Aging in Place Outdoors: Budget-Friendly DIY Accessibility Upgrades That Don’t Hurt Resale Value

When most people think of outdoor aging-in-place updates, they often picture industrial-looking metal ramps.

Rest assured, you don’t have to choose between safety and style. There are many visually appealing, DIY-friendly ways to improve your yard’s accessibility without compromising curb appeal or resale value.

By knowing what they are and implementing them around your home, you can enjoy a safer outdoor space and greater peace of mind. 

Universal design ideas to consider 

With these affordable upgrades, you can make your home more livable today while preparing it for the future:

Add motion sensor lights to pathways

As we get older, our eyesight often gets worse and takes longer to adjust to changes in light, which can lead to more falls. 

“Easy-to-install LED pathway lights with built-in motion sensors illuminate pathways, help prevent falls, and eliminate the need for manual switches,” says Amanda Valente, co-founder and COO at Renovation Sells in Chicago. 

Make sure the sensor has a clear line of sight when installing the lights. Otherwise, it won’t turn on. 

“This is a small investment of around $150 that makes a noticeable difference in everyday living, while also enhancing curb appeal,” Valente adds.

Repair uneven walkways 

Filling or patching uneven sidewalks and walkways with chips or cracks also reduces the risk of falls, makes it easier to navigate outside with mobility aids, and increases property value. 

“If the walkway has only minor cracks or chips, the upgrade tends to be more affordable as repair kits are available for only $30,” Valente explains. 

Elevate raised garden beds

Standard raised beds sit just over a foot above ground level. Building them up to 36 inches means you won’t have to kneel or bend over. Use cedar for a natural look that is more rot-resistant. 

“A pair of these in a 4-by-8-foot size runs about $800 in materials,” adds Erik Leland, real estate broker at Realty First in Lake Oswego, OR.

Replace door knobs with new levered hardware

“Not only is this an aesthetically pleasing upgrade, it also makes life easier if you have poor hand grip or struggle when carrying packages,” says Brenda Scott, professional organizer and owner at Tidy My Space in London, ON, which specializes in aging in place and downsizing.

 Most hardware stores have lots of options to choose from, and you can install the hardware quickly for about $10 to $50 per door. 

Set up rest spots along longer paths

“In my opinion, there is no other amenity that is better suited for a heavy walker than a good bench in the center of their trail,” explains Natalia Bassova, accredited staging professional, real estate agent, and owner at Resort Real Estate in Breckenridge, CO. 

If you like to take walks in your yard and wish you had spots to rest every now and then, benches can be a real game changer. 

You could snag a quality outdoor bench for anywhere from $80 to $250.

How to choose the right upgrades

Before you spend a single dollar, invest in an aging-in-place or adaptive home assessment by a certified aging-in-place specialist (CAP), occupational therapist (OT), or universal design professional. 

“A pro can evaluate your home’s safety and recommend modifications that enhance it,” explains Scott.  

It’s also a good idea to walk around the outside of your home to home in on the hazards and challenges that need to be addressed.

Don’t forget to consider your local climate and ensure the updates you choose align with it.

“In Breckenridge, CO, we have very cold winters and a lot of wet weather, which means all of our walkways require slip-resistant materials, proper drainage, and snow/ice maintenance. All materials used will go through many freeze and thaw cycles,” explains Bassova.

You don’t want to end up with a surface or finish that you can’t realistically clean or maintain throughout the year.

Once you know which updates make the most sense, begin with lighting and surface treatments, as those are inexpensive and relatively easy.

“Save structural changes such as regrading and retaining walls for longer-term upgrades that you plan for. Those will require more careful consideration and possibly permitting,” adds Leland.