Jun

14

Aging In Place: Not a Fad!

Filed Under Aging In Place / Aging At Home | Leave a Comment

Just in case you thought this Aging In Place thing was a ‘fad’ …. thought I would again share with you the Definition of AIP as well as the stats and facts about how contractors and builders are being encouraged to change by the NAHB. Following info is from the NAHB Website :

How big is Aging in Place?

  • 89% of people 50+ wish to remain in their own homes indefinitely (AARP).
  • 75% of remodelers have seen an increase in requests for aging in place work (NAHB).
  • 60% of remodelers already perform aging in place work (NAHB).
  • Over half of all 55+ households rate their current home a 9 or 10 out of 10 (American Housing Survey).
  • The aging population is the number two issue to affect the remodeling industry over the next five years, only behind the availability of skilled labor (NAHB).

 What is NAHB doing to help the aging population?

NAHB, in partnership with AARP and the NAHB Research Center, developed the Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) program – the leading national educational designation designed to teach professionals how to modify homes for aging in place. Since 2002 more than 2,200 have completed CAPS, making it one of the fastest-growing education programs at NAHB. NAHB Remodelers provides more information for consumers online at: www.nahb.org/aginginplace.

 What should my home contain if I want to age in place?

  • A master bedroom and bath on the first floor.
  • A low or no-threshold entrance to the home with an overhang.
  • Lever-style door handles.
  • No change in levels on the main floor.
  • Bright lighting in all areas, especially places like stairways.
  • A low-maintenance exterior.
  • Non-slip flooring at the main entryway.
  • An open floor plan, especially in the kitchen/dining area.
  • Handrails at all steps.

What are some techniques CAPS-trained professionals use?

  • Lighting from multiple directions – reduces glare and shadows.
  • Light sockets with more than one bulb – redundancy in case one bulb burns out.
  • Stacking closets for a future elevator shaft.
  • Contrasting colors for depth perception – use a different color counter (or edging around the counter) than the floor, staining the edge of the stairs a darker color than the rest of the steps.
  • Convenience shelf at an entry way to place your grocery bag while getting your keys.

HB Building and Design specializes in Design/Build for people planning to Age In Place. Give us a call if you have any questions about what to do and how to proceed. 650-728-5878

Jun

8

HOME MAINTENANCE TIP: Get Out of the Gutter!

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Hasn’t it been a rainy spring? Here in Nor Cal, we generally don’t get any rain after February or March, but we are nearing the end of May, and the rains keep coming.

Don’t let a little rain or fog prevent you from doing a small task that will save you a lot of money in the long run. Professionals will advise you to clean your gutters twice a year. This year we are suggesting you clean them NOW!  If your home has trees that leave near your gutters, it’s even more important to clear them now. You can call a handy man to do this job for you, and it should be an inexpensive undertaking, $2-300.

If you decide you want  to do this yourself, first, make sure you have the right tools. That includes heavy jeans, sturdy shoes, and work gloves. If your house is low enough, a step ladder might give you the access to the roof line; if not, a larger folding ladder is good. If you have to use an extension ladder and lean it  against the roof, make sure to insert a 2×4 in the gutter to keep it from collapsing.

One method handymen use to clear the gutter is to use a leaf blower. This works fine, as long as you are also wearing safety goggles and a mouth mask.  You want to make sure to clear all the leaves completely from the gutter, especially in the area where a leaf guard (grill) is installed.  These grills usually can be removed to be completely cleaned. 

Another method is to scoop the debris out into a bag, then use a hose to clear out any remaning dirt. Spray the nozzele down the spout and/or use a snake to get up inside a gutter to clear really heavy buildup.

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