Del Webb vs K. Hovnanian vs Lennar floor plan philosophies — and the aging-in-place features that distinguish a livable 55+ home from one that will require modifications in 5 years
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Talk to a Specialist →Most buyers think about floor plans in terms of size, bedroom count, and aesthetic. At 55+, there is an additional dimension: livability over time. A home that is beautiful and convenient at 65 may create significant challenges at 78. The best 55+ floor plans address this proactively — single-level living, wider doorways, accessible bathroom configurations, and layouts that do not require daily stair use for core functions.
This is not about assuming disability. It is about making a decision at purchase that does not force expensive modifications or another move in 10–15 years.
Majority single-story plans. Traditional ranch-style layouts with formal dining, separate living room, and kitchen-family room combination. More conservative design vocabulary. Wide range of square footage — from 1,200 sq ft villas to 3,500+ sq ft estate homes. Proven resale demand across 30 years of market history.
Emphasis on open-concept great rooms integrating kitchen, dining, and living. 10-foot standard ceilings. More contemporary design vocabulary. Single-story plans as standard in the 55+ Four Seasons line. Higher standard finish specification than comparable Del Webb base pricing.
Everything's Included approach means open-concept plans with all upgrades standard. Single-story and single-story with bonus room options. Smart home features standard. More aggressive use of natural light and indoor-outdoor connection in design. Pricing is base price with minimal options vs significant upgrade costs at other builders.
Casual, resort-style designs that reflect the Margaritaville aesthetic — covered lanais, open living areas, light and airy finishes. Multiple single-story plan options across single-family, cottage, and villa types. Contemporary but not aggressively modern.
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| Feature | Why It Matters | Ask Builder / Seller |
|---|---|---|
| Single-level living | Eliminates daily stair use; essential for mobility changes | Is every daily function (bedroom, laundry, garage) on one floor? |
| Zero-step entry | Eliminates tripping hazard; accommodates wheelchair/walker access | Is there a step from garage to home interior? |
| 36" doorways (minimum) | Accommodates wheelchair width; standard ADA-accessible width | What is the width of bedroom and bathroom doorways? |
| Walk-in shower (curbless preferred) | Eliminates tub transfer risk; easier than step-in shower | Is the primary shower curbless or low-threshold? |
| Blocking for grab bars | Allows future grab bar installation without replacing walls | Is there blocking in primary bath walls for future grab bars? |
| Laundry on main floor | Eliminates stairs for daily laundry; significant daily mobility factor | Where is the laundry — main floor or upstairs? |
| Primary bedroom on main floor | Critical for single-level sleeping; often not obvious in two-story plans | In two-story plans: is primary bedroom on ground floor? |
Floor plan quality affects resale value in 55+ communities. Single-story homes with open-concept layouts and aging-in-place features consistently outperform two-story or traditional-layout homes in Sun City resale. Buyers in the resale market increasingly screen for single-level living as a must-have — not a preference. If resale value matters to your long-term plan, a single-story open-concept floor plan is the lower-risk choice regardless of which community you choose.
We can walk through the available plans at any Bluffton community and flag the aging-in-place features for your priorities.
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