Category: Glen Miller The Home Doctor - page 5

2016 Is The Year Of Bathroom Renovations

We are almost a month in the New Year and the thoughts of remodeling are still fresh in the air. The New Year is a perfect time to begin making soft plans for complete room renovations or small updates to different spaces within your home.

Contractors are already booking up their spring and summer with major kitchen renovations, porch additions, additions and more.  If you are considering a renovation now is the time to meet with local contractors to establish an action plan.  Now is the time to schedule your remodel to ensure that the contractor that you desire has time booked in to his schedule for your renovation project.

Consider the following trends of 2016

Bathrooms are the big rage of 2016 following the massive trend of kitchen remodeling that 2015 was witness to.  Bathroom renovations will be the top remodeling project for home owners this year.  Homeowners are looking to create a spa getaway in their own homes.  Large soaking and free standing tubs are what is currently trending.

In bathroom spaces, shower surrounds will start to see a decline and a move to large custom showers moves in.  Showers and tubs will be separate features within the bathroom space.  Showers will be extravagant within themselves.  The use of natural materials, larger showers and multiple fixtures will be the trend over the classic minimal cubical style stand up showers of the past.

The colors used within the bathroom space will be muted.  Gray is a continued favorite in 2016 along with the inclusion of darker hues mixed in.  Shades of charcoal mixed with whites and blacks offer a classic, sophisticated look to any space.  Bathrooms tiles are popular in white paired with a gray color pallet with darker accents to create an elegant spa retreat.  Hues of green, beige, blue and gray are nice to give your bathroom a beach like feel.

The bathroom sink trend of 2016 is moving away from the on counter giant bowl sinks and moving towards deep single sinks.  Incorporating a large vanity with lots of storage is a key element in making large, deep sinks look like an attractive accent within the bathroom space.

When choosing faucets heavy metals are still popular, copper is trendy as is muted black.  Replace gold and polished silver with darker faucets.  The darker trend is not only saved for the faucets within the bathroom.  Lighting options throughout the bathroom should include these darker, heavy metal shades to compliment other fixtures throughout the space.

Accent walls are also common in the bathroom of 2016.  Consider using natural elements to bring character to the space.  Accent walls of the past have always been set apart by using a bold color pallet; this is not so with bathroom renovations of today.  Natural, reclaimed materials that add drama, warmth and character.

Statement flooring in the bathroom is not a trend that is letting up.  The floor is a great pallet that provides an ample area to create something unique.  This is extremely popular with spaces that have no clear wall space that offers an accent feature.  Bringing interest to the bathroom can be difficult is such situations which is when the bathroom flooring becomes extremely important.  Statement tiles and engineered hardwood remain popular trends in bathroom flooring.

With February fast approaching now is the perfect time to make an appointment to meet with residential contractors to discuss plan to revamp your homes bathrooms.

The Home Doctor, based in Livingston County including Brighton and Howell Michigan, offers a variety of home renovations to clients ranging from bathroom remodeling to age in place home modifications.  Contact http://glenmillerthehomedoctor.com/ today all of your home renovating needs.

Top Remodeling Projects of 2016

Why do people choose to remodel?  When you are looking into home improvements for your home do you do so based solely on your own desires or do you renovate because of popular trends that hit the market? For those of you that improve your home based on trends that are popular this article is written directly for you.  In 2016 these are sure to be the most popular trends in the home improvement industry.

  • Replacing the entry door of your home: The curb appeal of your home is of utmost importance when it comes to home improvement projects.  One of the most lucrative projects that homeowners can undergo is replacing the homes entry door.  This is in fact one of the most valuable renovations that homeowners do as it recovers the value of the project over one hundred percent.

The average expense of an entry door replacement is anywhere between four to eight hundred and fifty dollars.  The total cost and added value does not necessarily increase the equity of the value a great deal, like full kitchen and bathroom remodels, however the return on investment of an entry door replacement is one that cannot be outdone by any other home improvement project.

  • Remodeling the homes bathrooms: Unlike an entry door replacement which is relatively inexpensive a bathroom renovation costs a good chunk of money and time to execute.  Remodeling a bathroom continues to remain the most popular option in home remodeling throughout the United States. It is the one area in the home that is used by everyone that enters your home and therefore needs to be comfortable and welcoming.

