Posted on Tue, Jun 29, 2010
Posted by: Brian Ciota, Vice President
A friend of mine was talking about the experience of caring for her elderly mother and noted, "I never thought our family home (a two story cape, built in the early 1950s) could be so hazardous." One of her most difficult tasks was helping her mother to the bathroom. "The bathroom is next door to her bedroom but with her walker the halls and doorways are too narrow. Although we installed grab bars and purchased a shower seat, it's hard to lift her into the tub. I don't know how long she will be able to live at home."
Homes can become hazardous not only for older adults but even for those with temporary mobility impairments like a teen who breaks a leg in football practice or a person recovering from surgery.
If you're planning to update or remodel a bathroom consider the following "Universal Design" adaptations to improve access and safety in your home:
- Install a no-threshold walk-in shower or mini-threshold water dam shower with minimum dimensions of 5 feet by 3 feet.
- Add a built-in shower seat.
- Place grab bars in the shower, tub and near the toilet.
- Install several showerheads, including a hand-held adjustable height showerhead with easy to operate controls.
- Widen the doorway to 36 inches in the bathroom entrance.
- If possible, allow for maneuvering space. Ideally, allocate space to accommodate a 60 inch turning radius.
- Replace twist handle faucets with lever handle, anti-scald faucets.
- Consider installing a pedestal sink. Not only are they attractive, but the sink is accessible to those in your home who use a walker, wheelchair or crutches.
- If you are installing a vanity, mount the sink bowl close to the edge for easier use and select cabinetry with easy-glide drawers that close automatically.
- Toilets should be centered 18 inches from any sidewall, tub or cabinet and the seat should be 18 to 19 inches off the floor for older persons, lower for children.
- Replace round door knobs with lever handle knobs.
- Install lighting to provide good visibility when using the shower, tub, sink and toilet. Also, add a night light.
Many bathrooms are part of a master bedroom suite or located just outside the bedroom. To make your bedroom space more accommodating:
- Add a night light.
- Install additional electrical outlets to accommodate technology or future medical equipment.
- Fit closets with multi-level clothing rods or multi-level pull-out drawers and shelving. Don't use bi-fold doors on closets because they can be difficult to open and close.
The television show "This Old House" has an interesting "how-to" video on Choosing Universal-Design Bath Fixtures. Also, AARP offers a home accessibility checklist for bathrooms.
Posted on Tue, Jun 15, 2010
Posted by: Brian Ciota, Vice President
Over the course of time, we experience many changes in our lifestyles and our homes must evolve to adapt to these changes. If you're a parent of young children worried about home safety, a family caregiver attending to the needs of elderly parents, or a person with a disability, you'll want your home environment to accommodate your lifestyle.
"Universal Design" is a concept that considers the home environment of individuals at all stages of life by eliminating barriers and installing products everyone can use. Construction and design professionals realize that people go through changes and we work with homeowners to create attractive environments for all people to function in regardless of age, size or abilities.
Here are some general tips for making your home user-friendly throughout the years. I will be writing about "Universal Design" room-by-room in upcoming blog posts and welcome your questions and comments.
- Entryways can present obstacles. One step-free entrance to your home will ease access and safety.
- Add handrails to existing steps and porches. Falls often occur in these areas.
- Use lever-style handles to make opening doors easy for all.
- Install flush thresholds when installing carpeting and flooring to eliminate tripping hazards.
- Wide doorways and halls simplify life for everyone. Doorways at least 36 inches wide make it easy to move furniture or appliances into the home and accommodate people with wheelchairs or walkers. Hallways at least 42 inches wide give a home a spacious look and make it easier to maneuver and move furnishings.
- Install rocker light switches to turn lights on and off with ease. Place light switches 42 to 48 inches from the floor where everyone can reach them.
- Place electrical outlets 18 to 20 inches off the floor.
- Install thermostats no higher than 48 inches off of the floor.
- Create a laundry area on the first floor. Purchase raised front-loading washing machines and dryers to avert bending and back strain.
- Install lever-style faucets on sinks.
- Install windows that can be opened and closed easily.
- Consider single story living if you are building or purchasing an existing home.
For more information about Universal Design, check out the Web sites of the National Association of Home Builders and the American Association of Retired Persons.
Posted on Fri, Apr 16, 2010
Posted by: Brian Ciota, Vice President
Cracked or missing grout not only looks bad but it can cause water seepage and mildew growth.
