Demand for Aging in Place Remodeling on the Rise

No one wants to think about becoming disabled or too old to safely stay in their own home. Planning ahead for future aging needs has homeowners asking for improvement projects to make their homes more comfortable as they age because they don’t want to move or lose independence. The “Baby Boomers” are seeing what is happening with their parents, deciding 'this is my last home,' and making plans to stay in that home as long as possible.

The most frequently requested modifications include; adding grab bars, installing higher toilets, upgrading to a curb-less shower, widening door ways to accommodate wheel chairs, constructing ramps, lowering thresholds, and enhancing lighting accessibility.

The goal is to create a great looking remodel with the accommodation as invisible as possible. You don’t want to give your home that “institutional” look and detract from the resale value later. This can be done through “Universal Design” techniques that allow the home and furnishings to work for nearly everyone of all sizes, ages and abilities.
 

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Universal Design Techniques for an Accessible Remodel

Accessible remodels require only simple modifications and features that can be added or made while remaining completely unobtrusive and do not detract from the elegance of your home.

For example you can add design features such as a sink that can be raised or lowered, a raised dishwasher, roll-out shelves, cabinet doors that retract to leave knee space for people in wheelchairs, and kitchen floor edging in a contrasting color to help orient people with limited eyesight.  The photo above demonstrates a wheelchair accessible sink.  Notice the modification does not detract from the design of the bathroom.

Other ideas to consider in your remodel may include widening doorways and hallways to accommodate wheelchairs, designing a front entry as level to the ground as local building codes allow or eliminating stairs all-together and replacing with gently sloping sidewalks that roll right up to a non-barrier front door threshold.

For a successful, accessible remodel, take advantage of all the existing research that is available. Search the Internet and bookstores using terms like “universal design” and “aging in place”. The National Resource Center on Supportive Housing and Home Modification web site is another good starting point. One of the biggest ways to ensure success with this type of project is to choose the right contractor, one who is interested in your changing lifestyle and is conscientious regarding your needs.
 

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Now is the Perfect Time to Rejuvinate Your Lawn!

Is your lawn looking a little tired and bare? If so, don’t worry—fall is a great time to rejuvenate it. The weather is good for seed germination and competition from weeds is at its lowest.

Many lawns suffer from compacted soil, which deprives grass roots of needed oxygen. Removing plugs of soil with a core aerator (approximately $40 per half day to rent) allows air and water to penetrate the ground and leaves space for surrounding soil to expand and loosen. Remember it’s best to use the aerator when the soil is moist.

Here are a few tips to get you started and you can also call your local county extension office or ask your local nursery for advice.
 

1.  Allow a day between aerating and seeding to let the soil plugs dry. Dry plugs will break up easier when you blend them in along with the dressing of topsoil.

2.  Pick a grass seed mix that fits your climate as well as soil and shade conditions.

3.  Make note of your soil type, whether it’s heavy clay or well-drained loam, and how much sunlight the area gets.

4. The final step in the renovation is to cover the seed with a thin layer of soil. Buy bags of soil from the nursery for small areas. If you’re reseeding an entire lawn, it’ll be more economical to order topsoil delivered. Call a nursery or landscape supply company and say you want screened and pulverized black dirt for top dressing your lawn.

5.  Lightly water the seeded area two or three times a day for 5 to 20 days until the seed sprouts.

6.  As the grass reaches 1 to 2 in. tall, water once a day, but leave the sprinkler on long enough to wet the roots, which are 1 to 2 in. deep.

7.  You can mow the grass when it’s about 3 in. tall.

Come next spring, your lawn will be amazing!

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Another Hibbard Construction Project

This is a kitchen remodel that we are presently in the middle of completing. The existing cabinets and counter tops were removed. The client had us slightly rearrange the cabinet configuration allowing for more storage and work space.

New cabinets were installed that have a fresh modern look with a painted glazed finish and extended all the way to the ceiling adding 1/3 more storage.  The use of roll outs in the bottom cupboards will allow for easier access to pots, pans and small appliances.  

New quartz counter tops add a stylish appeal and durability to the work surface.  Tile backsplash and updated plumbing fixtures continue to enhance selected design elements.  Electrical outlets have been added and updated to current building codes and recessed canned lighting brightens the entire room.

Watch next month for the completed project.
 

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