For homeowners it is the room that is entered the most.  It is one of the two most popular rooms within the home and really helps to sell your home.  If your home is identical within a subdivision it has been proven the home with the updated bathroom or kitchen will sell faster and for more money than an equivalent home for sale in which the living room or bedrooms have been updated.  The improvements within a bathroom will increase the asking price you can seek for your home upwards of sixty percent of the overall cost of the bathroom remodel including materials and labor.

  • Garage Door Additions or Remodels: When looking for projects that offer a high return on investment consider the replacement of your homes garage door.  The total overall value s not much but you are almost guaranteed to recoup the expense of the renovation.  If you replace your garage door for around one thousand dollars you can expect the sale price of your home to increase by at least the same amount.

Trendy home improvement projects aren’t always the most popular options when it comes to renovations.  Many times homeowners are interested in projects to increase the value of their home in terms of their overall use and enjoyment of the space.  No matter your reason for updating and improving your home be sure to keep trends and renovations in mind that will be popular to the masses.  It is more difficult to sell a home that has been overly customized verse one that has a number of neutral improvements.

The Home Doctor, based in Livingston County including Brighton and Howell Michigan, offers a variety of home renovations to clients ranging from bathroom remodeling to age in place home modifications.  Contact http://glenmillerthehomedoctor.com/ today all of your home renovating needs.

Making Home Improvements That Make Aging In Place Possible

The baby boomer generation is one of the largest segments that create the population today.  In fact it is estimated that everyday ten thousand baby boomers turn sixty five.  This is a huge shift that is being seen in America.  Although the senior population is growing it does not mean that the nursing home population is growing as well.  In fact over eighty three percent of baby boomers are preparing to age in place instead of moving into an assisted living facility. The older population is looking to age gracefully while continuing to live independently within their homes.

If you are part of this population or are helping to care for someone who is aging and hoping to live at home as they age it is important to start making small changes to keep their homes safe, comfortable, functional and easy for them to use.

One of the first recommendations that age in place contractors give to the aging population is to avoid a home that requires you to access areas via stairways.  Stairs are difficult to maneuver as we age.  Our knees don’t bend well and balance is at premium.  For some this may mean relocating while for other it may mean adjusting the current space.  Some homes have bedrooms only on a second floor.  If this is the case it may mean turning a formal dining space into a master sweet and adjusting the current space a bit.  For others it may mean that the addition of a handicap ramp.  Stairs leading into and out of the home can be tricky for seniors to navigate as well.  It is in the best interest of individuals looking to stay in their homes to have an access that is handicap modified.  Adding a handicap ramp eases access of wheelchairs, walkers and canes.

It is important that homes where seniors are aging in place are as maintenance free as possible.  This doesn’t mean that the home will not have some maintenance but it is possible to lessen the responsibilities of the individuals as they grow older.  Vinyl siding, metal roofing and composite decking are three easy exterior modification to homes where seniors wish to age in place.  Choose landscape materials that come back each year on their own as well as varieties that do not require yearly trimming.  Install automatic sprinklers as well.  These are all great options for keeping the curb appeal while allowing independence and aging in place.

It is also important that you look into the rooms within the home.  Remove all throw rugs, baskets sitting on the floor, cords in areas that individuals will be walking and easy the simple things like light switches and cabinet door pulls.  In the bathroom many choose to do age in place remodeling such as installing entry free showers with a built in seat.  Grab bars are also an important feature.  Lighting should be bright throughout the home as well.  Install rocker switches at all the entry and exits of a room to avoid having to walk into a room in the dark.

Creating a safe, comfortable space for the senior in your life is fairly simple.  Always hire contractors that are certified in handicap remodeling and age in place remodeling.  They will be the best guide to analyzing the current space and offering suggestions on what areas could use some improvement to create a space that is as safe as possible.

The Home Doctor, based in Livingston County including Brighton and Howell Michigan, offers a variety of home renovations to clients ranging from bathroom remodeling to age in place home modifications.  Contact http://glenmillerthehomedoctor.com/ today all of your home renovating needs.

