rethinking your remodel

Rethink your remodel...

Like the rest of the design process, reusing salvage materials versus buying new fixtures necessitates more creativity than one might think. When integrating used materials into your remodel project the products you choose to use and the layout of your existing home will influence each other as the remodel progresses. Be prepared to modify your schedule and plans if need be, and create flexible designs that leave room for you to utilize used materials or a newly found item.

Up-front planning will minimize remodeling waste. A space-efficient design can also help reduce or even eliminate the need to add additional square footage or remove walls. A semi- flexible floor plan allows your home to adapt to changing uses and needs, with out costly unnecessary modifications. When you choose quality products and an enduring design, your project will be one you and your family can enjoy for years to come.

Decide what you want…

The most effective home remodeling projects begin when you thoroughly assess your wants and needs. By prioritizing goals and planning ahead, you can avoid confusing the ends with the means. For example, if your goal is to just add more square footage, you may end up with a bigger home- and costlier remodel- that still fails to address your space needs. However if your goal is to create an efficient and effective use of space, a smaller modification or a remodel of existing space can give you the opportunity to do more with the square footage you already have.

An example of converting an unused formal living room to a home office using

Salvaged products as well as new fixtures.

 ...before

...and after

Expand your definition of cost…

Initial price estimates give you only a peephole view of what the true cost of a product or design is. A higher purchase price for your fixtures and material can mean a better deal in the long run: you can actually reduce the cost of living in your home by choosing resource-efficient materials and designs (i.e. lowering monthly bills) and durable materials (requiring less frequent replacement). Focus on long term savings, ease of maintenance and conservation, not just initial price. A "dream deal" or very low purchase price may signify a lack of quality or durability, or even that some environmental, health or social costs are not being included in the bottom line price tag.

When you choose a professional quality salvaged or new material, quality finish and labor install, you will minimize waste down the road by delaying replacement. By reusing building materials or buying quality new materials you are creating a more efficient and money saving project.

Aging in Place

“Aging in Place” is a construction design idea that helps you or your loved ones stay in your homes for as long as possible. Like any other goal in life, “Aging in Place” requires forethought, planning and discussion. The time has passed when people had only a few choices about where to live during their retirement years. There are now many options available. One of the most popular options today is having modifications made to their current homes to meet with the challenges of fading eyesight, restrictions of movement and balance issues.
What you can do…
• Initiate conversations with loved ones and even aging parents early on, by asking them about their expectations of aging and their view of the future.
• You can research legal and financial planning that will help achieve the goals of everyone involved, instead of waiting for a crisis to occur that can take choices away.
• Research and understand the options that are available to you and consult a construction professional.
Accessibility—As we grow older easy access to everything from cabinets and storage space to second-story bedrooms and bathrooms can become an issue. If you presently need stairs or stools to get to an area, then you are a good candidate for an “Aging in Place” upgrade. It's smart to evaluate hallways, doorways, and bathrooms to see if they can accommodate wheelchairs and walkers. Don't discount areas you presently take for granted. Introducing handrails throughout your home (especially in hallways, bathrooms, tubs and shower) and increasing lighting throughout your home can go a long way in making things safe and accessible for an adult with restrictions for years to come.

Adaptability—How easily can your home be adapted to accommodate special needs and the challenges of aging? Whether you're thinking about a kitchen remodeling project or re-doing the bathroom, it's never too early to design additions and remodels with adaptability in mind. For the most part, that means it's important to design for extra space, so that you can add “Aging in Place” friendly features like handrails and moveable cabinets if they should become necessary down the road.

“Visit-ability”—One of the most debilitating factors that Aging in Place design tries to combat is isolation. As seniors and their friends grow older, it's easy to become "trapped" in the home. That said, remodeling with visit-ability in mind is a big part of living a satisfying life as you get older. Make sure your home is accessible to family and friends (especially those with restrictions) and think about making extra space available should you ever need to hire live-in help. Replacing steps with ramps, widening doorways and hallways to accommodate limited mobility and adding an extra bedroom or two are all options that you might want to consider.


What ideas should I consider if my parents or a loved one want to age in place?
• A master bedroom and bath on the first floor.
• A low or no-threshold entrance to the home with an overhang.
• Lever-style door handles.
• No change in levels on the main floor. (keeping away from hard surfaces in case of falls)
• Bright lighting in all areas, especially places like stairways.
• A low-maintenance exterior.
• Non-slip flooring at the main entryway.
• An open floor plan, especially in the kitchen/dining area.
• Handrails at all steps.
• Contrasting colors for depth perception – use a different color counter (or edging around the counter) than the floor, staining the edge of the stairs a darker color than the rest of the steps.
• Single handled faucets- both kitchen and bathrooms.
• No threshold showers with grab bars installed in specific areas for assistance. (shower curtains possibly instead of glass doors)
• Tubs with easy access doors built-in.
• Hand-held shower sprays with an adjustable bar.
• High-rise toilets for ease of use in knee joints.
• Emergency pull chords in strategic locations throughout home, monitored.

Even just using a few of these ideas can make “Aging in Place” a more comfortable and safer place for everyone.