Starting Your Remodel

Designing and planning for your remodel is often exciting. As you begin to plan for a bathroom, kitchen, or addition that fits your needs and wants, your project can seem more like play than work. Once you begin to implement your design, however, your remodel can quickly become stressful and frustrating, especially if you run into problems.

You can’t control what happens, but you can avoid disaster by planning and organizing before your project even begins. Use these tips as a guide for your remodel and create a plan that will make your project a breeze!

1. Make lists

Organization is key for big projects and making lists will help you keep your plans and thoughts straight. Your scope of work document is the most important list to make and keep track of. This document contains a detailed list of every part of the project from start to finish. Give this list to your main builder and make sure everyone is on the same page about goals and project information. A detailed list will also help you get accurate quotes from builders and allow you to compare and choose the best option.

2. Stay on the same page

When you have several subcontractors working on your remodel, things can get confusing. Multiple plumbers, electricians, and builders can cause details to be missed and may cause problems amongst themselves. When we remodel, we carefully choose the subcontractors we work with and serve as your point of contact for every aspect of your remodel. This way, we can keep everything organized and make sure your project progresses how you want. Our weekly updates keep you informed and allow you to stay on top of the project.

3. Be specific

You’ll want to finalize your plan before starting and the more specific you are, the smoother it will go. Break each part of the project into subsections and include every pertinent detail. Ask for help from professionals to ensure your plan is realistic and doable. Take your time and create a plan that will carry the project through the end. This will help you avoid the stress of last-minute changes and let your builder give you an accurate cost and time estimation.

4. Prepare to be involved

Even with a detailed plan, your builder will still have questions for you throughout the project. Some, such as trim colors and lighting fixtures, can be anticipated, but others cannot. Have as many answers ready as you can and stay in good communication with your builder so you can address issues as needed.

5. Prepare for the worst

Something will inevitably go wrong during your project, so prepare for issues as best you can. Give yourself room in the budget for additional costs and have a backup plan for delayed shipments and unavoidable mistakes. If your project becomes too much to handle, don’t be afraid to hire a project manager. This person will help oversee the project and save you from additional stress.

Do you have a tip for new remodelers? What would you tell them?

Top 6 Aging in Place Features

Homeowners should always choose or design a home based on the future. When they plan on spending the rest of their lives in a new home or have disabilities, the home’s design becomes exceedingly more important.

We are Certified Aging in Place (CAPS) builders and have built and renovated several homes to fit the needs of our clients. Everyone should feel comfortable and safe in their own homes and we aim to give that to every person and family we work with.

Each home looks different, depending on the requirements and space we are given, but there are several common features for every Aging in Place home. Whether planning for yourself, a parent, or another loved one, these six features will help you understand the changes you’ll need in your home.

Curbless Showers

Remove bathroom obstacles with a curbless shower for easy wheelchair, walker, or limited mobility access. The sloped, water-proofed floor will direct water down the drain and keep your bathroom from getting too wet and slippery. You can also add heated flooring for extra comfort and luxury.

Bathroom Benches

Benches in the shower and near the counter/vanity can add an extra level of comfort for anyone using the bathroom. Use movable benches or get seats that fold along the wall for additional space when not in use. Avoid slips and falls both in the shower and out.

Handheld Showers

Handheld showers and bathroom benches go hand-in-hand. Use a movable shower head for easier access and to give your loved ones the option to shower without someone helping to hold them under the spray. Install a shower head along with your handheld shower for more showering options.

Grab Bars

Grab bars can help prevent falls on slippery shower floors and give the extra support and security needed to enjoy a nice, long shower. These features come in many designs and styles, so find a grab bar that suits your bathroom decor and fits your needs.

Railings

Some bathrooms can’t be renovated to provide easy access to showers and tubs. Railings provide the necessary support for these situations and give security when getting in and out of the shower or tub. Like grab bars, these come in many styles to match with your bathroom instead of standing out.

Door Levers, Lever Faucets, Touchless Faucets, and Pullouts

When arthritis makes grasping and holding painful and often impossible, traditional knobs and faucets no longer work. Using levers and pullouts instead can ease the strain on hands and return strength to fingers. Make every part of the house more accessible with these better options.

These are the most popular and useful features, but definitely not the only options. Stair lights, elevators, smart appliances, and more can make your home a safer and more accessible place for your loved ones.

Do you have a feature you would want or recommend for an Aging in Place home?