Saskatoon Handyman: The Benefits of Pocket Doors for Seniors

Aging in place is a goal for many seniors, but some houses, especially multi-story homes, are not practical options. Many multi-story properties have bedrooms and laundry on the second level. As seniors age, managing stairs becomes more challenging, but that doesn’t mean their home cannot work; it only means families must look into home repairs for seniors.

Often, a family or homeowner can invest in minor renovations to create bedroom and laundry spaces on the main floor of their home. With the installation of a few pocket doors, a house is ready for long-term living.

4 Benefits of Pocket Doors for Seniors

Pocket doors were a staple of early home construction. If you enter an early 20th-century home, you’ll likely find beautiful solid wood pocket doors separating all the main living areas. Unfortunately, pocket doors went out of style as the century chugged along, but that doesn’t mean they lack convenience.

Pocket doors take up less room than traditional doors, allowing a space to be multifunctional. A room can be inviting for the entire family in one sitting, but by simply sliding the door from its nook in the wall, the room suddenly becomes a private oasis. Pocket doors are a perfect and advantageous solution when converting or remodelling a house for seniors.

1. Private and Safe Space

A pocket door can transform an open room into a private, safe space for a senior. When changing a primary level to suit the needs of someone aging in place, it is vital to provide privacy.

A senior, or anyone for that matter, wants to feel secure when they enter what is meant to be a bedroom area. If a family converts a family room or living room into a bedroom, they must give the room distinction with a door. A pocket door is a simple solution that doesn’t eliminate the ability for the room to be a multi-use space.

2. Maximizes Space

A standard door takes up a significant amount of space. Sure, the door is a fixed height and width, but it swings into a room, meaning it can take up valuable floor space.

A pocket door does not have the same swinging problem as a typical door because it slides along a defined track. Also, unlike barn doors, a pocket door slides into a wall cavity, ensuring the vital floor and wall space remain.

3. Affordable

When people think of home remodels, they rarely think of words such as “affordable.” Renovations and repair services in Saskatoon are expensive, and when trying to adjust a home for aging in place, it is critical to maximize every dollar.

A pocket door is relatively affordable compared to other doors. True, the installation can be a little more involved than with typical doors, but that depends on the wall construction of the home. In some cases, installing a pocket door may barely put a dent in a reno budget.

4. Easy Installation

Conventional doors are notoriously tricky to install. When homeowners attempt DIY installs, they typically end up with crooked installations or stuck doors. Professionals are necessary for doorway installation because of their experience and skill level.

Pocket door installation is a little easier than installing a conventional door because the system includes the door and doesn’t require significant balancing or shimming for a proper fit. Still, you do not want to attempt DIY installations. Pros will make quick work of an install and are worth every penny in labour.

Professional Installation

Installing pocket doors in your Saskatoon home can not only add space and improve visual aesthetics but is also an important safety consideration. They can help ensure seniors’ independence and well-being, allowing them to travel from room to room without hassle. When considering senior home repair or renovations, contact the team at Handyman Connection for licensed and qualified professionals. Your home and family are worth the investment.