Finding a house that truly feels like home and meets the diverse needs of each family member can be a tedious process – especially with safety and comfort being at the forefront of the housing search in Singapore’s property market.
In this article, we will explore 7 essential features that every family should look for in their next home. From child- and senior-friendly designs to health and safety compliance measures that ensure your family’s safety and well-being, these elements are key to creating a safe and warm environment where your family can thrive.
#1 Security & Emergency Safety Features
Safety is a top priority for families as a secure home not only physically allows for everyone to be safe, but also provides peace of mind. For instance, parents can carry out their daily activities without constant worry and the added stress of keeping their children or their elders safe at home.
The right security measures can deter potential threats and improve the overall safety and living environment of the household. Let’s go over some features that contribute to a safe and secure home environment.
CCTV Surveillance
Installing CCTV systems around the house can add an extra layer of security as it can measure any suspicious activity. Modern CCTV camera systems may even allow homeowners to access live feeds on their smartphones, ensuring they have access to a monitoring system for their homes at all times. It is important to note that HDB provides residents with specific guidelines to install CCTV cameras in their homes, ensuring that installations comply with safety regulations and respect the privacy of their neighbours.
Gated Communities & Access Control
Another feature you can look for, that is also found commonly in neighbourhoods and condo developments is a gated community and security control. Having access control measures such as key card entry and security guards at the entrance helps monitor and regulate who comes into and leaves the premises.
Alarm Systems
Having alarm systems in place that alert homeowners of any dangers and emergencies in case of unauthorised entry or even emergencies like fires, gas leaks, water flooding issues etc, also provides another layer of safety. Features like window or door sensors and motion detectors are good options for this.
At-Home Emergency Safety Features
Integrating robust emergency safety features such as smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers in key areas of your home makes them easily accessible in the case of any emergencies. Regular maintenance and testing of these alarms ensure they function correctly and keep you and your family safe. Moreover, family members need to be trained on how to use alarms and fire extinguishers properly. Well-stocked first aid kits that are regularly updated are another important feature to keep at home for handling minor injuries and medical emergencies.
Additionally, homes should have emergency exit plans with designated escape routes and safe meeting points that all family members are familiar with so that everyone knows what to do and where to go in the case of emergencies like fires.
#2 Childproof & Senior-Friendly Design Elements
Creating a home that can accommodate all members of your family, from children to the elderly makes room for fostering a safe and comfortable environment. Good design elements for these purposes are not only functional but also minimise risks, allowing family members of all ages to navigate their living space with ease and confidence.
Child-Friendly Design Elements
Non-Slip Flooring: Choosing flooring materials that prevent slips and accidents is vital to the safety of children who run around and play at home. Non-slip tiles made from either porcelain or treated wood can reduce the risk and frequency of falls and small accidents around the house – especially in the kitchen and in bathrooms.
Secure Storage: Using childproof locks on drawers and cabinets, and avoiding open shelving around younger children can keep dangerous items like medications, cleaning supplies, sharp equipment or utensils out of reach.
Stair and Window Safety: Installing window guards that do not open wide enough for a child to go through or having grills that prevent the risk of falls is key for the safety of children. Additionally, especially for toddlers, it is important to have secure stair gates that prevent falls or slips on the staircase.
Rounded Furniture Edges: Having furniture with rounded corners in common areas where children may play or spend time frequently can reduce the risk of injury from sharp edges, making it a much safer space for kids who are prone to bumps and falls. Additionally, installing corner and edge guards on sharp furniture can provide an extra layer of protection, ensuring that play areas remain safe and allow children to play around the house safely.
Senior-friendly Design Elements
Comfortable Furniture: If you have elders living with you, it is essential to find furniture that is of appropriate height and support to make it easier for seniors to sit and stand. Having recliners and sofas with firm cushions can be beneficial. Additionally, adding items such as footstools and having high-quality mattresses can make sitting and sleeping a lot more comfortable for elders.
Grab Bars and Handrails: Installing grab bars and handrails in stairways and bathrooms provides support for the elderly, and reduces the risk of them having accidents that could impact their mobility and safety.
Accessible Layouts: Finally, you should find a home with layouts that allow for easy movement, especially for seniors. Having a more open layout with wide pathways and less clutter can accommodate wheelchairs and walkers.
#3 Ample Indoor & Outdoor Space
Adequate space, both indoors and outdoors, makes way for various activities as well as space for relaxation and rest. This is especially beneficial for larger families as each member can have enough space to ensure their privacy and to carry out daily activities with ease.
