Flex Your Muscle

While it may be a new concept to many

homebuyers, FlexHousing offers a number

of clear benefits for those looking to buy

or build a home and for those looking ahead to when

it's time to sell.

Buying a FlexHouse is like buying many homes

in one. With features such as rooms that can be easily

reconfigured or pre-designed for external additions,

FlexHouses give the ability to create a home that's

right for families for today and tomorrow, but without

the trouble or expense that conventional renovations

can bring.

Accessibility is another key FlexHousing advantage. As

family or individual needs change over time, features such

as grab bars in the bathroom or stairlifts for better

vertical access can be added easily and inexpensively. In

addition to ensuring continued comfort and safety, these

small changes can go a long way towards helping seniors

or those with impaired mobility stay independent in their

own homes longer.

However, improved accessibility isn't just an advantage

for people who require it. Everyone benefits from living in

a home built with enhanced accessibility in mind. For

example, an entry without steps is equally convenient for

someone with a walker or wheelchair, a parent pushing

a baby carriage, or anyone struggling with an armful of

groceries. Level entries, wider doorways, and lever

handles likewise simplify daily household activities,

making life easier and more convenient.

Homebuyers will also appreciate the safety issues that

are a core consideration in the design of a FlexHouse.

From non-slip flooring and the layout of stairs and

landings to the strategic placement of exterior lights,

pre-wiring for alarm systems, or installation of reliable

locks, the attention to detail that a FlexHouse provides

makes homeowners feel protected and secure.

Finally, another fundamental principle of the

FlexHousing concept is affordability. As might be

expected, the initial cost of a FlexHouse is slightly higher

than the price of a conventional home of similar style and

size. However, a FlexHouse has a number of short- and

long-term advantages that easily pay for the extra upfront

investment many times over.

By creating a liveable space for an elderly parent to join

the family or to take care of a preschool child, for instance,

FlexHouses can reduce the cost of child care when

compared to traditional daycare costs. Creating a

home-based office will not only save on office rent,

parking, and other costs, but will also reduce the time

spent commuting to and from work each day.

By incorporating features such as the provision of extra

doors and windows, adequate closet space, wiring,

lighting, and plumbing fixtures in advance, the costs of

future renovations in a FlexHouse are dramatically

reduced.Plus, because a FlexHouse is more adaptable and

less costly to renovate than a conventional home,

FlexHouse owners can enlarge or reconfigure their homes

as their needs or wants change.

In addition to allowing homeowners to enjoy their

home and community for as long as they choose to

live there, FlexHouses can also save an average of

$20,000 per move in real estate agent fees, legal

fees, building inspector fees, moving costs, and

redecorating costs alone.

For more information or a free copy of CMHC's

FlexHousing Pocket Planner, please visit our website at

www.cmhc.ca or call toll-free at 1-800-668-2642.

Mark Salerno is district manager for the GTA at the

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. For over 60

years, CMHC has been Canada's national housing

agency and a source of objective, reliable housing

expertise.