The Most Important Renovation For Aging In Place

It is incredibly difficult to grasp that our parents are not as young as they once were although they remain as stubborn.  For the most part aging individuals will want to stay in their homes.  If they can fix their own meals, bathe on their own and continue to dress themselves and don’t need personal one on one care you can ensure that they will want to age in place.  With this in mind it is important that as many hazards as exist within the home are alleviated to avoid accidents that can occur.

The number one concern in age in place renovations is to prevent falls.  Do an assessment on the home and begin to look for areas that look like they present further risks of falling.  This means that all throw rugs and clutter need to be removed from the home.  Areas within the home that should be double and triple checked include stairways, showers and kitchens.  As well as making sure there are no throw rugs or clutter present be sure to increase the lighting in these main areas.  A well lit area goes a long way in preventing falls throughout the home.

The bathroom is the most dangerous area with the home for all of us not just the elderly.  The bathroom is the location in which most slip and falls occur.  If you are going to completely gut and renovate any one room in your parents home while they choose to age in place it should be the bathroom.  A bathroom overhaul should include the addition of a barrier free shower with a zero entry.  Grab bars and seats should be installed within the shower.  Grab bars should also be placed near the toilet.  Another highly recommended addition is a toilet that is elevated higher than a normal household toilet.  A bathroom that is ideal for seniors aging in place should also include slip resistant flooring and levered handles on all cabinet drawers and doors.

The cost of a new bathroom can be upwards of six thousand dollars or more depending on the exact renovations that are done as well as the labor fee that is charged by the age in place renovation specialist you choose to hire.  It is advisable to look into hiring a contractor that specializes in age in place renovations or ADA remodeling.  General contractors don’t necessarily know or understand the needs of clients with limited mobility or balance concerns.

The Home Doctor, based in Livingston County including Brighton and Howell Michigan, offers a variety of home renovations to clients ranging from bathroom remodeling to age in place home modifications.  Contact http://glenmillerthehomedoctor.com/ today all of your home renovating needs.

Accommodations As You Age

Where are you going to live as you age?  This is a question many baby boomers are facing right now.  When given a choice between living at home or moving into an assisted living situation most seniors would choose to stay at home.  The difficult part is left to their providers.  How can we create a space within their home where they are free to live independently while continuing to be safe?

Bodies change throughout the aging process.  The needs your parents have at seventy are different than what they will be at eighty.  This makes remodeling for the needs of aging parents a bit trickier than most home remodeling projects.

There are two main places where seniors have problems that need to be addressed before any others, the entrance and exits of the home and the bathroom spaces.  Most homes have stairs that are used to enter into and exit out of a home.  This can be extremely difficult on aging backs and knees.  When your parent decides they would like to stay in their home you need to consider having a handicap ramp installed on all the exits and entrances.

Create an entrance and exit without a lip.  The ramp should be wide enough to accommodate walkers and wheelchairs.  It should offer enough support for those needing stability from a handrail to maneuver.  Designing a ramp that functions with the home without sticking out is an art.  There are many contractors specializing in age in place remodeling and handicap ramp design and installation.  Work with someone who specializes in the needs of seniors.  They have the experience and knowledge to know what works and what doesn’t with every type of need.

A bathroom contractor that specializes in ADA accessibility is what you are looking for when designing a bathroom to be safe for the needs of aging bodies.  Their needs change often as they grow old and the last thing you want to do is remodel every time their needs change.  This is why it is crucial to work with a contractor that specializes in age in place and ADA accommodations.  They know and understand the changes that a person will go through and will be able to address those concerns in their design.

Safe bathrooms require more than an additional light, taller toilet and a few grab bars.  There are details that need to be addressed in the design.  Specialists will look at all areas of the space from seating in the shower to the storage of incontinence pads.  An age in place specialist has unique methods to create a space that looks as elegant as any modern bathroom renovation with the needed benefits required to keep seniors safe and able to live independently.

The Home Doctor, based in Livingston County including Brighton and Howell Michigan, offers a variety of home renovations to clients ranging from bathroom remodeling to age in place home modifications.  Contact http://glenmillerthehomedoctor.com/ today all of your home renovating needs.

