Home Remodeling
Your house has become a little small, home remodel or move?
Your home feels a little outdated, home remodel or move?
You are a new empty nester, home remodel or move?
Here are some questions for you but questions that might need answered sooner than you think. Believe it or not, the subject is so important in a typical American family life that there are books about it and it’s probably the subject of social studies.
When it comes to mediterranean remodeling , there are some essential features that you really need to incorporate in your design. Mediterranean architecture is very popular in Florida, California and Arizona; but you can choose to just work on the interior, one room at a time.
The main characteristic of this style is the use of colors: always deep warm earth tones mixed with crisp whites, and yellow and blue pastels in order to mimic the countryside.
You have worked very hard all your life in order to buy and maintain your home because you always envisioned staying there as long as possible and with time, the question of aging in place is popping up. Now that you are growing a little older, you are getting more and more aware of the challenges that could come with your golden years. There are a few improvements you can make to keep your home a safe environment where you can enjoy many more years.
Maybe you’ve seen it mentioned on the side of a paint can, or maybe you’ve heard about the EPA’s plans to get strict about them- but what do you need to know about low VOC paints?
Universal Design home remodeling is about making a house user-friendly for all, based on current or future needs. The concept focuses on elements that make it possible to age at home, simplifies the life of people without and with disabilities. It may be about involving the whole family in the preparation of meals (including children), improving accessibility and reachability, or providing solutions to specific requirements without the “need for specialized design”.
Remodeling projects or room additions can be costly but there are ways to increase home value (and enjoy the changes) while on a budget. Whether you feel it’s time to revamp or you are thinking about selling, some renovations have more impact on real estate value than others.
New lighting solutions are becoming a big part of construction and remodeling projects. While we may have given it only a passing glance before (I need light here, here and here), we now consider it a mission in its own right. New lighting solutions change everything because they become a lifestyle with a purpose. It is as much about saving energy as it is redefining the way we use and need light.
Home remodeling using eco-friendly materials is acquiring popularity. We are all concerned with sustainability and protecting Earth as best we could. That’s not to say we give up electricity and hot water (or just water, for that matter), nor are we reverting to candles for light and forget modern comfort. The construction industry is introducing more and more products that contribute to saving resources without compromising style.
For more articles on multigenerational living, take a look at The Rise of Multigenerational Living and Multigenerational Living Part 2: Designing the In-Law Suite.
When your folks come to live with you, it’s good to be prepared for anything they need. Whether you’re revamping a guest area or building a whole new room addition, here at Collom Construction we have some design and functionality tips to help your relatives feel more relaxed about their new surroundings in their in-law suite. Not only will these tips help them get around easier, but they’ll feel more comfortable and independent while still maintaining close ties with your family. From faucets and fixtures to making room for mobility equipment, we have you covered. Let’s take a look!
Faucets
When considering the most easy-to-use kitchen faucet for your older tenant, it’s generally advised to stay away from knobs or twisting handles. Aim for a lever or two that are easy to lift or pull side to side to adjust the temperature. Another handy point is to have red and blue colored indicators on the corresponding hot or cold faucets. When installing the faucet, be sure that it’s one that is not too close to the bowl underneath. A tall faucet is best, so there’s lots of room for any size hands.
Thanks to advanced technology, there’s now the option of touch or motion sensor faucets as well. This way, there’s no need to stress their wrists grabbing handles or twisting knobs; just tap the faucet head or slip their hands under the faucet!
Lighting
Our vision naturally begins to decline around age 40, and slowly becomes less responsive to light. Therefore, it’s safe to say that your elderly relatives may not enjoy or need the same type of lighting around the rest of your home.
One of the best ways to light up the in-law suite is natural lighting, utilizing big or frequently placed windows. Don’t paint the walls a dark color either; use light colored paint and furniture to brighten up the room or bathroom. If your in-law suite or the areas going to and from the suite have a set of stairs, we highly recommend having some step lights installed. They’re especially helpful when the house is dim and they need to get around. Adjustable recessed can lighting in the ceiling is also a great way to let your in-laws control the level of brightness in the room.
In terms of controls, there are quite a few options to choose from. If your in-law likes to be stationary for long periods, consider giving them a universal remote to control lighting. Otherwise, we can install timers, dimmers, or motion sensor controls that turn on the lights when they enter or leave a room.
Doors and Windows
Depending on your relative’s needs, there're two types of doors that can be installed: hollow core and solid core doors. Hollow core doors are less expensive, but are not impervious to noise. Solid core doors when installed properly are easy to open and can help control noise. If your in-laws prefer silence, consider installing a solid core door. Door knobs should be thought about like the faucet handles: it’s not recommended to have twisting knobs or handles that need tight grasping to open.
