HOME IMPROVEMENT....Boomers.....Seniors
Are you wanting, in need of, improvements but are afraid, scared stiff about doing anything? The uncertainty of the economy, value of your home, lack of cash resousces....whatever...got you stymied???
Well....take heart!!!!
FDR's comment after Peral Harbor:
"the only thing we have to fear, is fear itself" was made, of course, to bolster peoples feelings. Alto this is not WWII, the statement is very applicable today concerning your home improvements.
The sky is really not falling, Chicken Little; well, not all of it anyway, and not necessarily your part folks. What is required in overcoming these "fears" is a redirection in one's thinking. Yup...the "rules" got changed on us and no one bothered to tell us, but now knowing these new rules, they can be dealt with. The "home improvement game" is still safe, fair, and worthy of playing.
New Rule #1: A redirection of assessing home improvements from the traditional "value-base" of increasing the resale value of your home. With this new rule of home valuation, this approach no longer applies. What ever you might do to increase your homes value is not going to pay dividends any time soon. Lenders are not going to give you additional credit for such. Yes, doing such might increase the likely hood of a sale, but you are probably not going to recover the cost. You are stuck in a bottoming, depressed value market that is not going to change in the foreseeable future.
New rule #2: You can't just figure that you can sell and get something different; move up/down as necessary.
a) If your home would sell, it's going to take quite a bit of time to do so if you want to get your price. The problem here is that you are stuck in an auction/short-sale driven market in which you can't win. People are wanting a "steal".
b) You have no doubt lost a TON of equity. This cuts heavily into your re-investment capability.
c) Finding exactly what you need w/o having to make alterations/improvement any way is doubtful.
SO.....What do you do.....
New rule #3: The "value-base" of your home now need to be directed to maximizing its livability for you; meeting your life-stlye requirements. You need to adjust your home to one that works for you in meeting your day-to-day and future needs. Further, such actions will greatly enhance your ability for living independently and aging in your current home
Also: things become more valuable if increased benefits can be acheived through incremental modification to the same base element. Such can be the case with your home. Subtle home improvements can gain benefits greater than their cost, especially if directed to "essentials" vs. "luxuries".
By understanding and applying these new rules, you can overcome the fear. And as I said.....Take Heart!!!!.....You do not have to tackle these by yourself. I can walk you through this new direction and assist in your "due-diligence"; show you where and how to acheive this new "value-base"
So...Alice!! Step through the looking glass. DO step through the fear. Obtain a new confidence. Feel good about your home.
CALL ME!!!! 714-731-3567
Monday, February 22, 2010
Sunday, February 14, 2010
STAIRS ???
For your 2-story (3?) home....it's not just about stairs, or adjustments to your stairs anymore. Personal elevators are IN!!....and HIP!!! Ya, seriously!!!!
Significant innovations in their looks and operation...and cost..have made home elevators a viable addition to your livability. Don't over look them. They can fit-in bettetr than you might expect. They can be hidden in a closet-type enclosure, or be free-standing. Varrious ingress/egress arrangements are available as well as sizes. They can be inside your home or, if necessary, installed outside.
Wheither you have a traditional, modern, contemporary, or "classic" home, there is a style to fit. We have installed them for other people, we can install one for you......CALL US!!!! 714.731.3567
Significant innovations in their looks and operation...and cost..have made home elevators a viable addition to your livability. Don't over look them. They can fit-in bettetr than you might expect. They can be hidden in a closet-type enclosure, or be free-standing. Varrious ingress/egress arrangements are available as well as sizes. They can be inside your home or, if necessary, installed outside.
Wheither you have a traditional, modern, contemporary, or "classic" home, there is a style to fit. We have installed them for other people, we can install one for you......CALL US!!!! 714.731.3567
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Further Bonus Coverage....Energy Efficient Homes 2
In the previous "bonus", EEH-1, talked abut the Attic. Before we leave the Attic...another component: your heating ducts. Need to check these for air leaking connections. "Tons" of heating can be lost thru these causing your heating unit to run far more than necessary.
