|
|
Planning  |
| Basic
Upgrades |
| Peace
of Mind |
| Remodeling |
| Time
to Move |
| Recent
Projects |
| Customer
Satisfaction |
| Project
Home Results |
| FAQ |
| Helpful
Links |
| Contact
Us |
| You can increase font size using the View menu on Internet Explorer |
October 7, 2004
Summerfield II Project Underway!
In addition to our client projects, we have just begun the remodeling of another project home. Slightly larger than this house, we will once again be upgrading to "like new" condition as well as making the floorplan more open. Stay tuned--or call us for a visit.
Recycling senior housing—the Summerfield project home.A senior's home shouldn't show its age.
Summerfield is a nice adult living community in the Tigard community near Portland. Summerfield boasts an executive golf course with a fine clubhouse and clean streets of tidy homes. Most of these homes there were built in the mid 70's and while many have been nicely updated and remodeled, some have not. As a project, In Your Home purchased a home that was basically in its original form--very little had been done to update it.
Our 1170 sqft home had been on the market for over 9 months in a community where well-kept homes tend to sell quickly. The major problems were cosmetic--the kitchen had tired cabinets, old appliances, an outdated color scheme and wall-to-wall carpet (installed over the original worn out vinyl) that was rotting away from its backing and bunching underfoot.
In the living room, the wallpaper was peeling and the carpet was in not much better shape. A more serious issue was that a number of windows had lost their seals, compromising visibility and insulation. On the exterior, several roof fascia boards had rotted and the house was in need of a paint job. Overall, it scored a poor 63 on our AAHA index. We selected the home for this project because it was a good showcase for many of the smaller, less costly modifications that can be made to improve a homes potential for aging-in-place. Further, the fact that these issues existed in a 55+ community was worth emphasizing.
There were more than just cosmetic and maintenance issues. From an aging-in-place perspective there were a number of problems even though this home was originally designed with seniors in mind. For example:
While the the light switches in the home are all at a lower height to accommodate a wheelchair user, the hallway to the master bedroom had a doorway framed into it, reducing the 36 inch wide hall to a 27 inch passage--difficult for a wheelchair or even walker to pass.
Lighting was poor throughout the home, compounded by the dark woodwork.
Flooring (bunching wall-to-wall carpet) presented a fall risk.
There was no zero-threshold entry to the home.
Also, the bathrooms were small--the pictures below show a narrow door, a small fiberglass tub that had to be stepped into in order to shower. The shower had limited handholds and poor backing to install a grab bar. The toilet area was small with no backing in the walls at all. Without the flash photography,
the room was dark.
The master bath before. . .
What we did:
Below is a list of the things that were done to the home--the goal was to improve the
aging-in-place appropriateness of the home in an unobtrusive manner and create a
"just like new" home ready for its next senior tenants.General--upgrading the appeal and maintenance to maintain value
Carpet and padding replaced throughout house with anti-microbial, low
nap product--the low nap reduces tripping hazards.All windows replaced with new vinyl windows--and fixed windows in kitchen
and living room converted to easily opened windows for ventilation.All interior walls repainted.
All interior doors painted and new molding installed to update the look.
All light switches replaced with easy to operate rocker style switches, electrical outlets
changed to match.All door hardware converted from knobs to easy to operate levers.
Lighting upgraded in hall, kitchen, bathrooms, bedroom, living room, garage.
Entrance door from garage widened to 36" and low slope concrete ramp
poured to eliminate single 5" step into the living room--allowing a resident recuperating
from surgery or a friend in a power chair easy access to the home.- Lighting improved in garage, a 350 lb load drop-down attic ladder with light switch
installed, plywood flooring in attic added for storage.Heaved sidewalk repaired.
Doorbell replaced
Automatic thermostat with a large 4 inch LCD display added.
All faucet shut-offs converted to 1/4 turn valves for easy operation.
Exterior painted and caulked.
Upgraded and replaced fire alarms to current code standards.
- Updated electric and plumbing to current code.
Kitchen--practical upgrades
- Laminate flooring installed in kitchen for low maintenance and durability.
- Kitchen counters replaced.
- Kitchen sink replaced with easy-to-operate lever faucet with integrated spray.
- Kitchen cabinets painted with high contrast scheme--useful if resident has
vision impairment.- Range replaced with flat top unit with front controls--so heavy pots can easily be
slid to the side.- New, quieter hood with better lighting installed.
- Pull-outs installed in lower cabinets to reduce bending.
- Drawer glides upgraded for ease of operation
- Strap handles replaced knobs on cabinets.
- Lighting enhanced and electrical outlets added to island
- Rolling cart added as part of cabinetry to improve flexibility.
Hallway
- Hallway reframed, bedroom door replaced with pocket door so that a wheelchair or
walker user has easy access.- Light fixture added, lighted switch installed.
Master bath
size of shower.
color coordinated grab bars and handheld shower.Guest bath
- Comfort height toilet installed.
- Grab bar installed as towel rack, secured to stud and Wing-it®.
- Shower stall cleaned, fixtures updated.
- Vanity updated, new sink with single lever faucet installed.
Master Bedroom
- Closet organizer installed in the master bedroom closet.
- Closet light fixture replaced with 3-bulb fixture.
- Ceiling fan with light and remote installed.
- Installed a videophone with a camera at the front door for security/convenience and
to be used to keep in touch with family.
Copyright
2004 © In Your Home