Yes, your are thinking along the same lines. We are in our late-thirties and plan to be in the new construction home for at least 15-20 yrs. We have 2 young kids and like the "transitional" style. Looking for any new trends and capabilities that maybe we are not aware of, any styles, functions, smart home stuff, upgrades, etc... that we can put in now from the ground up...

well, it does not hurt to look at the plans for a handicapped home, but i would like to warn you before you make steps in that direction. everyone goes into the making it for the wheelchair. the truth is unless you know of something specific? roughly 80% of people have problems with lungs or heart, otherwise arthritis. in all 3 of those cases 5 ft wide halls and rooms are just adding extra steps that are hard for us to negotiate. we don't do ramps, because they are so long, that we are looking at passing out. steps are killer too, but 2 of those with help is much easier then a ramp. so give the extra room for a ramp, but don't automatically put it in. in addition heart, lung arthritis, often means you can't do things above your head or beneath your knees. I am not aged yet, but i had a rare cancer and am down to 40% lung, then got arthritis, so i have it all a little early.

we are tearing out our small kitchen, making a moveable work table, i can slide next to the sink, then i can sit on a stool to cook and wash things. instead of a cook top, many of the new portables are very improved, so i will plug what i need in. i will have peg boards to hang things and a cabinet pantry on one end for the few canned goods we get. a few shelves i can reach, because there is no longer that huge lower cabinet.

whether or not you have a full bathroom on the first floor, you should plan to have space for a walkin shower. large enough to hold a bench or chair.

even when i can get down the 2 steep steps to my porch, my hose is not long enough to go in the back yard.

I know it sounds like it is all about me, but i am using me as an example. I remember a woman coming on trying to change living room/kitchen into their living space. the difficulty was the bathroom down the hall from the kitchen was too far for her husband.

if you have the funds stair elevators or regular elevators are nice. but often you will still need to go to the bottom floor.

oh yes we are moving the washer and dryer inside so i can reach them.

make all your door knobs levers. or at least those that matter.

you should have one room on the first floor that is not open to everything.

there are lots of threads on here about smart house stuff now. but i think in 15-20 years that could all be totally different, no? make sure you are up to speed i guess on electrical, wifi connections etc.

Like i said there is almost nothing you can think of that there have not been many articles and debates on houzz. just put keywords up top and pick categories like advice or dilemma.

If i can help more just let me know. and start a new thread for rooms. oh let me give you some cool ideas i have collected over time.

Clasen Master Suite Remodel · More Info

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seems safer to me.

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pegboard

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Hire an architect. The bones are more important than the clothes that you dress them in.

whole-house surge suppressor

like that one acm.

sophie you gonna expand on that? haven't seen any clothes yet.