If you’re coming to the end of your working life, you might have begun to make plans for what comes next. Life as a retiree can be markedly different from life as a working person. For one thing, you’ll be spending more time at home than you did before. Making a few key changes can significantly bolster the quality of life you enjoy!
Funding the changes
Depending on the kind of pension you’re relying on, your income as a retiree might be in need of supplementation. You might have a pot of savings into which you can dip, or you might look into outside finance. A lifetime mortgage is a good option for many: with this kind of mortgage, you can secure borrowed money against your home without giving up ownership.
Once you have the money, you can think about the changes you’d like to make. Several possibilities stand out from the rest.
Landscaping the garden
Spending time in the garden is great for the mind and the body. To begin with, you might want to perform a radical overhaul of the space. You can install raised planters and flowerbeds, lay down a new patio, or even tear up and replace the entire lawn. Get a garden space that matches your tastes, and that will be easy to maintain. Of course, you might want to spend lots of time in the garden during your retirement – in which case you can have a garden that’s overflowing with plant life!
Kitchen refurbishment
A quality new kitchen is an excellent way to add value to your home. It’ll also make the process of preparing and serving food that much more pleasant. Extra touches like granite countertops can often make a major difference, but it’s the size of your oven that probably matters most. Think about the kinds of food that you’ve always wanted to cook, and select your appliances accordingly.
Bathroom replacement
Your bathroom might also be in need of replacement. Swapping out dated tiles for sleek modern ones can help to revitalise the space. This is the part of the home where you’ll want to feel clean and fresh – and your choice of décor can really help, here. Extra touches like high-flow showers can also make a big difference.
You might also want to install a few potted plants in the bathroom space. Look for plants that can stand up to high levels of moisture, and position them along any available shelves.