To re-grout ceramic bathroom tile, you'll need these tools and materials:
- Grout saw, which can be purchased at a hardware store
- Grout float
- Grout sponge
- Rags
- Squeegee
- Commercial grout cleaner
- Grout
- Grout sealer
Follow these steps for a professional looking job:
- If possible, take a small piece of grout from your bathroom to a home improvement store to match it correctly. Color is important and so is finding the right grout for your project. Ask the salesperson for non-shrinking grout. It may save you time and effort. Grout may shrink as it dries and you will have to re-apply grout to fill grooves.
- Clean and remove the existing grout. Be careful not to damage tiles. Use a commercial grout cleaner to remove soap scum, mildew and grime. Let the surface dry completely.
- Remove damaged and cracked grout with a grout saw. The saw has a rough carbide surface which grinds out the grout. Check to be sure that there is no loose material left between the tiles.
- Dampen the grooves between the tiles with a wet rag. Moisture is needed to assure that the grout adheres properly. Don't over-wet the area. Be sure the surface is damp.
- Mix the grout according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Apply the grout evenly over the spaces with a grout float.
- After all the grooves are filled and smoothed, go over the area with a squeegee to remove excess grout from the face of the tiles. You can also use a grout sponge for this step. If you remove grout from the grooves, go back over the area with the grout float.
- Let the grout dry according to the manufacturer's instructions. Re-apply if you notice gaps.
- When you're satisfied with the grout work, apply grout sealer. Follow the manufacturer's instructions. After the sealer dries, take a wet rag or sponge and wipe residue off the tiles. You'll notice a haze. Allow the haze to dry and wipe it off with a dry rag. Your tile will shine and look new again.
Posted on Tue, Apr 13, 2010
Posted by: Brian Ciota, Vice President
Caulk is used to fill gaps and seal areas. Caulk applied around windows and doors reduces drafts and prevents water leaks. Around bathroom and kitchen fixtures, it provides a water proof seal. Caulk is applied around counters for aesthetics, and is also used by painters to eliminate gaps between walls and trim.
To caulk an area of your home you'll need:
- A caulk tube or cartridge (It's very important to read the product information to find the right caulk for your job)
- A retractable razor blade scraper
- A long nail
- Several cotton rags
Here's how to do a professional caulking job:
- Remove the old caulk with the razor blade scraper and vacuum the debris.
- Wipe the area with a dry cloth.
- Open the caulk tube or cartridge by making a clean cut at a 45-degree angle. Puncture the inner seal with a long nail. Place the cartridge in the caulk gun.
- Squeeze the tube or cartridge handle hard enough to get the caulk into the joint. Work the area at a slow and consistent speed.
- After applying the caulk, the less you touch it, the better. If needed, smooth the joint by lightly using your finger. If you're using latex caulk, you can moisten your finger with water to prevent the caulk from sticking. Be careful to avoid getting water on the surface that the caulk is adhered to. If you are using silicone caulk, wet your finger with saliva to smooth the joint. Silicone caulk can be very difficult to smooth out after it has been applied.
- Let the caulk dry according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Posted on Tue, Mar 23, 2010
Posted by: Brian Ciota, Vice President
The majority of home owners view their home as their most important investment. We're always considering ways to improve our homes to accommodate our lifestyles. Popular remodeling projects include new kitchens with up-to-date appliances, luxurious bathrooms, home offices or media rooms. In Central New York, with our frequent cloudy days, many people add a sunroom to ease the drudgery of winter. Basement renovations add living space and improve a home's function. But which projects add value to a home investment when it comes time to sell?
If you are thinking about remodeling your home, take a moment to ask yourself the following questions:
- How long do I plan to own this property? (If you're planning to live in the home for less than five years, it may make sense to take on remodeling projects that freshen up the inside of the home and promote curb appeal.)
- How does the value of my home compare to other properties in the area? (Generally, a remodeling project that is less than 20 percent of the average resale value in your area can be recouped when your home is sold.)
- What do I gain by remodeling? (Many people remodel to enrich their lifestyle and enjoy their home. If you love to cook and entertain, a state-of- the-art kitchen will provide years of pleasure. If you're a wine connoisseur, a wine cellar and bar are "must haves". If you have a beautiful yard and want to bring in the outdoors, then add a sunroom. If these are the things that add pleasure to your life, go for it!)
