The process of designing the home that you plan to retire and grow old gracefully in can be a daunting and overwhelming one. Putting a little more effort and investment in at the initial design stages can save you time and money in the long run. With a few clever products that you may not even be aware exist, and a couple of important fore-thoughts you can rest assured that whatever may happen in the future, your retirement home is up to the job without looking institutionalised. Floorplan, Site & General inclusions Consider a single level home on a relatively flat block. The less level changes required the better. If you are purchasing an existing home and find this situation is too rare or outside your budget, look for homes that have living spaces and at least one bedroom and bathroom on the ground floor. If staircases are unavoidable ensure they are wide enough to accommodate a stair lift in the future (a minimum 820mm). Windows sills should be low enough that visibility out is possible from a seated position. Windows should be easy to open, close and lock. All doorways and entryways should be 820mm wide at a minimum with halls and thoroughfares 1000mm wide. This includes either side of the bed for access in and out. Undercover access from the parking area to the house is important to avoid slip hazards. If building a new home, plan for additional framework (nogging) as required in areas where you would later install grab rails. That is, by any steps, next to the toilet and in the shower area (see more under bathroom). Consider touch operated electrical switches or the larger style switches. Switchplates should be in a contrasting colour to the wall. Door Hardware Keys can be painful and difficult for older people and pin numbers can easily be forgotten. Fingerprint scanning door security is a good option if you can make the investment. If not an option, ensure any locks and opening devices can be utilised easily with one hand, avoid the kind where you need to turn the key while at the same time operating the lever. Ensure all door hardware is of the lever variety and all include safety release latches on privacy locks (or go without privacy locks). Knobs will become difficult to grasp and turn in later life. Landscaping Consider fencing that doesn't impede visibility from a seated position, enabling a person to sit and watch the world go buy and not feel too enclosed. Planting should be relatively low maintenance. Avoid planting a lot of trees that require annual pruning and consider native plants that do not require daily watering but attract wildlife to your garden that you can enjoy watching. Install sensor lighting to outdoor areas and all entryways. An accessible outdoor area with raised garden beds is also a good consideration to enable people with limited mobility to still enjoy time outdoors. Kitchen Your kitchen should be well lit with task lighting over working areas. There should be adequate space around working areas with good flow between functions. The benchtop and cupboards should contrast in colour to assist with visual impairment. You may like to consider including a benchtop at a lower level with leg space underneath in the case of future wheelchair access. This can act as an island dining table while not required for seated accessibility. A drawer that you can convert into a pull out work bench is an alternative. Power switches should be in a contrasting colour to the back splash. Ensure you include plenty of storage space in the base cabinets with drawers being a preference for ease of access. Overhead storage will be difficult to access in later life. Handles should be of the pull variety rather than knobs. Consider internal cupboard lighting for visibility. Appliances should have simplistic, visual cues, be easy to operate and be clearly identifiable as 'on' or 'off'. Bathroom The bathroom is usually the one area where the greatest amount of re-thinking is required. What is traditionally kept small and private now needs to consider accessibility and assistance. Bathrooms should be large enough to be able to move freely with a mobility aid and leg room under basins may be something you like to consider in case of wheelchair access. Separate toilet rooms need to be large enough to allow for grab rails, or toilet chair and a wheel chair or walking frame. They also need to be large enough that a person can be assisted. The ideal size would be 1000mm wide by 2000mm long. If this is not achievable with your current floor plan you may consider installing a toilet in the main bathroom area, which may mean foregoing or removal of a bath tub. Additional framework (nogging) should be planned along the wall next to the toilet and on the rear and one side wall of the shower enclosure to incorporate grab rails at a later date. These should be located on either side of stud 800 - 810mm from floor level. The shower should be hobless, with no track or step that could cause a trip hazard and be large enough for wheelchair, frame or shower chair access (around 1200mm square is optimum with 900mm at minimum). Ensure the door, taps and shower head is positioned in a way that can be comfortably utilised by an assistant. The shower head should be on a rail to allow height adjustment and include a removeable handpiece on a flexible hose. Install flickmixer style taps for ease of operation. Temperature control is an important safety consideration when designing for old age. You do not want the chance of accidental scalding if the tap is bumped or operated incorrectly. Thermostatic mixing valves allow you to set the temperature of the water in your house or bathroom from a central point however they usually come with a high price tag. A much more affordable and simplistic option is to choose tapware that is fitted with an adjustable cartridge. This simple device allows you to limit the maximum temperature of an outlet by simply preventing the handle from turning passed a predetermined point (for more on this feature watch this video from Dorf tapware). Bathroom tile choice should take vision into consideration. An all white bathroom is not a good option for old age. As most sanitary fixtures are white, wall and floor tiles should be in a contrasting colour, as well as contrasting to each other (around a 30% contrast is optimal). See my post here for examples and inspiration. Decor Floor coverings should be easy to clean and maintain and have a good slip rating. The colour should be in a contrasting tone to the walls. Doors should also be painted in a contrasting colour for aiding visual impairment and dementia care. Window furnishings should be easy to operate, remote operated blinds and curtains are available and a good consideration if you can afford the additional investment. Ensure bookcases and freestanding furniture is secured to the wall to prevent toppling over in the case of someone grabbing it for stability. If this still seems overwhelming for you then we are here to help. Billy Hoo Studio offers interior design consultations Australia-wide via our online service with a designer experienced both professionally and personally in design for accessibility, assisted living, dementia care and over 50's living. Please get in touch to talk further about how we can help. To see full article click here

