Universal Appeal

As more homeowners choose to live in their homes longer as they age, many of them are improving their space with universal design features to help them live more comfortably.  Before making any improvements, the National Aging in Place Council outlines the most common universal designs modifications.

Are the entryways accessible?  Adding a ramp or constructing no-step entries can help those confined to a wheelchair or who have trouble climbing stairs.  Open floor plans and wider hallways make everyone feel less cramped and allow people to move around easily.  Wider doorways provide easier access to other parts of the home and enable people to move larger items in and out of the house.

To improve safety in bathrooms, install grab bars and elevated toilets.  Make sure there’s enough turnaround space for someone in a wheelchair, and consider lowering the bathroom sink and adding a roll-in shower with multiple showerheads.  A non-slip floor and shower surface will help everyone stay on their feet.  In the master bedroom, consider reconfiguring an existing walk-in closet or building a new one with storage at different heights.

In the kitchen, lower cooking surfaces and countertops built at varying heights will appeal to home cooks to have difficulty bending over or have height limitations.  Wall ovens and microwaves should be mounted at reachable heights, and storage and shelf space should be abundant and accessible.

Well-placed skylights and ceiling lights will aid those with poor vision and make the home more personable and safe.  Installing rocker switches and door lever handles can aid people with poor hand strengths as well as those carrying groceries into the house.

A universally-designed home provides smart solutions for everyday living that everyone can enjoy.

Cynthia Schmier, Broker/Owner
CRS, CDPE, CNE, CIAS, 5-STAR
RE/MAX Country

Cynthia@Cynthia-Online.com
(360) 400-3475

A Fresh Start

Most New Year’s resolutions involve promises to fit into last years’ suit and to avoid the fast-foods lane. But don’t let your self-improvement list end there.  These home improvement tips, suggested by About.com, help make your home safer and healthier in the New Year.

Safety first.  Make this the year to be truly prepared by creating a household emergency kit.  Pack it with first aid supplies, a working flashlight, batteries, extra blankets, a can opener and some nonperishable food.  Also take the time each month to make sure your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are working.  Purify the air in the home by swapping out furnace filters every month, and burn real firewood rather than mass-produced logs to avoid potentially harmful chemicals.

Throw it away.  De-clutter your life one room at a time.  Start with the kitchen: Toss and recycle containers that have long lost their matching lids, and pare down small appliances to the ones you use most often.  Then head to the bathroom and dump half-used bottles of shampoo or face wash that have gone unused in the past six months to clear up space.  Finish in the living room by consolidating or recycling old magazines or newspapers.

Invest wisely.  Is your refrigerator on its last legs?  Saving money to update or replace aging appliances should be on every homeowner’s mind.  By saving a small amount each week – say $10 or $20 – homeowners can work toward a specific goal, such as purchasing a more energy-efficient washer and dryer set.  When deciding what to buy, be sure to research any potential cost-saving benefits, too.

Cynthia Schmier, Broker/Owner
CRS, CDPE, CNE, CIAS, 5-STAR
RE/MAX Country

Cynthia@Cynthia-Online.com
(360) 400-3475