Having an open-plan layout creates a sense of spaciousness, allowing families to interact easily while cooking, dining, and carrying out chores. It also makes the supervision of children more manageable. Moreover, with the rise of work-from-home setups and remote learning, having dedicated work and study areas in the house is important to support productivity without interference.
Depending on your property type, having outdoor spaces like balconies and terraces can offer you and your family members extra space for play and relaxation. Outdoor spaces can be used for workouts or other outdoor hobbies. These areas can also be furnished and decorated with outdoor seating, plants and small gardening spaces. This can help you create a more nurturing living environment that accommodates daily activities and supports the physical and mental well-being of your loved ones.
#4 Health & Safety Compliance
In a family-friendly home, health and safety is a priority for protecting the well-being of all household members. One aspect of this, as we mentioned above, is having safety features at home. Another element of safety for your home is to adhere to local regulations and standards to minimise risks and foster a healthy living space.
Building Regulations and Standards
Ensure that your home is adhering to the Building and Construction Authority’s (BCA) regulations when you move in and when you renovate your home. This ensures the structural safety and integrity of your property. This may include compliance with electrical safety standards, fire safety codes, and general guidelines for construction.
Ventilation and Air Quality
In order to maintain good indoor air quality, having proper ventilation is key. Homes must include systems that promote adequate airflow within the house and reduce a buildup of indoor pollutants. Having exhaust fans in the kitchens and bathrooms of your home can prevent moisture and mould growth. Moreover, having windows open for some time during the day and night can also promote better airflow indoors.
Pest Control Measures
Regular clean-ups and maintenance of your home also ensure that your home is a safe and clean space to live in. Doing regular pest control is vital for preventing infestations of insects and rodents, which can pose health risks. Moreover, equipping your home with preventative measures like sealed entry points, proper waste disposal systems and regular cleaning can also minimise pest-related issues.
#5 Durable & Easy-to-Clean Materials
Homes with children and pets may experience higher wear and tear, and choosing materials that are durable and easy to maintain over time can significantly reduce the stress of upkeep and renewal while promoting a safe environment. Moreover, they save families time and money in the long run as there is no need for frequent and costly repairs and time spent cleaning.
Flooring options such as hardwood and engineered wood can provide you with aesthetics while also being durable and resistant to constant foot traffic. For high-moisture areas, ceramic or porcelain tiles are also ideal as they are easy to clean and water resistant. Upholstery for your furniture can also be made of synthetic and microfiber fabrics that are stain-resistant and easy to clean. Additionally, having appliances that are made of durable materials like stainless steel don’t only look sleek and modern, they are also easy to clean and resistant to stains, rust, and corrosion. This makes them ideal for kitchen appliances and fixtures.
#6 Bright & Well-Ventilated Rooms
Touching on the comfort element of family-friendly homes, having rooms and spaces in the house that are bright and well-ventilated offers families benefits including but limited to improved mood and productivity, contributing to overall well-being.
Windows, Walls and Decor
This can be achieved through light-coloured walls and decor, large windows and strategic placement of furniture. Choosing lighter-coloured walls and decor can help reflect sunlight, and make rooms feel more open and bright. This can be particularly beneficial for smaller homes where maximising the use of colour and lighting gives the effect of more open space.
Large windows and strategically placed furniture further brighten up a room as windows allow natural light to flood the interiors of your home. Strategically placing furniture, decor, and mirrors can also enhance the overall ambience of the room while creating an illusion of more space.
#7 Community Amenities and Facilities
While this is not a feature found within a home, it is important to find properties in neighbourhoods that are close to community-centric amenities and facilities.
Having access to quality schools and childcare facilities, healthcare facilities, well-maintained parks that offer kids a safe environment to play and socialise, community centres and activity spaces that encourage people of all ages to engage in activities and socialise are some good examples of what to look for when searching for family-friendly properties.
These resources provide families with essential services and amenities for children, adults and elders. Additionally, they also offer residents a living environment that fosters a sense of belonging where they can find support and opportunities for socialising and building long-term connections.
Closing Thoughts
Choosing a family-friendly home in Singapore requires careful consideration of various essential features that contribute to a safe and comfortable environment. By focusing on elements that add a sense of safety, comfort and functionality such as security, child and senior-friendly designs, ample space and community support, you can create a haven that supports your family’s lifestyle, unique needs, and well-being.
Get In Touch With Us
Is your family in search of the perfect place to call home? Feel free to reach out to us here with your questions and concerns. From finding a home with all the essential features you seek to assisting you on the next step on your property journey, our team of experienced consultants are more than happy to help you.
See you in the next one.