In older homes your ducting is prob. either metal or asbestos. If it is the "A" word stuff...just LEAVE IT ALONE. Not causing any probs. unless it gets disturbed. Metal ducting, check the seams. They should be wrapped in insulation at the transitions and at the vents. Straight runs are often taped with "duct tape". Yup, that's where the name comes from. HOWEVER, "duct tape" has become as generic as referring to a spa as a "Jacuzzi". The "grey stuff" is not actually duct tape, and it comes in several grades. Manufactures just ref err to all of it as "duct tape". Actual
tape use for heating ducts is SILVER tape. The difference: the grey stuff will deteriorate over time, silver won't.
Therefore, if you find your ducting in wrapped in the grey stuff; pull it off and replace it w/silver. Yes, it really is worth it.
If the insulation is frayed, or missing, re wrap it. Note, this is NOT wall/ceiling insulation. It is actual insulation for wrapping ducts. Goes on w/spray adhesive. And, again, YES, it is worth it.
Related to the ducting is of course the furnace itself. If your unit is more than 10 years old, prob. only around 50% efficient; means it has to run twice as long to do its job. New one's often are 80% or better (and about 1/2 the size!) Clean and service it!!! at least at the start of the heating season....and that filter...how many of your actually replace it? Should be replace twice during heating season, once during AC. If not, it gets blocked, and not only does that impact your air quality, the fan hast to run longer to push the air through. All of these issues contribute to consumption of more energy.
In conjunction with the furnace, the thermostat. Most areas now require programmable units...but they are of no value unless USED. Makes sense, right. But how many of you have 'em, don't make full use of 'em? These are great for being more energy efficient. Set the timer to reduce, even turn off, the unit at night or when you are gone. Can be set to restart so home is "warm again" when it actually needs to be. Same applies to your AC usage.
For more Energy Efficient Home tips....stay tuned it!!!
In the previous "bonus", EEH-1, talked abut the Attic. Before we leave the Attic...another component: your heating ducts. Need to check these for air leaking connections. "Tons" of heating can be lost thru these causing your heating unit to run far more than necessary.
In older homes your ducting is prob. either metal or asbestos. If it is the "A" word stuff...just LEAVE IT ALONE. Not causing any probs. unless it gets disturbed. Metal ducting, check the seams. They should be wrapped in insulation at the transitions and at the vents. Straight runs are often taped with "duct tape". Yup, that's where the name comes from. HOWEVER, "duct tape" has become as generic as referring to a spa as a "Jacuzzi". The "grey stuff" is not actually duct tape, and it comes in several grades. Manufactures just ref err to all of it as "duct tape". Actual
tape use for heating ducts is SILVER tape. The difference: the grey stuff will deteriorate over time, silver won't.
Therefore, if you find your ducting in wrapped in the grey stuff; pull it off and replace it w/silver. Yes, it really is worth it.
If the insulation is frayed, or missing, re wrap it. Note, this is NOT wall/ceiling insulation. It is actual insulation for wrapping ducts. Goes on w/spray adhesive. And, again, YES, it is worth it.
Related to the ducting is of course the furnace itself. If your unit is more than 10 years old, prob. only around 50% efficient; means it has to run twice as long to do its job. New one's often are 80% or better (and about 1/2 the size!) Clean and service it!!! at least at the start of the heating season....and that filter...how many of your actually replace it? Should be replace twice during heating season, once during AC. If not, it gets blocked, and not only does that impact your air quality, the fan hast to run longer to push the air through. All of these issues contribute to consumption of more energy.
In conjunction with the furnace, the thermostat. Most areas now require programmable units...but they are of no value unless USED. Makes sense, right. But how many of you have 'em, don't make full use of 'em? These are great for being more energy efficient. Set the timer to reduce, even turn off, the unit at night or when you are gone. Can be set to restart so home is "warm again" when it actually needs to be. Same applies to your AC usage.
For more Energy Efficient Home tips....stay tuned it!!!
