Posted on Tue, Jun 22, 2010
Posted by: Brian Ciota, Vice President
Recently I met with a client who wanted to remodel a kitchen. Her house was built in 1958 and the kitchen layout and cabinets were original to the home. She told me it wasn't a practical design. She had to get down on her hands and knees to access the lower cupboards, the work triangle didn't provide for modern appliances, food prep space was scarce, the sink had an old fixture that lacked a spray to clean dishes, and the faucet was too low to fill large pots. When she was preparing meals, she often banged her head on an exhaust hood placed over a cook top on a peninsula.
This homeowner, who is a "Baby Boomer", plans to live in the house for another 20 years. She wants the kitchen to work for her today and in the future. She's also concerned about installing any "accessibility" features that might affect the resale value of her home.
If you can relate to this situation and are planning to remodel your kitchen, consider the following ideas to enhance the function, safety and value of your home:
- If your plans include "gutting" a kitchen, reframe doorways and allow at least 36 inches for clearance and easy access.
- Install multi-height, rounded edge countertops so household members can work either standing or sitting.
- Install storage with pull-out shelves, carousels and adjustable height shelving to keep you off your knees and from stretching on your toes and losing your balance when you reach in the back of upper cabinets for stored goods and dishware.
- Add a stove top "pot filler" water fixture to your cooking area so you won't have to lift heavy water filled pots and carry them from the sink to the stove.
- Place your garbage disposal switch in a location where it is easily accessible.
- Install built-in storage space for recyclables and trash.
- Add anti-scald faucets with lever handles to your sinks.
- Use D-shaped or pull-style cabinet and drawer pulls.
- When selecting a refrigerator, consider an easy access side-by-side model or an under-counter drawer-style unit.
- A drawer-style dishwasher will reduce the need for bending.
- Add extra electrical outlets for small appliances, including under the counter for easy access.
- Install bright non-glare task lighting over work areas, -sink, stove and counters.
Before you remodel, consult a kitchen designer or a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist about your needs and options. They are knowledgeable about aesthetics and details that you may not have considered. More information about "Universal Design" ideas for kitchens is available on the American Association of Retired Persons Web site.
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 Tue, Apr 27, 2010
Posted by: Brian Ciota, Vice President
Today's technologies have produced new products for home siding that are both attractive and durable. Two popular options for home siding are fiber cement and vinyl siding. Both products have been around for a while and innovations in manufacturing have improved the performance and look. If you're thinking about siding your home, here's some information to consider.
Fiber Cement Siding
Fiber cement has been used on homes for almost a century. It was once made with asbestos added to the cement but today's fiber cement siding is made from a mix of cement, cellulose or wood pulp, sand and water. It can be shaped into a variety of siding patterns including wood-grain which makes it look like wood plank siding. Fiber cement siding has the following advantages over wood siding and all of these features make it a popular choice for Central New York homes:
- It is non-combustible.
- It is resistant to warping and shrinkage.
- It is resistant to the elements-sun, wind, snow hail and rain.
- It is resistant to insects and rot.
- It requires less maintenance.
- It can be easily painted and paint last up to three times longer than painted wood.
- It is easy to clean.
Manufacturers offer long term warranties. James Hardie, a company we've worked with for years, offers a 30 year warranty on its fiber cement products and a 15-year warranty on the paint finish.
Fiber cement siding is earth-friendly because the production of this product does not require aggressive clearing of forests. The materials used to produce it are low in toxicity. Many manufacturers are part of the U.S. Green Building Council and National Association of Home Builders National Green Building Certification Program.
Fiber cement requires professional installation. It weighs more than wood and requires special tools for cutting. You will want to talk to your contractor about this product.
Vinyl Siding
Today's vinyl siding is popular choice among homeowners because of its durability, low maintenance. The product is made of polyvinyl chlorate (PVC) a material that is strong, rigid and impact-resistant. The Vinyl Siding Institute (VSI) notes that PVC is comprised of chlorine made from common salt and ethylene from natural gas. Most of the natural gas used to manufacture ethylene is domestically produced which reduces consumption of foreign products.
