You have raised self-sufficient kids and now they have left the nest. Bravo! Parenting can be difficult. After years of being focused on your children, now it is your turn to follow your dreams. There are many exciting opportunities in this empty nester phase of your life. It’s the ideal time to downsize and build a new custom home that suits your lifestyle and your changing needs.

Here are some ideas for empty nesters looking to build their dream custom homes.

First Floor Living

According to 55+ Housing Council of the National Association for Home Builders, 64% of baby boomers prefer single-level living. Ranch homes are preferred by downsizing families. However, stylish two-story homes with a bedroom on the first floor are also in high demand.

Open floor plans are preferred by 55-year-old homebuyers. They include the main bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and laundry on the main level. Older adults can avoid falling and damage to their joints by requiring fewer steps.

Making Inclusive Living Spaces

When their children have grown, empty nesters are more free. They still want to make smart, long-term investments. They want a home that is comfortable for their aging and does not compromise on style.

The universal design addresses the need for housing that is adaptable to all people, regardless of their age or physical abilities.

Universal design features, such as no-step entry, wide hallways and doorways, and additional floor space are just a few examples. The easy-access areas allow for furniture to be moved without the need for a wheelchair or walker, making it easier for everyone to move around.

See Clearly Now

The American Optometric Association states that many people have difficulty seeing after 40. You will need more light to see clearly as your vision naturally declines.

Builders are creating new homes that have more windows to let in natural light. This energy-saving feature is appreciated by empty nesters. Additionally, there are more light fixtures and more user-friendly rocker lights switches in areas such as the kitchen and bathrooms. This helps people see better and prevents accidents.

Luxury Features

Building a home is a wise decision. You have more experience in life and are better able to choose what you want. While empty nesters may be happy to reduce square footage, they prefer all other aspects to be larger.

Older adults, for example, want homes with high-end amenities such as hardwood floors, granite countertops and stainless steel appliances.

Custom Homes

Many empty nesters have been raising their children for decades in an older home. They are thrilled to finally have their home how they want it. These homeowners are not satisfied with a cookie-cutter floor plan. They want their own custom home.

Many downsizers feel their new nest is not empty, but they wouldn’t want it any other way. They desire more living space, outdoor and indoor entertaining space, and a place where their family can stay.

Building a custom home in Myrtle Beach is possible for anyone at any stage of life.

Low Maintenance

After years of costly repairs to their homes, downsizing families love the ease of new construction. A warranty is an added benefit for them.

Home Office

Many empty nesters are looking to work after they retire, whether it is by choice or necessity. Many builders offer space for employees to work at home because many companies allow them freedom.

If the new house has two floors, empty nesters will often use an upstairs bedroom as an office. This allows them to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Pet-Friendly Features

Although their children may have moved on, many empty nesters end up bringing four-legged “children”.

Some of the most popular features for cat and dog-friendly features are washing and drying stations and eating areas. There is also heated flooring in transition zones and built-in cabinetry that can replace unsightly scratching boards and dog kennels.

Many families that are downsizing want to move closer to their family to be able to keep in touch with their loved ones and maintain their connections to friends, doctors, and other professionals. According to the AARP Public Policy Institute, their top five amenities are public transportation, grocery shopping and pharmacy, parks, and hospitals.

Don’t forget the local school district. The quality of the schools in your area matters, even if your children graduated high school many years ago. Research shows that homes in the most desirable school districts sell at a higher price than homes in less-popular ones.

Resale Value

Many empty nesters view their new home construction as permanent residences so resale values may not be an important consideration. It should still be considered. Universal design principles can give your home more appeal.

Final Thoughts

You have worked hard your whole life.  Now it’s time for you to pursue your dreams. Custom-built homes offer floor plans and amenities that are tailored to your future and current needs.

Are you ready to downsize?

You can count on our friendly consultants to guide you through the entire building process and answer any questions. Dawol Homes is excited to help you start the next chapter in your life.

Call Dawol Homes now if you need help in building your dream home.

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Dawol Homes
9404 Hwy 17 Bypass,
Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
(843) 294-2859

Dawol Homes Sales Office
3100 Dick Pond Rd # E
Myrtle Beach, SC 29588
843-294-2859

We build homes in: Cypress River Plantation, Waterway Palms, Waterbridge, Murrells Inlet, Collins Creek, Bellwood Landing, Carolina Forest, Plantation Lakes, North Myrtle Beach, Socastee, Surfside Beach, Pawleys Island, Litchfield Plantation