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Energy Efficient Homes 1
BONUS COVERAGE!!! Energy Efficient Homes. From time-2-time here on the Journal Blog expanded topics shall be covered relating to living-at-home not only for seniors, but germane to everyone. This is one of those.
In his SOTU address Obama made reference to the need for energy effieicint homes. However it might seem, this is NOT a new subject. This issue really came to the forefront back during the Arab Oil Embargo in the 70s. The prevailing thought became, OMG, we're not going to have sufficient energy producing sources for the future. Sell the Winabago!!! Buy a compact car (horse!!). How are we going to heat buildings/houses??? Conserve!!! Conserve!!!
Passive heating and energy efficient home construction became the "talk" and the "way of the future." Super insulated homes, upgraded window and door protection, need heat pumbs and wood burning area heaters, seal-up those air-drafts!!! Gonna have to have smaller homes!!!!!.......AHHH;
What's that....what happened?????
Now it's sustainability....living GREEN!!!! Different?? I think not. Will this "now fad" have any legs???? Remains to be seen. But perhaps. Now it's not just dollars (supply/demand) alone...it's not just some country(s) turning off the tap, but the world dimishing resource and its insatiable demand.
I guess energy efficiency is like men's ties and suit-coats; keep 'em long enought...back in favor!!!
HOWEVER... I believed in the 70s ideas for conservation re homes then; designed and built that way, and have never departed from it. Has alway just seemed common sence to me even tho I have often been viewed as having fallen out of touch.....Even professed how to design effective smaller home way before Ms Susanka wrote her book.......Yup, guess I'm like those ties!!!
But; with Obama's comments, what ever reality is about energy efficient homes, one thing is certain......the window/door and solar products people are really gonna be singing their songs!!!!
Suffice it for now just to mention solar, shall deal w/this topic in later journal, but windows....yes. Windows are the number one culprit for consideration regarding energy efficiency. More heat/cold is exchanged through windows than any other element. And, of course, the bigger they are, more you have, the worse it gets.
But there are several other Energy Efficient elements to consider. Number two is insulation....or lack thereof!! Most homes esp here in S.Cal., built prior to the 80s do not have enough of this vital component. Homes built prior to the 70s may very well have none at all.
It is difficult and expensive to add insulation to exterior walls, however, again here in SoCal, the cost to install does not warrent the gain. Much like a person wearing a hat to counter heat/cold, same applies to your home.....the attic. An R-30 rated insulation protection is a min to have...w/R-36 being the best cost/benefit. Whether to add bats or blown-in, in part depends on how much clearance there is up there. What type: fiberglass, foam, cellulose and how best to install it, probably depends on which sales person you are talking to!!!!
While we are in the attic....there is another component worthy of mention:Radiant Barrier Foil. Don't over look its benefits. It helps dramatically in reflecting the sun's impact into the attic. If it can be installed w/o to much dificulty it is worth it.
For numbers 3...4..etc.....STAY TUNED IN!!!!!
In his SOTU address Obama made reference to the need for energy effieicint homes. However it might seem, this is NOT a new subject. This issue really came to the forefront back during the Arab Oil Embargo in the 70s. The prevailing thought became, OMG, we're not going to have sufficient energy producing sources for the future. Sell the Winabago!!! Buy a compact car (horse!!). How are we going to heat buildings/houses??? Conserve!!! Conserve!!!
Passive heating and energy efficient home construction became the "talk" and the "way of the future." Super insulated homes, upgraded window and door protection, need heat pumbs and wood burning area heaters, seal-up those air-drafts!!! Gonna have to have smaller homes!!!!!.......AHHH;
What's that....what happened?????
Now it's sustainability....living GREEN!!!! Different?? I think not. Will this "now fad" have any legs???? Remains to be seen. But perhaps. Now it's not just dollars (supply/demand) alone...it's not just some country(s) turning off the tap, but the world dimishing resource and its insatiable demand.
I guess energy efficiency is like men's ties and suit-coats; keep 'em long enought...back in favor!!!
