Dec 21, 2021

Ideas for Elder-Friendly Home Renovation

 

An elderly man and woman standing next to an open window and holding white cups filled with coffee

Are you planning on renovating your home? Why not invest in elder-friendly home renovation and secure your home for the future? You'll create a comfortable, safe, and secure place for all your family members. If you have very young kids, they'll also benefit from these features while you will be able to take full advantage of them as you get older. To help you design your future senior living home, we've prepared a list of things to focus on. With our tips and ideas, you'll create a perfect senior-friendly environment where you'll feel comfortable and safe to grow old.


Elder-friendly home renovation: what to focus on?


When designing an elder-friendly home, the accent should be on increasing accessibility and making all features fully functional. That's exactly what we're going to help you with in this article. We've prepared simple tips and advice to create a safe and comfortable home for your future. All that will be left for you to do is to decorate it without sacrificing safety.


An elderly couple sitting on a couch, eating snacks and watching TV
By investing in the elder-friendly renovation, you'll ensure you have a secure home to spend your golden years carefree


Invest in good lighting


Nothing is less safe than a poorly lit home. Therefore, to ensure your home is safe and secure, make sure to invest in good lighting. Here is what to pay attention to when choosing lighting options for your elder-friendly home:

  • Make sure that outdoor areas, reading areas, bathrooms, stairways, kitchen, and garage are properly lit and have sufficient lighting.

  • Add under the cabinet lights to both kitchen counters and the cooking area.

  • Ensure there are enough windows to provide you with natural light. A good idea is to replace doors and windows in your home, too. That way, you'll ensure to bring enough natural light and vitamin D into your home. On top of that, you'll make sure your home is properly insulated.

  • You should install light switches at both top and bottom of your stairways.

  • The type of switches you want to use is important, too. The best way to go is to use large, rocker-type light switches as they're easy, convenient, and user-friendly to all ages.

  • Install nightlights to help you move around your home at night easily.

  • Make sure your home has emergency lights as they'll really come in handy if there's an electrical blackout.

A living room with a large window and a gray sofa sitting next to an open door
Sunlight therapy has many health benefits for elderly people and even helps with battling depression.



Have in mind that, after you finish upgrading the lighting in your home, you'll have your old fixtures left behind. You can sell them and earn some extra money or give them away.



However, the relocation team from Zippy Shell Louisiana suggested a different option. They advise keeping the extra items from your home in a storage unit. That way, in case something breaks in your home, you'll have a replacement waiting for you instantly.



Replace doorknob handles


Turning a doorknob doesn't seem like a difficult task, right? But when you're a senior, this can be more daunting than you can imagine! It can even be painful for people who have arthritis or other conditions. Therefore, doorknobs are one of the first things to focus on when trying to make your home more elder-friendly.



To make your doors senior-friendly, make sure to choose door handles in the form of a doorknob (round) or door lever.  Door levers might be more suitable as they're easier for kids and older adults to use. Even if your hands are slippery or you're carrying something with both of your hands, it will be much simpler for you to open the doors.



Pay attention to the interior design style you choose


When designing an elder-friendly home, you need to be mindful of the interior design style you choose. You need to focus on functionality rather than style and trends. 



First, make sure your space is not overcrowded with furniture. You want to have enough space between different pieces of furniture to move around freely. If you're left with extra pieces of furniture that you have no room for after renovation, storage can make your life easier. Consider renting a unit where you can keep all of the things you need but are not essential.


A bright-open space kitchen after an elder-friendly home renovation.
Before you start your elder-friendly home renovation, make sure to carefully design the space so that enough room is left between furniture to move around freely.


If you have marble or tiled floor, you should have rugs or carpets covering them. You want to prevent potential slipping or tripping over them. A good idea is to introduce high contrasting colors to your interior design. As many older people suffer from impaired contract perception, this is a good way to make your life easier in case it happens to you.



Safe and accessible bathroom


Probably the most important room in your home to "senior-proof" is your bathroom. For instance, wet bathroom floors are a hazard for everyone, no matter the age. To prevent this from happening, invest in a non-skid bathroom mat. A good idea is to add a telephone extension to your bathroom in case of an emergency.