Home Renovations Without Disturbing The Peace

Making any home improvement is exciting.  When you fix, replace or freshen-up the spaces in your home it takes the space from dull and lived in to clean and new.  If you take on a home renovation without the right tools or incorrect information, this exhilarating time into a stressful situation for everyone involved.  In the article below you will find a variety of tips that can help turn all of your household projects into successful ones.

When you are first considering a home improvement project be sure to think about where to start.  Not every renovation needs to be taken on at one time.  Instead start with one room at a time.  Plan ahead so that you can keep your eyes open for deals.  If a kitchen contractor or flooring specialist is running a summer special then it may be time to make adjustments to your time line. Take advantage of low prices on both materials and labor when you can.  Don’t however start on one project and jump to another mid renovation just because you are looking to get a deal.  The disturbance of two home renovations at one time is a lot for your family to handle.

When you are looking to do any home improvement project that involves electricity, plumbing or your homes structure you will need to secure permits.  Many times renovations requiring a permit are better managed using a licensed contractor.  Hiring a professional often ends up saving homeowners money and time in the end.  The discount contractors receive on materials as well as the ability to do the work right the first time adds up to savings on the homeowners end.

When you are taking on something simple like a fresh coat of paint try to schedule the update over a long weekend.  This will give you additional time encase everything does not goes as planned.  If you are looking to paint rooms as quickly as possible try and stick to painting during the day when you are able to use the natural light.  Artificial light gives off shadows and can cause you to miss areas.  When painting a ceiling work from the outside in.  Start around the edges and finish in the center.  Walls should be painted from top to bottom.  If you are going to hire a painter ask to see examples of their work in person especially when looking to hire them to paint more than one room.  Technique is crucial when it comes to painting to prevent an uneven paint job.

When tackling complete room renovations such as bathroom or kitchen remodels plan your renovation out from start to finish. This is important whether you are working with a contractor or attempting it on your own.  Having a plan in place of when specific progress points are helps to prevent delays common in home improvement projects.

Another tip when remodeling is to take the clutter out of the process.  Simplify the space and don’t go overboard with too many patterns, colors or materials.  Stick with a theme and work on complimenting it in a manner that improves the space.

There is a lot to think about when it comes to sprucing up your home.  Working on one room at a time will allow you to wrap your head completely around one project.  This focus will help prevent time delays as well as improve each renovation.  When you can devote time, energy and finances on one space it allows you to take into consideration each and every detail so that the space is truly something unique and useful to your home and family.

The Home Doctor, based in Livingston County including Brighton and Howell Michigan, offers a variety of home renovations to clients ranging from bathroom remodeling to age in place home modifications.  Contact http://glenmillerthehomedoctor.com/ today all of your home renovating needs.

Creating Safe Spaces For Seniors With Age In Place Remodeling

Ever since the commercial with the elder lady lying on the floor yelling, “I can’t get up” has more emphasis been placed on seniors choosing to age in place.  Without breaking the budget it is possible to turn your loved ones space into a senior friendly environment that keeps them safe while allowing them the independence and freedom that they crave.

The one space to completely overhaul, if any, is the bathroom.  Most accidents involving seniors occur in the bathroom.   If your budget allows for it the best option is to take the existing space and tear it down to the studs.  This will allow you to change the structural base of improvements.

Start with widening the door entrance to a width that easily accommodates a walker or wheel chair.  From door to jam the opening should be at least thirty two inches.   Change out the door and upgrade to a sliding door.  This makes entry and exit even easier for seniors with mobility issues.

The next addition in renovating the bathroom space to accommodate aging in place is to install a shower that allows the user entry without a ledge.  A zero entry, roll in shower is ideal for users dependent upon wheelchairs or walker.  The best shower head to install for aging in place is one that can be removed.  Hand held shower heads allow users to get into hard to reach places normal ones don’t reach.   Install a built in seat in the shower as well.  This will allow older people to get off their feet while showering if the extended standing is too much for them.  Shower grab bars are essential on the walls to help with balance.

As we age the muscles in our legs start to weaken.  To combat this install an elongated toilet that sits at least seventeen to nineteen inches off the ground. This will help ease the stress put on older legs when transitioning of getting on and off of the toilet.  Installing grab bars that are accessible from the toilet are also beneficial to aging adults.