HOWEVER... I believed in the 70s ideas for conservation re homes then; designed and built that way, and have never departed from it. Has alway just seemed common sence to me even tho I have often been viewed as having fallen out of touch.....Even professed how to design effective smaller home way before Ms Susanka wrote her book.......Yup, guess I'm like those ties!!!
But; with Obama's comments, what ever reality is about energy efficient homes, one thing is certain......the window/door and solar products people are really gonna be singing their songs!!!!
Suffice it for now just to mention solar, shall deal w/this topic in later journal, but windows....yes. Windows are the number one culprit for consideration regarding energy efficiency. More heat/cold is exchanged through windows than any other element. And, of course, the bigger they are, more you have, the worse it gets.
But there are several other Energy Efficient elements to consider. Number two is insulation....or lack thereof!! Most homes esp here in S.Cal., built prior to the 80s do not have enough of this vital component. Homes built prior to the 70s may very well have none at all.
It is difficult and expensive to add insulation to exterior walls, however, again here in SoCal, the cost to install does not warrent the gain. Much like a person wearing a hat to counter heat/cold, same applies to your home.....the attic. An R-30 rated insulation protection is a min to have...w/R-36 being the best cost/benefit. Whether to add bats or blown-in, in part depends on how much clearance there is up there. What type: fiberglass, foam, cellulose and how best to install it, probably depends on which sales person you are talking to!!!!
While we are in the attic....there is another component worthy of mention:Radiant Barrier Foil. Don't over look its benefits. It helps dramatically in reflecting the sun's impact into the attic. If it can be installed w/o to much dificulty it is worth it.
For numbers 3...4..etc.....STAY TUNED IN!!!!!
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Study & Planning Part I
Ok, then. What is SIGNIFICANT study and planning?
Well; significant means important, of consequence..and herein, esp. the "of consequence". The normal life-function of ageing brings on several issues "of consequence" (an effect/result) from "minor" to "major", not withstanding crisis issues i.e.; heart attack, stroke,etc.
Part I: Let's start with the "minor"; such as changing eyesight, hearing, and mobility, all which impact your living at home. One needs to study lighting, natural and artifical; sound and noise transmission; mobility, ingress/egress, doorways, stairs, hallways.
Lighting: As we age there is a corresponding necessity for more/better lighting. The "visual" ability must be enhanced. Elements such as size, placement of windows (natural light) and lighting fixtures (artificial) which at one point in time seemed sufficient; now become inadequate. Determinations must be made to the best efficient/effective way to make adjustments. Most cases, it's a combination of both components.
Kitchens, baths, reading areas must be reviewed in terms of TASK (focused) lighting. Ambient lighting requirements are also important. The ability to "see" and move safelyy throughout your home, esp. hallways and stairs.
Hearing: Phones, smoke detectors, doorbells; even the base "accoustical footprint" (speaking, sound, noise) shall require mitigations/enhancements.
Mobility: The natural ageing process changes one's dexterity. More space is nescssary in which to maneuver. Balance will increasingly be a concern. Geting "up-down" and bending over become aggravating if not troublesome
And what about ARTHRITIS?? We're not talking about that difficulty in opening fruit jars (do these still exist!!) nor twist-off beverage caps. Rotation of door knobs, fumbling for toggle light switches, opening cabinet doors, getting things off shelves...these are what come into play, just to mention a few.
These "issues" should be addressed during the "Boomer" - not wait until the "Golden" years. Besides, adapting your home for these adds greatly to your useability and comfort.
These issues, as all, are best addressed in combinations of solutions; not items addressed separately. Everything starts w/a "situatiion analysis" of your existing conditions.
Another component of SIGNIFICANT study and planning is HEREDITY.
No, not the "if your parents didn't have kids you prob. won't have either" bit; but the genetic characteristics of your family history. Specifically, concerns for health conditions. How did their health effect their living. Are there chances you may follow similarly. What changes, modifications to your home would then be necessary to age-at-home.
