Don't skimp on the doors

Craig@CraigFairbanksHomes.com
319-553-1457

A decision  you will never regret   When building a new home, interior door widths are one instance where wider is better.  Building codes address door width, but codes are typically adopted on a local basis and may vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Recently we were moving a "pack 'n play" (portable crib) from one room to another.  It measures 31-inches wide, fully assembled.  Never have I been so glad to have 32-in wide doors!    Wider doors require more attention in the design phase.  But for ease of moving furniture, access with a walker/wheelchair, or just not having to turn sideways when entering the bathroom, don't settle for less!

Feel free to use and share HER Home Thought of the Day via facebook, Twitter and other social media venues! Her Home's Thought of the Day is derived from audience feedback as well as real-life experiences of the Her Home staff. In furthering our vision to help buyers make wise, informed decisions regarding their homes and the products that go into those homes, if you have a suggestion, topic, or story to share e-mail us! CLICK TO SUBSCRIBE TO OTHER DESIGN BASICS EMAILS

Do a Zero Step Entry Home Now & Save

Today's Thought of the Day It may be 30 times more expensive if you wait A zero-step entry into your home so that your home welcomes people of all physical abilities, at the time the home is being built, costs $100 to $200 according to Bradley University. As published in Her Home Magazine, retrofitting an existing home to have a zero-step entry averages $3,300. That's $100 to $200 well-spent-and you'll never miss those steps! RESOURCES From HER Home - Creating a More Visible World Feel free to use and share HER Home Thought of the Day via facebook, Twitter and other social media venues! Her Home's Thought of the Day is derived from audience feedback as well as real-life experiences of the Her Home staff. In furthering our vision to help buyers make wise, informed decisions regarding their homes and the products that go into those homes, if you have a suggestion, topic, or story to share e-mail us!

Who will decide where you live in your golden years?

Watching parents and many of our elderly family, I think I maybe close to being considered one soon, have not prepared for being comfortable in their home no matter what comes.  I don't know about you but I would much rather stay in my home until there is not another way to live, than to burden family with my physical limitations.  Being in a home that allows family to come and be comfortable too for those great holiday visits.

Now living in one of our Universal Designed Homes there are no barriers that would prevent me from staying there even alone if need be.  Even if I would come to the point where I would need some outside care that can be hired to come and deal with those needs, visiting nurses, a a far cheaper cost than being in assisted living full time..

Studies have shown that a full 75% of us, boomers and seniors, would prefer to stay in our homes and lead an active lifestyle.  Studies have also shown that those who can do so are both physically and mentally better off than their counter parts who look to assisted living faculties for care and living arrangements.

Whats most important is in the past we did not have a choice, homes were not built to accommodate a lifetime of more limited physical limitations.  Now you have a choice, most homes can be modified to accommodate many of those requirements to live at your current home.  Not all can be retrofitted but most can and in a stylish fashion that is attractive as any new home built today.  We build custom new homes with Universal Design in every home unless a customer chooses not to incorporate those features.

Sometime the cost of a retrofit makes choosing the new home option the best route and cost effective way to go.   If you have been thinking about those needs it is an indication that now would be the time to investigate and make decisions before there are limited options.

Call us for a free no obligation consultation to determine if such a move or renovation may be the right decision for you.

Craig@CraigtheBuilder.com
319-553-1457
www.CraigFairbanksHomes.com

Spring is here, let the building begin!!

Yep its spring! Not everything says it is except we have had a 70 degree day, its muddy on top of the ground and frozen 12" below grade. Were digging holes,pouring foundations and the framers are working in full force. Maybe this is the year that those active adults decide to right size into a new home.

You say,"What is an active adult and what is right sizing? For some right sizing is downsizing but for most its making a home the right size for the many needs that many always wished they had or needs that may arise in the future. Active adults are those who want to continue an active lifestyle as long as possible without wanting to relocate in the future to a retirement center or a assisted care facility. It's about purchasing the last home you may ever need to buy, custom built to your plans and ideas yet taking into consideration mobility and future heath needs as they arise.

Think about your heredity and what your elders, siblings and other relatives have had come into their lives, that may give you a sneak preview of what your needs might be. Did they experience eyesight problems,arthritis, allergies, heart conditions and mobility problems that required assistance. Maybe they needed a wheel chair, walker, railings, grab bars. Maybe their lives could have been enhanced if every area of the home was easily accessible, like no step entries to the home, wider halls and doorways. Maybe if everything was easier to reach, like fewer tall wall cabinets and appliances at a more convenient heights. Roll in showers and vanities at different heights for every occupant need. Better lighting both fixtures and natural lighting from properly placed windows.

But the real key to it all is to do all of these things through a design style called Universal Housing. Homes made to accommodate almost any person who uses the home, yet in a style that most would never know that these accommodating features are even there.

These are a few considerations when thinking about building your home. The newest trend I have seen lately is dishwasher drawers just under the counter top and another dishwasher drawer beneath that. Serves two purposes, one is accessibility and using less water and energy for small loads.

We will explore some of these new features in future blogs.

Craig Fairbanks