The good weather is on its way, and you're about to make take full advantage of your second home in Spain – your place on the beach or in the mountains. You even consider – now that technology permits – moving there before the summer arrives so that you can make more use of it. There's one downside: it's getting on a bit, and the stairs leading to the bedrooms are a bit past it.
When you bought the house in its day, you didn't think the stairs would be a cause for concern, but as the years go by... You may also think about using your second home as a holiday rental and, the lack of ramps and those stairs are stopping you from reaching a certain public. What's more, all the elements that facilitate accessibility will add to your beach house if you were to sell it eventually.
So how can you improve your second home's accessibility? "Only 1% of homes in Spain meet universal accessibility criteria, which is very low when considering the number of people with reduced mobility. Although second homes are not used as frequently as regular homes, it is equally important to adapt them to make them more inclusive and, in turn, increase their value," says Alberto Badás, marketing manager of Stannah Spain.
Outdoor solutions
There are different outdoor and indoor solutions. Older properties are more likely to have stairs to access the front door, the garage or the common areas, etc. In this case, outdoor stairlifts can be an excellent solution. If you opt for one, you should choose one that can withstand adverse weather conditions, be it rain, low temperatures, sun, etc. "Stannah's stairlifts are made of UV-resistant plastic and have a waterproof motor and battery. Stairlifts can also be installed to provide any user with total autonomy, without the need to leave their mobility aids – such as walkers or wheelchairs", explains Badás.
Ramps are another outdoor solution and a popular alternative, but be careful because they can be slippery and sometimes too steep.
In addition to the above, other elements include anti-slip flooring and grab bars. Access doors must also be wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair or walker.
Indoor solutions
Installing a single-family lift in properties with two or more floors is becoming more and more common. They are certainly a great investment to increase your home's market value. "Their design and installation have advanced over the years. They take up very little space, are aesthetically pleasing and are easy to install, which reduces time and costs," he added.
It is also a good idea to remove certain elements, such as carpets – some people with reduced mobility struggle with them – adjust furniture's height and install sliding doors and grab bars in strategic places such as the bathroom.