As I shall say over-over: don't wait until a crisis happens before doing anything...be prepared. My grandmother used to say ...a few ounces of fore-thought are worth pounds and pounds of cure.
Well; significant means important, of consequence..and herein, esp. the "of consequence". The normal life-function of ageing brings on several issues "of consequence" (an effect/result) from "minor" to "major", not withstanding crisis issues i.e.; heart attack, stroke,etc.
Part I: Let's start with the "minor"; such as changing eyesight, hearing, and mobility, all which impact your living at home. One needs to study lighting, natural and artifical; sound and noise transmission; mobility, ingress/egress, doorways, stairs, hallways.
Lighting: As we age there is a corresponding necessity for more/better lighting. The "visual" ability must be enhanced. Elements such as size, placement of windows (natural light) and lighting fixtures (artificial) which at one point in time seemed sufficient; now become inadequate. Determinations must be made to the best efficient/effective way to make adjustments. Most cases, it's a combination of both components.
Kitchens, baths, reading areas must be reviewed in terms of TASK (focused) lighting. Ambient lighting requirements are also important. The ability to "see" and move safelyy throughout your home, esp. hallways and stairs.
Hearing: Phones, smoke detectors, doorbells; even the base "accoustical footprint" (speaking, sound, noise) shall require mitigations/enhancements.
Mobility: The natural ageing process changes one's dexterity. More space is nescssary in which to maneuver. Balance will increasingly be a concern. Geting "up-down" and bending over become aggravating if not troublesome
And what about ARTHRITIS?? We're not talking about that difficulty in opening fruit jars (do these still exist!!) nor twist-off beverage caps. Rotation of door knobs, fumbling for toggle light switches, opening cabinet doors, getting things off shelves...these are what come into play, just to mention a few.
These "issues" should be addressed during the "Boomer" - not wait until the "Golden" years. Besides, adapting your home for these adds greatly to your useability and comfort.
These issues, as all, are best addressed in combinations of solutions; not items addressed separately. Everything starts w/a "situatiion analysis" of your existing conditions.
Another component of SIGNIFICANT study and planning is HEREDITY.
No, not the "if your parents didn't have kids you prob. won't have either" bit; but the genetic characteristics of your family history. Specifically, concerns for health conditions. How did their health effect their living. Are there chances you may follow similarly. What changes, modifications to your home would then be necessary to age-at-home.
As I shall say over-over: don't wait until a crisis happens before doing anything...be prepared. My grandmother used to say ...a few ounces of fore-thought are worth pounds and pounds of cure.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
I'm certain you have seen/heard the TV commercial "When I grow up I want to be an old Woman", right? When I first heard it my reaction was: WHAT!! Are you kidding? Why?.....Then after thinking about it: Ya, suppose so; the alternative sucks!!!
This clip, however, is a great one. It deals, in somewhat a humorous way, with a serious FEAR..getting older.
Can't get round much any more. Takes longer to do what I used to do.
Day-to-day activities have become challenges....Looks like a rockin
chair and card playing future....
Fortunately in today's world, that FEAR can be successfully addressed and overcome
by being informed and pro-active. This is especially true regarding one's home.
GROWING OLD WITH YOUR HOME
Ageing at home, or assisting loved ones to do so, traditionlly has been a dreadful, daunting task. one that was usually avoided, put-off until a crisis forced attention to it.....And Yes, that was me and our family.
First it was my sister-inlaw who contracted MS. Years later, my mother fell and broke her hip. Neither could function in their own homes. Being a graduate in architectural design with spcialization in residential housing I shockingly realized that designing was based upon BUILDINGS rather than PEOPLE. Homes are designed with an archectural style, fitted with "pop and flair" and fancy fixtures, people acquire them....then adapt/adjust to the house. This all seems just backwards.
Since then I have been directed to understanding the needs/wants of people and designing homes/additions to meet those requirements. This especially applys to the physically challenged and seniors.