Another important thing to add to your bathroom in order to make it more elder-friendly is a grab bar. You can even go for a handrail. These devices will help you move around easily, especially in and out of the shower area. As you want to be on the safe side, you also need to make sure the door opens outwards. In case someone falls near the door, you want help to be able to come in. 



Keep in mind that when you retire, you'll probably have a lower monthly income. To save money and help protect the environment at the same time, consider adding eco-friendly features.



The bottom line


We hope our article inspired you to start planning your elder-friendly home renovation. Even though you might not need these features now, they will be useful to you at some point. So why not take advantage of your renovation and create a place where you'll feel safe and comfortable as a senior? We guarantee you won't regret it!



Photos used:


https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-and-woman-holding-white-ceramic-mugs-7330130/


https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-and-woman-sitting-on-couch-7330917/


https://unsplash.com/photos/bwIqQ5qQhXs


https://unsplash.com/photos/YqbvabE8AHc




Dec 15, 2021

Buying a House in Sydney: Things to Consider


In case you are wanting to move to Sydney soon and purchasing a house is one of your main concerns, there are a few things you should know to stay away from any problem en route. Right away, it very well may be very difficult and overpowering, however when you extend your insight on how stuff functions, it ought to be a going great movement. For what it's worth, this article has recorded down certain updates that you might observe supportive when you begin searching for a house to purchase in the capital. 


Image:cubitts.com.au


1. Know your spending plan – You can't buy a house in Sydney on the off chance that you need more spending plan – that is the manner by which plain and simple it is. Thus, it is vital that you plan your financial plan. Ability much you can apportion for contract installment and expertise much is a lot for you. Your spending plan will fill in as the anchor when you haggle with the home dealer. It will likewise fill in as your aide while picking a house. When arranging your spending plan, it is significant that you think about a few variables, like your employer stability, pay, different costs, other monetary obligations, and unforeseeable costs like health related crises. When you think about these elements, you can concoct a more sensible spending plan. 




2. Study the current real estate market – It is essential to be savvy purchaser in case you are intending to purchase a house in Sydney. Due to the vital and helpful area of this rural area, expect that the houses being sold in the space are no place modest. Thus, it is significant that you research about the momentum nearby real estate market to realize which kind of house to get. By doing this, you would realize how much a normal Sydney house would cost and the amount it would cost later on when you choose to sell the house that you will purchase. In the event that you don't have insight in doing statistical surveying, you can generally ask help from realtors. 




3. Realize what sort of house you need – Since the Sydney real estate market is consistently improving and developing, you are probably going to find a house that you've been longing for quite a long time. There are many kinds of houses you can browse – from split level houses to granny flats. To dive more deeply into which kind of house is best for your spending plan and needs, you can generally look for the exhortation of homebuilders. On the off chance that you wish to have granny flats, you can ask granny flat developers around to have a superior comprehension on how much cash you need to designate for its support and improvement. The equivalent goes to a house you might wind up picking. 




4. Contact realtors – The best and most helpful way of finding and purchase a house is to employ realtors. These specialists know the nearby market and have extensive organization of home venders. Basically, they are the ones you should approach assuming you need to purchase a house that will suit your spending plan, your inclination, and your necessities. Realtors won't just assist you with observing a house to purchase yet will likewise coach you with regards to everything identified with land in Sydney. They will likewise help you in getting ready and recording important desk work, making your home buy considerably more advantageous and less unpleasant. 




Purchasing a house in Sydney ought not to be an overwhelming and overpowering errand. If you make the best choice and follow the right advances, you can pick the best home. If you have more worries or questions, it is consistently a smart thought to talk with realtors, granny flat developers or any homebuilder, or even your associates who have more broad involvement with purchasing Sydney houses.




Dec 11, 2021

Top tips for selling a home in winter

 


Lighting fixture improvements


Winter brings our favorite holidays to spend with family and loved ones. Therefore, significant changes like relocation and home hunts usually wait for spring. Still, if a unique opportunity in your life shows up, timing is not always a priority. Selling a home in the offseason might not be ideal since many future homeowners prefer home hunting during the spring and summer months. That means sellers need to put extra effort into making houses attractive and appealing during the winter while focusing on specific home improvements. However, the process is not complicated as it sounds. You need to prepare well and adjust the home selling strategy to reflect the season. If you're considering putting up your house on the market in the upcoming months, here are the expert tips for selling a home in winter.



