When we discuss renovation plans with our clients, one of the questions we ask is how long they are planning to reside in the home. Getting this information allows us to incorporate components into the remodel that will allow our clients to remain comfortably in their home as they reach senior citizen status and beyond.
Balsitis Contracting staff works with clients who are seeking to modify their homes so they can continue to live independently. The first suggestion is to have a budget idea in mind. This should be based on your “return on investment,” which may not simply be an accounting or real estate equation. It will most likely include a quality of life return.
As we age, we want to maintain the lifestyle habits and methods that we are accustomed to. This also includes being able to enjoy the conveniences of good design and new technologies. We work with our clients on developing what we call an “Owner’s Criteria,” a list of needs and wants for the remodel. It is important to keep in mind that wants may be eliminated if they don’t fit the budget. After discussing the types of modifications based on the Owners Criteria, we expand and customize these components with the designer to address the specific needs.
As a general rule, we are a big proponent of increasing lighting in a home as a person ages, making sure there is an appropriate amount throughout the house.
When considering different areas of the home, there are specific ideas on the types of alterations that can be implemented. In the bathroom, if the home is older, it may not have a light in the tub/shower area. As the vanity may have only one light above a mirror, we recommend two sconce lights instead. It’s important to have proper lighting for grooming and safely using the bathroom.
Another area of focus is the flooring. Make sure all surfaces are non-slip. If there is vinyl flooring, for example, replace it with a smaller format tile that has a matt finish and more grout lines to help prevent slipping.
Lastly, getting in and out of a bathtub can be difficult, so consider replacing the tub with a curbless shower to avoid a tripping hazard and sharp corners at the shower area.
When it comes to the kitchen, it is best to focus on convenience, particularly how it applies to the many storage and hardware options available. For example, consider adding interior roll-out shelves for accessing large items in the kitchen. Storing large trays, heavy platters, or cutting boards in vertical partitions eliminates having to lift heavy items at the top to get to the bottom of the pile. To improve safety in the cooking area, consider switching to an induction range that will not produce heat but rather activates the metal in the pan to generate heat. This can avoid burns from open flames or burners that are still cooling.
In the dining room, incorporate a landing space between the space and the kitchen, which will avoid having to walk long distances with heavy and hot food dishes. When it comes to closets, store more clothing items on open shelves to avoid heavy drawers in bedroom furniture. It is also important to add lighting in the closet area for better clothing/color selection, as many closets have little or no lighting.
When considering modifications to stairs, it is necessary to have the stair treads covered in a slip resistant material. Carpeting, for example, can be slippery. It is best to have a contrast between the tread and riser so it is easy to identify where the next step is as you are walking up the stairs. Confidently using stairs is important to avoiding injury.
For the home’s entrance, especially if the entry is off the garage, such as through a mud room, a non-slip floor would be imperative. It is also recommended to add a landing space to set down items such as groceries or a handbag, as this will help avoid putting items on the ground when entering the house.
With Balsitis Contracting, we will help you to remodel in a way that you be able to safely age, while experiencing all of the latest in product technology and convenience. Call our office at 262-203-3952, e-mail info@balsitiscontracting.com, or complete our online form to begin the process of remodeling your home to allow you to stay as long as possible.