AND YES...it can be done. Your home does not have to be as it is, you do have choices. You can have your home the way you want/need it to be to work for you. To do so does require SIGNIFICANT study and planning....and PLANNING AHEAD.
Check back....I'll be addressing this. Be informed...stay informed
This clip, however, is a great one. It deals, in somewhat a humorous way, with a serious FEAR..getting older.
Can't get round much any more. Takes longer to do what I used to do.
Day-to-day activities have become challenges....Looks like a rockin
chair and card playing future....
Fortunately in today's world, that FEAR can be successfully addressed and overcome
by being informed and pro-active. This is especially true regarding one's home.
GROWING OLD WITH YOUR HOME
Ageing at home, or assisting loved ones to do so, traditionlly has been a dreadful, daunting task. one that was usually avoided, put-off until a crisis forced attention to it.....And Yes, that was me and our family.
First it was my sister-inlaw who contracted MS. Years later, my mother fell and broke her hip. Neither could function in their own homes. Being a graduate in architectural design with spcialization in residential housing I shockingly realized that designing was based upon BUILDINGS rather than PEOPLE. Homes are designed with an archectural style, fitted with "pop and flair" and fancy fixtures, people acquire them....then adapt/adjust to the house. This all seems just backwards.
Since then I have been directed to understanding the needs/wants of people and designing homes/additions to meet those requirements. This especially applys to the physically challenged and seniors.
AND YES...it can be done. Your home does not have to be as it is, you do have choices. You can have your home the way you want/need it to be to work for you. To do so does require SIGNIFICANT study and planning....and PLANNING AHEAD.
Check back....I'll be addressing this. Be informed...stay informed
Saturday, December 12, 2009
There seems to be several "studies" and "reports" that suggest this population segment referred to as "seniors" is an independent bunch. One not necessairly willing to just "give-in" to ageing; but fighting it all the way.
HEY....I resemble that remark!!!
Principal amoung this thinking is NOT checking into an "elder hostle"; but, in fact staying in their own home......HEY....Me again!!!
This is a GREAT idea; however, this means having to pay attention to our future. And PAY ATTENTION TO IT NOW. Don't wait until a crisis happens and then make hasty decisions. Ever heard: "hast makes waste"? Often does...and in this instance it is really true. Having to make such hasty decisions usually end up being the WRONG ones, being totally costly, and totally unattractive to your home.
This "age-at-home" thing requires a LOT of planning and study. It is NOT just about installing grab bars, changing toilets, nor making provisions for easier mobility.Age-At-Home is a PROCESS...a process to create a living environment that not only fits immediate situations, but is flexible/adaptable in meeting extended needs.
It is a life-style design concept vs. the usual building desing concept. Working w/ a designer who specializes in this direction can make it all attainable.
To be informed, to stay informed; check out http://www.Age-At-Home.Info.
On facebook become a fan of Creative-Groups: http://tinyurl.com/creative-groups
And stay tuned here for more!!!!
HEY....I resemble that remark!!!
Principal amoung this thinking is NOT checking into an "elder hostle"; but, in fact staying in their own home......HEY....Me again!!!
This is a GREAT idea; however, this means having to pay attention to our future. And PAY ATTENTION TO IT NOW. Don't wait until a crisis happens and then make hasty decisions. Ever heard: "hast makes waste"? Often does...and in this instance it is really true. Having to make such hasty decisions usually end up being the WRONG ones, being totally costly, and totally unattractive to your home.
This "age-at-home" thing requires a LOT of planning and study. It is NOT just about installing grab bars, changing toilets, nor making provisions for easier mobility.Age-At-Home is a PROCESS...a process to create a living environment that not only fits immediate situations, but is flexible/adaptable in meeting extended needs.
It is a life-style design concept vs. the usual building desing concept. Working w/ a designer who specializes in this direction can make it all attainable.
To be informed, to stay informed; check out http://www.Age-At-Home.Info.
On facebook become a fan of Creative-Groups: http://tinyurl.com/creative-groups
And stay tuned here for more!!!!
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