In regards to windows, the easier to open, the better. We recommend casement windows that open outwards with a hand crank. The crank makes it simpler to open and close without needing to reach out and pull the window. We also recommend automatic window blinds, to reduce the need to reach heights or exert themselves.
Mobility Accessories
As with most older relatives, your main issues could be their mobility around the house with their equipment. In these cases, Collom Construction or an experienced contractor can come in and widen hallways and doorways. This way, your in-laws or someone with physical challenges can move about with ease. If you're in need of ramps, we can install ramps that blend into your home and are easy to walk for both your in-laws and other family members.
Privacy for Your In-Law Suite
The solid core door we mentioned above is not the only solution for a relative who desires a quiet space away from the hustle and bustle of family life. If you’re building a new room addition with us, we can introduce you to our other noise reduction options such as: dual-glazed windows that are thicker on one side than normal window glass, ⅝ drywall, and interior wall insulation. By combining these tools, we can construct a well-insulated, quiet, and tranquil place for your in-laws to rest.
Contact Us to Make an Appointment
San Diego, CA is one of the best places in the country for aging couples to retire, with our beautiful weather and active atmosphere, and they’ll feel more at home with their family nearby. If you plan to move your in-laws into your San Diego home, contact us to schedule a free consultation with a licensed contractor. We would be happy to with assess with your home and discuss what your relatives may need, remodeling options, or even room addition options. Don’t hesitate to contact us today.
For part one, see "The Rise of Multi-Generational Living."
Today it’s not unusual to find multiple generations of one family living under one roof. Parents take care of their children, but also make room for the grandparents due to medical, emotional, or financial reasons. This phenomenon has become known as multigenerational living and is on the rise in America. Before we talked about what exactly was becoming of multigenerational living, and today we’ll take a look at a certain type of living: the in-law suite.
What is an In-Law Suite?
Depending on who you ask, the in-law suite could be an adjoining room to the house, a separate living quarters, a complete apartment attached to the home, or a guest house detached from the central home. For this post, we’re focusing on the in-home suite style of an in-law suite.
So what is it exactly? An in-law suite is an additional room, typically on the first floor of the home, that is reserved for the elderly members of your family such as grandparents and in-laws. Sometimes this addition is created by converting a den or office into another bedroom. However, home builders are catching onto the trend and offer plans that already have an in-law suite included.
Depending on the space allotted, an in-law suite typically includes a bedroom, a separate bathroom, and possibly a mini living room. They come in all shapes and sizes, from a studio layout to multiple rooms.
Advantages of an In-Law Suite
If you or your spouse are anticipating the in-laws to move in, let’s take a look at some of the advantages that an in-law suite can hold for you and your new housemates.
Privacy
By giving your in-laws/parents their own space you’re granting them a gift of privacy. They have a space where they can sleep comfortably, away from screaming grandchildren and the hectic hustle and bustle of the home life.
Amenities
Let them have a space where they can sleep and enjoy their hobbies, but also isn’t too far from their needs such as a bathroom or a couch to rest on. Take stock of what your in-laws may need and make the appropriate changes to the suite.
Do they want a personal space where they can interact with their friends? Perhaps a small living room that’s attached will do the trick. Is your kitchen feeling smaller with more people? Consider adding a small kitchenette to their suite where they can make the delicious foods they love without bumping elbows with other family members. Do your in-laws enjoy getting fresh air? Build in a pair of doors that open to the porch or the backyard like a personal patio.
A Cheery Space
Take lighting into consideration, especially as it becomes more difficult for elderly relatives to see. Large windows are a great source of natural light and warmth for those cold days. Recessed can lights are also an intimate touch that provide lots of light, forgoing the need for hot lamps or fluorescent lights. The right amount of light can transform any room into a cozy atmoshphere, and it'll be inviting for every family member to enjoy.
Resale Value with an In-Law Suite
Any time you add square footage to your home, or invest in a home with these additions, the cost-effective benefits can add value to your home. Some things to consider for the future are transforming the in-law suite into a rented room for a potential source of income, or turning it into an appealing guest bedroom. If you plan to sell your home in the future, take into consideration what the in-law suite may look like at the time and what will appeal to buyers.
Call Collom Construction for In-Law Suite Advice
If you would like to transform extra space in your home into a suite, want to remodel the in-law suite you already have, or build an addition, Collom Construction in San Diego, CA has everything you need for your multi-generational living. Our design and build firm has extensive experience in turning drab rooms into marvelous in-law suites for any generation to enjoy. We believe that the family that lives together, grows together and we’ll work hard to make sure you’re satisfied with your addition. Contact us today for advice or a free estimate.