According to Remodeling Magazine's 2009-10 annual report on the relationship between remodeling costs and resale value, different remodeling projects offer a wide range of payback. The table below compares remodeling costs to resale values in the Mid-Atlantic States (including New York):
| Project |
Avg. Cost |
Resale Value |
% Cost Recouped |
| Replace front entry door with steel door |
$1,248 |
$1,217 |
98 |
| Vinyl siding replacement |
$10,908 |
$8,920 |
81 |
| Fiber cement siding replacement |
$13,497 |
$10,710 |
79 |
| Foam-backed siding replacement |
$13,369 |
$10,489 |
79 |
| Vinyl replacement windows |
$11,408 |
$8,766 |
77 |
| Wood replacement windows |
$12,410 |
$9,248 |
75 |
| Attic bedroom addition |
$53,780 |
$39,292 |
73 |
| Minor kitchen remodel |
$22,130 |
$15,973 |
72 |
| Bathroom remodel |
$17,383 |
$11,817 |
68 |
| Major kitchen remodel |
$59,905 |
$39,860 |
67 |
| Basement remodel |
$67,455 |
$41,127 |
61 |
| Master suite addition |
$111,857 |
$67,612 |
60 |
| Deck addition (composite) |
$39,270 |
$22,584 |
58 |
| Sunroom addition |
$76,580 |
$38,661 |
51 |
The costs recouped on a remodeling project depend on a variety of factors including the condition of the rest of the house, the value of similar homes nearby, and the rate at which property values are changing in the surrounding area. If resale value is a factor in your decision to remodel, consult with a local remodeler about construction costs and look closely at the comps and market conditions in your area.
Posted on Tue, Mar 09, 2010
Posted by: Brian Ciota, Vice President
Spring is almost here! The ice is melting and the time has come to do a check up on your home, put together a "to do" list of repairs and home improvement projects, and visit the CNY Home and Garden Show at the NYS Fairgrounds, March 18-21, 2010.
We have two booths in the Toyota Exhibit Center:
Booth #236 - Home remodeling and repair
Booth #801 - Solar water heating systems
This year, we've combined our home remodeling and home repair displays into a single, larger display area. It's an exciting new look for us designed with your needs in mind. You'll see the latest in kitchen, bathroom and basement conversion designs as well as additions and custom projects in our new photo gallery.
Stop by booth #801 and we'll show you how our new VELUX solar water heating system works and why it's a good investment for Central New York homeowners.
McClurg team experts will be at the booths throughout the show to answer your questions about home remodeling, renovations, repair, new construction and solar technology.
Please stop by to see us. We look forward to seeing you at this year's show.
Posted on Tue, Feb 23, 2010
Posted by: Brian Ciota, Vice President
Home improvement specialists and realtors agree - one of the easiest ways to expand your home is to use the space in your basement. Basements generally contain large open space, which makes it perfect for creating a sizeable entertainment area, a guest bedroom with bath, a mini work-out area or even a secluded home office.
In Central New York we're seeing a lot of basement conversions that center around creating a highly functional entertainment area for family and friends - everything from wet bars and wine cellars to home theaters and saunas. And, homeowners are getting the most out of these areas by adding features that rival other areas of the house. For example:
- Wet bars often include amenities such as wine chillers, beer and soda taps, dishwashers, refrigerators, ice-makers, foot-rails, wood counters, granite counter tops, bottle chutes, glass holders and custom cabinetry.
- Media rooms have big screen or projection televisions, surround sound, special seating, sound-proofing and even popcorn makers.
- Work-out rooms include treadmills, weight lifting equipment and stationary bikes as well as a flat screen TV connected to a Wii.
- Bathrooms are usually added for convenience and the fact that they add value to the home, but many also include a steam room or sauna.
Basements can also be made to integrate with the main floor of the house by enhancing the appearance of the basement stairway.
This can be done by removing walls and opening up the stairway, or by replacing rails and stairs with higher quality materials.
One of the design challenges in basement remodeling is the lack of natural light. Many projects include the installation of egress windows to provide more light and an emergency exit. Egress windows are large basement windows that are partially set under grade level. They use a retaining system to hold back the ground and provide a means of exit in case of an emergency. New York State building code requires finished basements to have an emergency exit. Egress windows are not only attractive but they meet this state requirement.
When it comes to basement conversions, the possibilities are endless. The basement has evolved from a dark storage and utility area to a haven for family living. It can be one of the most cost-effective ways to increase living space since it doesn't require adding to your home's basic dimensions. And, it's a good investment. Here in the Northeast, we can expect more than 82 percent of the money invested in a basement conversion to be recouped when you sell your home.