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Other things to note: Downstairs is mostly completed. The kitchen was pulled together from free cabinetry/cupboards that we got from a house demo. We are just waiting for water and electricity to be connected. The flooring throughout the ground floor is bluestone pavers, so there will be lots of rugs needed for the winter. From the kitchen it steps down into a sunken lounge, with the same view as my mum's room (lounge is directly below mums room at back of house). There is a fireplace there. This is plastered and all complete, just needs carpet. Laundry was also created from the same cabinety, its currently used as a tool room, its half tiled currently. We run on tank water and electricity, so we will need to install another tank asap. Problems we are currently facing: we are half an hour out of a main town, so trades can be really hard to get. They are also busy!! as the town is growing quickly. I have split from my tradie husband, he was incredibly skilled, and we were planning for him to do a lot of the work. This one also has big time emotions entertwined in it! We have leaks in the brickwork that need fixing - big one in the chimney, and two in my room - both upstairs. My partner was creative with building, so a lot of the stuff that is half finished we are having to interpret. Case in point, laundry window and tiling, we aren't sure how he was planning on finishing it off, and the chippy is a little confused. I can call my ex, however, I am hyper aware its not appropriate for me to be asking lots of questions. Our septic tank carked it this weekend. Need to fix this ASAP. I will keep updating, as I see this as a really valuable way to document what we are up to! I'd love to turn this into a photobook one day, so definitely a good place to store everything. Cheers Mikaela

Energy bills are one of those monthly expenses that no household can avoid. But the good news? You actually have more control over them than you might think. Picking the right plan, learning how usage works, and understanding your options can make a huge difference in what you pay. The trick is knowing where to start and how to cut through all the confusing details. This guide will walk you through the basics of energy choices, why comparing providers matters, and how you can find smarter ways to save. Why Energy Plans Differ Not all energy plans are created equal. Some focus on lower rates, while others emphasize green energy or flexible contracts. The market is designed to give customers options, but sometimes the sheer variety can feel overwhelming. Your location plays a big role too. Different states or regions may have unique providers, regulations, and even discounts that affect your bills. Understanding these differences helps you avoid paying more than necessary. Comparing Your Options Before you lock yourself into any plan, it’s worth taking the time to compare energy providers. This step alone can reveal how much variation exists between companies. Some may offer fixed-rate deals, while others provide variable rates that can change depending on the market. When you compare, look beyond just the advertised price. Think about the contract length, cancellation fees, and whether there are special discounts for direct debit or online billing. These details can add up over time. Regional Insights Energy costs aren’t uniform across the country. Certain areas give residents more choices, which can help lower bills if you shop wisely. For example, households in some states have dedicated platforms designed to simplify the process. In fact, tools like Compare Energy Victoria exist to help locals easily assess options side by side. By using resources like this, you can quickly see which plans are best for your specific household needs, without hours of research. How to Spot the Best Plan for You Finding the right plan isn’t just about chasing the lowest number. Ask yourself: How much energy does your household use daily? Do you use more power in the evenings, mornings, or weekends? Is renewable energy important to you? Do you prefer predictable monthly bills or flexible ones? Answering these questions will narrow down which providers match your lifestyle. For example, some companies offer cheaper rates during off-peak times, which is great for families who run appliances at night. Everyday Habits That Help You Save Even after you choose a plan, your habits will impact the final bill. Simple actions can make a huge difference. Turning off lights when leaving a room, switching to LED bulbs, or setting your thermostat wisely can cut down usage. Washing clothes in cold water and unplugging devices when not in use also reduces wasted energy. It’s not always about making big lifestyle changes. Consistency in small habits often adds up to noticeable savings over time. Watch for Discounts and Extras Some providers throw in perks to win over customers. These might include sign-up credits, loyalty rewards, or discounts for bundling electricity and gas together. While these shouldn’t be the only factors in your decision, they can sweeten the deal. Always read the fine print, though. A tempting upfront discount may not be worth it if the base rate is higher long term. Switching Made Simple If you’ve found a better deal, switching providers is usually easier than expected. Most companies handle the transfer for you, so there’s no disruption to your power. In many cases, you don’t even need to notify your old provider. The key is to check if there are any exit fees attached to your current plan. If so, weigh the cost against potential savings from the new deal. Long-Term Benefits Exploring different energy options doesn’t just save you money short term. It also helps you become more aware of your household’s usage and how to manage it effectively. Over time, these smart decisions can put hundreds of extra dollars back into your pocket each year. Plus, for those who value sustainability, comparing providers gives you the chance to support greener energy options without overspending. Final Thoughts Energy bills don’t have to be a mystery. By taking the time to explore your choices, compare providers, and adjust your daily habits, you can make smarter decisions for your household budget. The bottom line? The effort you put in today pays off for years to come—both in savings and in the comfort of knowing you’ve picked the right plan for your home.