entry, wide doorways and a spacious layout that can accommodate a walker or wheelchair if needed. A walk-in or roll-in shower with grab bars and a built-in bench, and an accessible toilet with support rails can ensure your primary suite meets your needs now and into the future.

In an April 2024 survey by U.S. News, 1,500 adults age 55 and older found that 95% of those surveyed reported that aging in place was a more important goal than even a year ago. The study also showed that 49% of participants may choose to incorporate health-related technologies into their daily routines, with devices such as medical or health-related mobile apps, service-related apps like grocery delivery, wearable medical or health-related trackers, assistive smart home technologies, and medical alert systems. Among the smart home technologies, automated home systems such as voice-controlled lights and thermostats are popular options.

To maintain a high quality of life, your suite should employ accessible design to maximize comfort and convenience and reduce the physical strain associated with daily tasks, including features like adjustable lighting, easy-to-reach storage. Consider also elements that support your personal comfort too, like a well-placed seating area.

Providing essential support for daily activities is another key consideration. Your primary suite should include elements that help with everyday tasks such as bathing and dressing. Additionally, integrating smart home technology for emergency alerts and communication with caregivers or family members can offer added security and ease of use, and support your ability to live independently.

Hire a Qualified Design Build Firm like Schroeder Design Build for your First Floor Primary Suite in Your Northern Virginia Home

Thinking about modifying or adding a first floor primary suite is important at different ages because each stage of life brings unique considerations regarding mobility, safety and comfort. Maintaining a high quality of life requires thoughtful design to facilitate comfort and independence, and provide peace of mind for both you and your family members.

Hiring a qualified design build firm when making changes for different life stages ensures that your needs are met with both expertise and efficiency. Schroeder Design Build offers a streamlined process where you’ll work with one team from design through construction. This approach allows for a cohesive plan that takes into account your current needs while planning for your future accessibility, safety and comfort.

We’ll take the time to understand your specific needs, goals and concerns and guide you through the entire process, from assessing your current and future needs to implementing solutions that fit your budget. As a bonus, we’re experts in making aging in place modifications and can recommend feature that are not only functional but aesthetically pleasing. We want you to have not only a safe and accessible space as you age, we want it to be beautiful as well! You’ll choose modifications that make the most sense for your age and stage in life and make investments in changes that will serve you in the long term.

Contact Schroeder Design Build for Your Northern VA Home Remodel

No matter what your current age, it’s never too soon—or too late—to discuss modifying your Alexandria or Northern Virginia home with a first floor primary suite to enhance your safety, comfort and functionality for different life stages. Contact us to schedule your complimentary consultation. 

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