Focus on seasonal maintenance and home improvements


Winterizing your home every year is necessary when living in a temperate or climate with harsher winters. Whether you're simply taking care of your home maintenance or preparing it for sale, you need to be sure things work like a clock, saving you from potential mishaps and discomfort low temperatures and bad weather can bring. Therefore, before putting a home on the market, focus on maintenance and improvements that will make an easier sale:


  • roof inspection and repair,

  • HVAC and heating system maintenance,

  • sealing doors and windows drafts for better insulation,

  • cleaning gutters,

  • examining pipework,

  • checking for traces of mold and mildew,

  • having a chimney and fireplace checked.


Paying attention to necessary improvements can add to your home value and make a faster sale since no one wants additional costs when moving to a "new" house. Also, you won't have to worry about inconveniences during home inspections and showings if something doesn't work during viewings.



Using neutral colors when home staging is one of the best tips for selling a home in winter
Silver, white, and light pastel color details and textures can bring the winter spirit to any home.



Stage to amaze


Many real estate agents agree that creating a warm and welcoming house-staging atmosphere is one of the most important tips for selling a house in winter. A cozy vibe attracts most buyers regardless of season, so do your best to make every part of the house appealing. The potential buyer needs to imagine their life in such surroundings but to make such ambiance, you'll need to depersonalize the place.



When staging your home, to impress possible buyers, you'll need to focus on neutral furniture and snug fabric and texture choice. Use thick drapes to address the vertical decor, and throw pillows and blankets on beds and armchairs to create a feeling of comfort. Some sellers use winter scents such as clove and cinnamon aromas during showings, but scents can be a turnoff if associated with bad memories. Thus, instead of using smells to create a certain appeal, use the real thing instead. Offer a serious buyer a cup of winter tea or mulled wine.



Lighting can do wonders in winter homes


The sun rises later and sets earlier during winter, allowing less natural light in our homes. Since natural light is essential, invest in brighter light fixtures when working on home improvements. In addition, you can add some ambient light for a pleasant atmosphere. 




Festive candle as part of winter home staging
Track light or festive candles can accent corners and specific features of place.



Show off with energy-efficient appliances


The opportunity for saving money on utilities is a great feature to emphasize. Therefore, if your house has quality energy-efficient appliances, you should take advantage of them. In addition, when investing in improvements to add value to the property, consider eco-friendly features installments.



Make sure your curb appeal is seasonally appropriate


When selling a home in winter, many homeowners make bad choices when working on a curb appeal. Winter brings holidays, which can help with the sale. However, sometimes sellers go overboard with festivity decor. A home can look tacky if many colorful lights and specific holiday decor are used. Such items distract the potential buyers and hide the best features your home exterior has. Therefore, instead of going all-in with holiday decorations, invest in pleasant and neutral landscape lighting and seasonal plants.


Make sure your outdoor furniture is clean and stored since it has no purpose during winter. According to moving and storage experts from promoversmiami.com, the number of sellers who opt to rent storage units rises at the end of the year. This is due to storing not only holiday decorations but also curb decor and patio furniture.



White lantern as front yard decor during winter home selling
White lanterns with LED light can create a fairytale-like ambient if selling a home in winter with snow



Keep everything fresh and clean


Nothing repels buyers more than a dirty house. Cleaning every inch of the home is crucial when putting a home for sale. Every detail needs to be tended evenly, from deep cleaning the carpets, hardwood floors, and upholstery to power washing the outdoor stairs, porches, and driveways.


Pay special attention when cleaning certain areas, such as the bathroom and kitchen. They are critical features in any home, and at the same time, they are very high-traffic areas. Keep them fresh and neat at all times, especially if you plan to live in the house during showings.