Bathroom flooring is another area that causes concerns when it comes to seniors.  Tile options are often slick, carpet in a bathroom is not an ideal option and neither is wood or the use of throw rugs.  Ceramic tile offers selections with added texture.  This is an ideal flooring option to add to a bathroom remodel, especially in age in place remodeling.

Additional lighting, both natural and artificial should be added.  Eye sight tends to fade as we age and extra lighting helps combat these issues.

Keeping our parents safe is our top priority while keeping their independence is of top priority to them; unite both in age in place remodeling.

The Home Doctor, based in Livingston County including Brighton and Howell Michigan, offers a variety of home renovations to clients ranging from bathroom remodeling to age in place home modifications.  Contact http://glenmillerthehomedoctor.com/ today all of your home renovating needs.

Bathroom Modification That Make Aging In Place Possible

The baby boomer generation is reaching the age of retirement.  They are starting to take into consideration the options that they have on where to live.  Seniors have more options than ever before because of the advancements in the technology that makes living within their own homes possible.  In the past a retirement home or assisted living facility was the only option older adults had.  This has been forever changed with the improvements found with age in place modification.

Professional contractors that specialize in handicap construction, ADA building codes and age in place modifications are a new breed of home improvement specialists.  They are able to take an ordinary home environment and make small renovations to greatly increase the quality of life for this older generation. One of the biggest worries for most of us is the safety of our parents as they go about the daily task of caring for themselves.  The number one room in the house for life altering accidents for seniors is the bathroom.  Specific bathroom age in place renovations will help decrease the likelihood of this occurring to someone you love.

The first thing that should be installed is high quality grab bars.  When installing grab bars, professional age in place contractors will use special anchors to ensure that no matter how much weight is put on the bar that it will not fail.  The anchor used is as important as the grab bar.  Grab bars should be placed in the shower as well as on the wall used for support exiting the shower area.  It is preferable at this point in life that a stand up shower without an entry lip is installed over the ordinary bath tub shower combinations that have been present in the past.

A seat should also be installed within the shower area, preferably a seat that is built in and permanently placed.  A temporary shower seat is an okay substitution when necessary but if the bathroom is being completely renovated work to build in a convenient seat for users.  A shower seat is extremely helpful to help older adults clean in areas unreachable from a standing position.  Your age in place specialist will also recommend a removable shower head.  This too adds convenience in accessing and thoroughly cleaning spots that water is unable to reach well from a standing position.

Cabinet hardware and shelving should be upgrades to options that make access simpler.   Seniors often lose mobility in their hands making cabinet hardware difficult to grasp.  Cabinet hardware should be changed to the type that allows them to be pulled open.  The same is true for shelving.  Install shelving that slides in and out.  This makes the entire cabinet accessible without having to dip down or bend over.  Both tasks become more difficult with aging.

As far as the electrical changes in the bathroom it is important to add extra lighting lower electrical outlets.  If a wheelchair is needed the lower electrical outlets will allow seniors to avoid reaching out of their chairs to plug appliances in or turn lights on.  Extra lighting is important as well.  It is important to enhance existing lighting with florescent bulbs and add direct lighting where needed.

Being independent leaves seniors living higher quality longer lives.  Age in place remodeling can ensure this gift is one that you can be bestow upon your loved ones.

The Home Doctor, based in Livingston County including Brighton and Howell Michigan, offers a variety of home renovations to clients ranging from bathroom remodeling to age in place home modifications.  Contact http://glenmillerthehomedoctor.com/ today all of your home renovating needs.

Upgrade Your Home With Kitchen Renovations

Nothing updates a home quicker than a kitchen renovation.  Don’t think that your dream kitchen and upgrades need to come with an extreme price tag either.  Using the tips below and by hiring the right contractor you can reinvent your kitchen with limited funds and little stress.

The first thing to any home renovation is with the materials you choose.  Always choose quality materials as they really do change the total feel of the space.  Many contractors have an inside relationship with local nters where they can get exceptional discounts or deals on quality merchandise that may be limited or soon to be out of stock.  With this inside edge it is easier than ever to avoid having to use subpar materials in your renovation.

