Low-Maintenance Exterior


A man and woman laying in bed smiling for the camera.

Respect the burden.

~Napoleon Bonaparte

14 Items for Low-Maintenance Exteriors/Aging in Place with Home Maintenance

There is a commercial on the radio in my region that is selling exclusive assisted living housing. A very sweet older woman is touting the benefits of “carefree retirement living and being free from the burdens of home ownership.” For some, that’s the goal, and for others, it’s their worst nightmare…

You don’t always have to give up your home because of maintenance, there are steps you can take to decrease the workload. Below are some suggestions for a lower maintenance exterior. And by the way, those so-called “burdens” of home ownership can provide exercise, brain stimulation, purpose, and joy in your life (something called Environmental Press). Getting rid of them all together could be a slippery slope to well, you know…your worst nightmare.

Aging in Place with a Low-Maintenance Exterior

  1. Switch to a “Forever Home” Metal/Plastic Roof

A man and woman laying in bed smiling for the camera.

  1. Replace deck with composite materials/never seal again

A man and woman laying in bed smiling for the camera.

  1. PVC porch/deck railings (ramp could be added here)

A man and woman laying in bed smiling for the camera.

  1. Irrigation systems turn on/off the water at the right times

A man and woman laying in bed smiling for the camera.

  1. Place Rocks for landscaping beauty

A man and woman laying in bed smiling for the camera.

  1. Switch to Tall Grasses for no mowing

A man and woman laying in bed smiling for the camera.

  1. Pathways reduce high-maintenance grass

A man and woman laying in bed smiling for the camera.

  1. Consider Fake-grass (no one will know)

A man and woman laying in bed smiling for the camera.

  1. Objects like lawn chairs for color instead of flowers

A man and woman laying in bed smiling for the camera.

  1. Put vinyl shake siding on the home

A man and woman laying in bed smiling for the camera.

  1. If you want grass try turf grasses

A man and woman laying in bed smiling for the camera.

  1. Plant drought-resistant landscape plants

A man and woman laying in bed smiling for the camera.

  1. Install gutter guards

A man and woman laying in bed smiling for the camera.

  1. Flowers in Pots for easy watering and care

A man and woman laying in bed smiling for the camera.

BonusThese 14 steps can go a long way towards:

1) Keeping independence/Safety

2) Adding Value to the home (every age group wants less home maintenance)

3) Aging Well and Longevity (Environmental Press)

4) The Joy of Living

The Grandkids and relatives will also have a beautiful place to visit, stay, and create memories!

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