Benefits of selling your home in winter


Regardless of the slower housing market end of the year and holiday season brings, winter sales have its perks. Firstly, many sellers will pause the sale until spring or take the home off the market. This means less competition and more motivated buyers. In addition, your home won't get lost in a sea of houses the market has. 



Whether it's your ad or home staging, introducing a discreet holiday aesthetic will do wonders. Therefore, to attract more potential buyers, follow these top tips for selling a home in winter and stay neutral with decor. Winter brings festivities for many cultures; thus, remaining unbiased will help a lot with the genuine appeal. You can decorate your home in a festive spirit even without setting up a flashy Christmas tree. Instead, focus on lighting and neutral decor that will bring out the best features of your home interior and exterior.



Photos used:


https://www.pexels.com/photo/contemporary-country-house-facade-in-winter-7031406/


https://unsplash.com/photos/yL9ruXs5I9c


https://unsplash.com/photos/iKHXbvNHXPQ


https://unsplash.com/photos/qC117ahi-mE



Nov 25, 2021

5 Tips to Decorating Your Home Without Sacrificing Household Safety


Image:pexels.com

They say, "home is where the heart is." A home provides warmth, shelter, and security from the outside. It keeps its residents safe from the harsh elements of the outside world.; but what about safety from the inside?



Fire safety is and has always been a primary concern of homeowners and home builders alike, along with security and durability. However, with fires being so destructive, it should never be a question of "should I prioritize fire safety?" but rather "what kinds of fire safety systems should I have?"



It's important to know that we can only achieve complete safety through the total cooperation of individuals because fire safety is such a concern. 



Therefore, prevention, training, and first response are essential pieces of information everyone should know. These are practiced and maintained by governing bodies such as fire departments, contractors, interior designers, architects, etc. High-rise condominiums, offices, schools, and homes also observe and practice these preventions steps.



Fire is one of the top hazards inside a home, and it's essential to have a home equipped with the proper safety measures, installed with the right tools and systems by the appropriate people, and inspected by the relevant organizations. 



Fire Statistics


A report from the National Fire Protection Association states that, in 2020, a home structure fire occurred every 89 seconds, home fire deaths occurred every three hours and 24 minutes, and a home fire injury occurred every 46 minutes. It also states that, in the same year, one-quarter of the fires (26%) occurred in home properties.



These numbers equate to lives lost and properties destroyed during fires. The alarming data pushes everyone to start taking into account the prospect of acquiring a house that's complete with fire safety systems.



One would think that these homes would cost more than a traditional one because of the additional safety measures like fire-resistant doors, alarm systems, etc. However, they cost roughly around the same as a typical home.



There may be some additional cost, but that should not be reason enough to stop constructing safer homes. Besides, different payment methods like installment buying make home-buying a more flexible process for everyone. 



Safety in Homes


Now, we go back to the question of "What kinds of safety fire systems should I install?" First, we need to understand the importance of implementing a beautiful yet safe and secure home. Contractors and homebuilders are well-equipped with the knowledge to ensure that everyone living in the house they're building is safe; this includes going over fire safety in the design and blueprint.



Does this mean a home has to be thick, bulky, and unappealing to the eyes? Of course not! Thankfully, there are many ways to achieve a beautifully designed home, equipped with the proper safety tools and systems and carefully designed by professionals who put safety as the top priority. 




A Safe and Beautiful Home


Many people think that wanting a safe house means that they have to sacrifice beauty and style, but that's far from the truth. Engineers have been fireproofing construction materials for centuries, and now, modern-day interior designers and architects have made it possible to have a beautiful yet safe home.



Here are some tips that will help achieve a beautiful home without compromising safety and security. 


  1. Make it squeaky clean.

Cleanliness is probably one of the most obvious ways to achieve a stylish and safe home. Cleaning is such an integral part of housekeeping. From mopping the floors to wiping countertops, it keeps a home habitable. But apart from that, cleaning can also provide a safe environment for residents.



Simply sorting out wires in electronics helps prevent entanglement that may cause a short circuit, electrical fire, or electric shock. Likewise, sprucing up the lawn, raking dried leaves, and trimming tree branches would keep the outside looking tidy and prevent any combustible material from coming near the home, especially if the house caught fire from the outside.