Homeowners and builders choose vinyl siding for the following reasons:
- It never requires painting and over 360 vinyl siding colors have been certified for color retention.
- It is easy to clean. Rinse with a garden hose and wipe with a soft cloth.
- Vinyl siding does not require caulking.
Vinyl siding is versatile. CertainTeed, a vinyl siding manufacturer that we use, has a range of products which are molded from wood to produce an authentic look. Vinyl siding replicates beadboard, wood-grain planks, cedar shingles, wood trims, wood shingles and cove molding. Vinyl siding comes in a broad range of color choices. Most manufacturers offer a lifetime warranty and many of the warranties offered are fully transferable and cover manufacturing defects, color and appearance.
If you are planning to have new siding installed on your home, be sure to check out these products.
Posted on Tue, Feb 16, 2010
Posted by: Brian Ciota, Vice President
When remodeling or renovating your home, the biggest decision you'll make is hiring the contractor. It's your home and your investment, so don't feel pressured to make a quick decision. In fact, if you feel pressured, that should tell you something about that contractor. Take your time and ask a lot of questions. To help you get started, here's a checklist of tips and questions you'll want to get answered.
1) Finding a contractor.
__ Talk to friends who have had similar work completed. They can tell you about their experience and provide names and contact information of contractors.
__ Visit home shows. Talk to contractors. Look at portfolios and examples of their work.
__ Check websites of local contractors.
__ Contact local home builder and remodeler associations for a list of members.
2) Planning the project.
__ Have a plan. If you are planning a major renovation you may want to hire an architect or designer. If you don't have a plan in hand, consider hiring a design/build firm.
__ Prepare a written description of what you want done. Be as specific as possible. Make a copy of your notes for the contractor.
3) Meeting with contractors. Select several contractors to discuss your project with. Get to know them and their work. Ask the following questions:
__ How long have you been in business? The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) advises consumers that it usually takes three to five years to establish a financially sound business. You want to be sure that the contractor will be around after the project is complete to service any warranties.
__ Does the contractor have a permanent business location and a good reputation with local banks and suppliers?
__ Are you and your sub-contractors licensed to do plumbing and electrical?
__ Do you have a project portfolio?
__ Do you use your own crew for the work or will you use subcontractors?
__ Do you carry worker's compensation and liability insurance?
__ Do you provide a written contract?
__ Will you apply for permits (building, electrical, plumbing)?
__ What kind of warranty do you offer and what does it cover?
__ How and when do you clean up, particularly dust?
__ Do you have a list of references?
__ Ask to see examples of the contractor's work completed and in progress. Check the quality of workmanship and materials.
4) Getting Estimates or Proposals. When you request an estimate be as specific as you can. You may want to discuss your budget for the project.
__ Provide the contractor with a list of items and materials you want to use. For example: cabinets, doors, flooring, fixtures, tiles, finishes, lighting, etc.
__ Ask the contractor to submit the bid in person so that you can discuss the estimate with him. Review the estimate carefully. Be sure that everything you ask for is included.
__ Ask the contractor for a construction schedule.
5) Get it in Writing. For your protection and peace of mind, ALWAYS GET IT IN WRITING!
__ The contractor should provide a clearly written contract. Review it carefully.
6) Choosing a contractor. Before making your final decision, make sure you can get along with the contractor and can communicate well. The contractor should be knowledgeable and willing to offer ideas.
__ Call the contractor's references. Ask about their satisfaction with the contractor and the work.
__ Call the local Better Business Bureau to check for complaints that may have been filed against the contractor.
__ Look for a fair price. Don't automatically accept the lowest estimate. It may be unrealistic or the contractor may be seeking an advantage over competitors which may later result in unexpected costs. NAHB advises consumers to be cautious of unusually low priced bids. If the builder is unable to pay for the materials and labor as the project proceeds, this may indicate a potential problem.
Finally, and most importantly, when you hire a contractor consider reputation, knowledge, reliability and willingness to stand behind the work. Choose the contractor you feel will give you the best overall value for your investment.
For more information on hiring a contractor, check out the NAHB's checklist and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation's Hiring a Contractor fact sheet.