Retirement or holiday homes are meant to be sanctuaries where you can relax and enjoy life to the fullest.
At Spacekala, safety is paramount in ensuring our clients’ dream home design provides the comfort and security they need. We do this using a step-by-step process called SMM checklist (Safety, mobility and maintenance)
This system enables us to understand the level of security that might be needed for each home design, depending on three factors:
- Location of the site
- Lifestyle of the clients
- Purpose of the home
All systems must be planned to plan for electrical supply or any other civil provisions, in the early stages of home design.
In this article, we will discuss these six must-have safety features for your retirement or holiday home to ensure peace of mind and a worry-free living experience:
Table of Contents
1. Surveillance Systems Provision in Home Design:
Investing in an advanced security and surveillance system is not enough. Strategically planning their positions and accordingly choosing the coverage is crucial for the safety of your retirement or holiday home.
For eg: It’s crucial to cover all entry points of the property but if the property has open land all around then its best to opt for a dome camera.
On the other hand, if it’s adjoining another property, it’s best to opt for a bullet camera, lest you be surveilling your neighbour’s activities without their permission
A comprehensive security system should also include features like motion sensors, and smart locks.
These systems not only deter intruders but also provide you with remote access to monitor your home’s security. Motion sensors will help detect heavy falls, should anyone amongst the occupants have an accidental fall and are unable to ask for help.
2. Fire and Smoke Detection:
Fire and smoke detection systems are essential safety features for any home, especially for retirement or holiday homes.
Install smoke detectors in key areas of your home, including areas like
- Kitchen
- Living Room
- Bedrooms
Additionally, consider integrating a fire alarm system that automatically alerts emergency services in case of a fire.
If you choose to go to water sprinklers, well and good or you can just have fire extinguishers handy and in a fire retardent location
A part of our SMM checklist also includes making sure the main exits of the home design are free of any obstruction and have fire-resistant materials.
These systems provide early detection, giving you and your loved ones enough time to evacuate safely in case of a fire emergency and avoid extensive property damage
3. Emergency Lighting:
In the event of a power outage or emergency, having strategically wired emergency lighting is essential for navigating your home safely.
Install backup lighting systems, such as solar battery-powered LED lights or emergency exit signs, to illuminate pathways, staircases, and exits in your home design approach.
These lights ensure you can safely navigate your home during a power outage or emergency, reducing the risk of accidents or injuries. Ensure that appliances like the fan, water-purifier and the refrigerator are in the back-up power network
Implementing emergency lighting in home design enhances the safety of your retirement or holiday home, providing peace of mind during unexpected situations and avoiding accidents or injuries during power outages or emergencies.
4. Slip-Resistant Flooring:
One small trade-in that could save you a fatal injury is to use slip-resistant flooring
Especially in slip-prone areas like bathrooms, kitchens, staircases etc.
It is a crucial safety feature, especially for retirement or holiday homes. Choose flooring materials that offer good traction and are slip-resistant. Your options are:
- Textured tiles
- Non-slip vinyl
- Cork flooring
- Lapato finish stone flooring
Implementing slip-resistant flooring significantly reduces the risk of accidents, particularly for older adults or guests. Neglecting to install slip-resistant flooring can lead to slip and fall accidents, resulting in injuries and potential legal liabilities in case of holiday homes
5. First Aid Kit and Emergency Supplies:
Having a well-equipped first aid kit and emergency supplies readily available on all floors is essential for any home, especially retirement or holiday homes.
Make sure the place where the kit is placed is easily accessible and is the most obvious for a layman to locate
Stock your first aid kit with essential medical supplies, including bandages, antiseptic ointment, pain relievers, and emergency contact information.
Additionally, store emergency supplies such as flashlights, batteries, bottled water, and non-perishable food items in an easily accessible location.
Having a functional and well-thought first aid kit and emergency supplies ensures that you can address minor injuries and emergencies promptly, providing peace of mind for you and your guests.
6. Handrails and Grab Bars:
Installing handrails and grab bars in key areas of your retirement or holiday home is essential for preventing accidents and providing support, especially for older adults.
The second ‘M’ of our SMM checklist enures and explores various options to favour mobility for individuals with special needs in order to make the space barrier free and enable them to be fully independent to move around.
Place handrails along staircases, ramps, and outdoor pathways to assist with balance and stability. Additionally, install grab bars in bathrooms, near toilets, and inside showers to prevent slips and falls.
Having handrails and grab bars significantly reduces the risk of accidents, particularly for older adults or individuals with mobility issues.
In conclusion, safety should be a top priority when designing and constructing your retirement or holiday home. Investing in safety now will pay off in the long run, ensuring that your retirement or holiday home remains a sanctuary for years to come.
Take a look at this 25 minute free tutorial that I made on THREE efficient systems that you need to implement if you are also in the process of constructing your dream home
First-time home seekers who understand and implement these systems and features will enjoy a safe and comfortable living environment, providing peace of mind for themselves and their loved ones.