  1. Use smart technology.

Home automation is one of the indicators of a modern home—from smart curtains to TVs and even vacuums! Smart appliances are a great help for the homeowner since they can monitor, control, and secure activities even when there's no one at home. This activity monitoring is one of the best ways to ensure a safe house.



Some smart appliances also aid in preventing residential fire. Some examples of these are smart smoke detectors, stovetops, and plugs. By utilizing these smart appliances, residents lessen the risk of forgetting to turn off, unplug, or put out their usual fire-causing devices.



Did you know that cooking takes the top spot as the usual cause of house fires? Having the power to regulate the use of these common fire-causing appliances even when not home minimizes the chances of a fire breaking out in the home.


  1. Make the space ergonomic.

Making a space ergonomic is one way to prevent an accident. Ergonomics is the study of people in their working environment. An ergonomist designs or modifies the area to fit the worker, not the other way around, to eliminate discomfort and risk of injury. Adapting the working environment to how a person works could minimize the chances of an injury or accident.



Make sure that the working area, such as a desk or table, is free from clutter. Designate a place where other items not used for work, such as glasses and snacks, can go. Keep wires organized and away from the leg area so they won't be accidentally stepped on or tangled in.



In kitchens, it's essential to have a space for everything—a designated place to put cutlery, the pantry essentials, sauce bottles, condiments, and others. Keep paper towels on a stand and away from stoves, as well. Don't forget to remove aprons, potholders, and any other combustible material away from the stovetop.



Not only are these ways to minimize clutter, but they can also speed up food prep time. And a reminder for everyone when working in an area: "Don't put it down, put it away." 


  1. Install safety systems.

Implementing several safety systems in homes, such as fire alarms and security cameras, can significantly help homeowners. These systems are automated and can be remotely accessed. Keeping them maintained and functional is essential to the continuous protection of everyone inside the home.



The good news is that nowadays, safety doesn't have to equate to tacky or boring. As we've mentioned, fireproofing structures have been in process for centuries. Since then, there have been significant improvements in creating these safety systems in materials, compounds, and designs. We now have access to cost-efficient, effective, and stylish materials.



Take an exterior glass, for example. Residential exterior glass is any outer wall made primarily of windows and window framing. Glass windows make any room look spacious. They let the room catch sunlight to make it bright, lift the mood, and turn it into a conducive area for work.



Nowadays, there are exterior glasses made from fire-rated glass that compartmentalize smoke and flames and prevent dangerous levels of heat transmission through its glazing.

  1. Think about the home's layout.

Don't forget that a home's layout is essential in fire prevention, as well as in capturing the overall feel and design. Depending on the location, remembering some safety tips can help immensely. For instance, wildfires typically blaze faster uphill than on a ground level.



Another consideration is the kitchen position. Having the kitchen too far from the entrance could add extra seconds to carrying the grocery bags, but it could also mean extra seconds before getting to the door if a fire breaks out. 



Finally, the size of the driveway—a small driveway might be difficult when parking, but it could also mean an ordeal for rescue operators as they try to get inside the area in case of emergencies. Again, homeowners should strategize these details with their contractors, architects, and engineers to optimize the home to the best design and safety practices



The Breakdown


A home is a place of security for anyone residing there. It keeps them safe, warm, and protected from the elements, including fires. People have been in constant pursuit of the best ways to prevent house fires, and they’ve come a long way, learning from mistakes of the past. 



We now have access to many options for fire-preventive systems, tools, designs, and materials. These options don't have to mean tacky or tawdry. With the innovations in technology, we have smart appliances and automated safety systems that look just as chic, all while looking after our homes when we can’t do so personally. 



Create the perfect ambiance to relax and unwind when designing a home. The addition of these safety features shouldn't change that feeling. 



Home care is more than just cleaning your floors and fixing broken lightbulbs. It takes diligence, effort, and strategy to build a beautiful home that provides safety against people with ill intentions and protection from the forces of nature. 



Every homeowner aims to safeguard their homes, and now they can achieve security with style and not one over the other. Gone are the days when we had to choose between what we wanted and what we needed. 




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