Consider the height of the cabinets. If you have a small space it is important to utilize as much of it as you can for storage.  With this in mind choose cabinetry that goes from the floor to the ceiling.  This will allow you to use extra wall space for other uses.

Purchase naked cabinetry to lessen the expense.  You can choose to either stain or paint your cabinets.  Stained wood is often the most forgiving but quickly becomes dated.  Brush painted cabinets can lead to a unique look in cabinetry but if not done properly can cheapen the look of your cabinets.  This is really up to the homeowner’s style and the look desired for the kitchen space.

No matter what details you decide to forgo never should one be the countertop.  Using the right material on your countertops will provide elegance to any kitchen space.  Slate, limestone, granite and marble are all amazing choices for a sleek kitchen renovation.  Consider mixing and matching complimentary materials to create a unique kitchen space.

An open, airy style island works well in any space.  Try to avoid appliances within the island space.  This tends to create a clunky, closed in feel where as in a kitchen you are looking to create an open, clean, wide open space.

Keep the kitchen renovation simple.  Don’t overdo the details and accents.  The style of your kitchen should be compatible with the entire home.  You kitchen should be an example of what is to be found throughout the rest of your home.

For a kitchen to be nightmare free avoid high maintenance materials and appliance surfaces.  Materials such as slate, brick or terra-cotta are difficult to clean.  Smooth surfaces in light colors and ceramic floors are easy to clean but not necessarily able to hide flaws or dirt.  As popular as stainless steel is the material is difficult to keep clear of smudges.  So be careful when adding these materials to your kitchen space.

The Home Doctor, based in Livingston County including Brighton and Howell Michigan, offers a variety of home renovations to clients ranging from kitchen remodeling to age in place home modifications.  Contact http://glenmillerthehomedoctor.com/ today all of your home renovating needs.

Affordable Age In Place Bathroom Renovations

More and more people in the aging population are choosing to stay living within their own homes.  With this in mind it is important to look into specific renovations to the one room where most accidents occur, the bathroom.

The first thing you need to do is add grab bars to the bathroom space.  Grab bars add additional support for seniors as they enter and exit the shower.  They also add additional support to hold on to when they are in the shower.  Grab bars need to be installed properly.   Hire an age in place specialist, a contractor that specializes in age in place remodeling as they will ensure the grab bar is installed correctly.

If you can financially afford it replace the bathtub with a stand up shower and built in shower seat.  If this is not feasible add a shower seat to the bath tub.  It is incredibly difficult for seniors to enter and exit a bathtub.  It is better to install a walk in shower space that offers a zero entry design.   This along with the addition of a shower seat and grab bars is the safest option for the seniors.

Cabinet hardware in the bathroom should be changed from knobs to pulls.  Seniors with arthritis will have a difficult time wrapping their hands around small knobs.  Cabinet pulls are easier for them to grasp and don’t require your hand to curve around the hardware.  Also lever handles are better on the bathroom door to allow for an easier entrance and exit into the space.

In order to access the supplies within the bathroom it is best to install shelving that pulls out.  This allows for easier access to the items in the back of the cabinets which makes getting access to what they need less complicated.  Pull out shelves are also a great idea for age in place remodeling with in the kitchen as well.

Another consideration to make is the placement of the electrical outlets and switches.  Seniors that are aging may need a wheelchair or walker accessibility.  Make sure that the outlets and lights are within reach at the lower height requirements.  Don’t make it so that aging seniors have to stretch to turn lights on and off.  The goal is to remain independent and this requires access.

Vision decreases throughout the aging process.  With that in mind the need for extra lighting becomes essential in the bathroom.  Add extra lights in the shower, above the vanity and throughout the space.  A light over the toilet can help as well.  Recessed lighting can be a life saver when designing for a bathroom remodel.

Making the necessary renovations and accommodations to allow seniors to age in place allows for safety while continuing to live independently.  This is especially important as we continue to live longer.

The Home Doctor, based in Livingston County including Brighton and Howell Michigan, offers a variety of home renovations to clients ranging from bathroom remodeling to age in place home modifications.  Contact http://glenmillerthehomedoctor.com/ today all of your home renovating needs.