Lighting

• Whether stairs, hallways, and the night path to the bathroom are well lit
• Whether outdoor entrances and walkways have lighting
• Whether kitchen and hobby/work areas have enough task light

Observable things only — nothing is opened, moved, or tested beyond what a homeowner can safely see.

Most trips and falls happen in familiar places — and poor lighting is a quiet contributor. Lighting is usually one of the easiest, least expensive improvements in a home, from plug-in night lights to a bright bulb over the stairs.

• Light the night path to the bathroom
• Brighten stair and hallway lighting
• Add lighting over entrances and walkways
• Add task lighting in kitchen work areas

These are examples of the kinds of suggestions this area can produce — your own walkthrough and answers decide what actually appears. They are things to consider, never verdicts.

Sources

• National Center for Healthy Housing

Public guidance references only. DwellReady is not affiliated with, certified by, or endorsed by any of these organizations.

Methodology version 1.0.1 · Last reviewed September 2026