Month: July 2012

Easing Mobility Challenges With Age In Place Remodeling

As expected the trend for seniors continuing to live in their own homes as they age is on the rise.  Seniors are not willing to sacrifice their independent living so easily these days.  The option of managed care, assisted living and moving in with adult children is not appealing to the aging generation in 2012.  With all of the available options within the home improvement industry to help create safe, barrier free living environments who can blame them.

Many adult children are also seeing the benefits of allowing their aging parents to remain within their own homes.  Fostering independence keeps seniors active, mobile and excited about living life, things that often become stagnate when venturing into a care facility.  It also allows a more manageable approach to caring for aging parents.  It does not become a burden to any one sibling and their family.

Age in place remodeling starts with small tweaks that can be made as rooms are naturally remodeled in the course of home remodeling. This makes the transition into barrier free living simpler.  Simple steps such as updating faucet handles as well as door pulls and levers can make accessing rooms and cupboards easy for aging hands.  Plus this type of renovation is non-invasive and really can be done slowly as home updates are being made.

It is really beneficial for homeowners of all ages to start incorporating universal designs into their home improvements, creating a unique stylish home that is safe and comfortable for years to come.  Below are some items to consider when planning home renovations.

  • One issue to consider is the width of doorways and the homes hallways.  In new construction you will often see hallways that are substantially wider than homes built earlier.  This helps to give homes a more open feel.  Wider hallways keep the home from feeling tight and closed in.  Another benefit for barrier free living is that mobility devices such as walkers, wheelchairs and canes are able to be used without worry.  The same is true with doorways that are widened.  It allows for easy turns to be made in and out of rooms.
  • Ramps are another update being made to homes today.  I know you instantly imagine hospital ramps when I say that but today ramps are incredibly stylish and versatile.  Not at all like the aluminum hospital style ramps, ramps today are made of a variety of materials including aluminum, wood and mixed metals.  Stairs can also be designed along side of ramp systems as not to hinder those wanting the use of stairs as well.  It is best to make the actual step a bit wider and about seven inches high for ease of use and safety.
  • The bathroom is one of the most important areas of the home for privacy and independence.  Special care should be sought out when designing the space.  Consider adding a shower that does not involve stepping in.  Barrier free surrounds are available or for a more sophisticated approach you can use textured tiles to surround the shower areas, add a built in bench and soap dishes left at a lower height.
  • Another issue in the bathroom area is often the actual toilet itself.  It is best to replace the toilet with a toilet that is taller than an average commode.  This is a great way not to single out the user.  Many aides for the bathroom are invasive and really public as they are used over the actual toilet.  This is often embarrassing for the user.  Higher toilets with added grab bars give a more attractive, less institutional feel to a bathroom area.

There are many stylish updates to the home that you can make to improve your home to help create an independent, barrier free living environment.  As your parents start to age and you see them remodeling hint to them that some of the above can be put into place keeping the home stylish yet upgrading the safety for them.  Seniors and those losing their mobility will benefit from the unsterilized look and feel of their home.

A Guide In Choosing An Engagement Ring She Will Love

When considering asking someone to marry you often one of the first items to consider is an engagement ring purchase. So many things go into making sure you purchase a ring she will adore for a lifetime.  There are some basic steps to fool when embarking on this magnificent journey.   Here are some basic things to consider before stepping foot into a jewelry store.

First things first, consider how much you are willing to budget for this expense. Traditionally people have thought that the ring you choose for your bride to be is to cost the equivalent of two months’ salary.  This is traditional approach is not necessarily the approach all grooms to be take to heart.  Set a reasonable budget that is realistic to what you personally can afford.  Remember if your purchase a ring on credit you will have that debt on top of wedding debt starting of your married life.  It is best to wait until you have saved enough to purchase the ring of your dreams for her.

Your soon to be bride will wear this one piece of jewelry for the rest of her life.  It is important that you put a lot of time into researching her likes and dislikes when it comes to jewelry.  Of course the more inconspicuous you make this the better the surprise in the end.  Often times the best advice will come from people close to her.  You may consider enlisting help from her parents or close friends to help you by asking them to take her out on the town and accidentally meander into a jeweler.  She is for sure to be drawn right to the styles she considers worthy.

Another thing to consider is your taste.  Remember that you will most likely be purchasing matching wedding bands later on down the road.  If you despise gold jewelry it is best not to purchase a gold engagement ring.  These are the little aspects of choosing an engagement ring that need to be considered before making the purchase.

Popular and unique engagement ring options for contemporary brides range quite a bit.  One option to consider is the simple, classic single solitaire diamond engagement ring.  This is often the safest purchase if you are completely unsure of what style your bride would like the best.  This option allows her to add a frame for the ring of her choice.

Another option that is also a popular choice is a single diamond set in a setting with minor decorations.  The main characteristic of the ring is still the large center diamond however designs are added around the ring as decoration.  The ring could entail more diamonds or other gemstones that your bride is fond of.

On top of antique engagement ring settings and the new halo engagement rings that are present and popular a classic setting is a trilogy ring.  This is one of the personal favorites for brides in my family.  The three stone setting represents the past-present and future of your relationship.  The most common cut of stones within this setting are solitaire.

The bottom line in choosing a piece of jewelry for your bride to be is to make sure you have added thought to the purchase.  Every bride appreciated this.  Also be honest with yourself.  If you can tell immediately that she is not absolutely in love with your choice take her and together look at the options.  In the end most times than not she will get to the store and realize you did indeed make the right choice and will walk out with the same ring she walked in with.

Should Homeowners Replace or Repair Their Roof

Homeownership is costly.  You don’t only have to think about the monthly mortgage payment and taxes consider the amount of cash that goes into repairing issues that sprout up.  One common issue amongst homeowners is whether to replace an entire roof or if you can repair the existing roof.  A roof is one of those places also that until the damage is visually evident you don’t know it has occurred.  Below you will find common signs that your roof has been damaged and helpful advice to determine if you can get by with a repair or if it is time to seek out a professional roofing contractor.

The first issue is visual buckling.  This issue occurs when the roof has not been properly installed or ventilated correctly.  Another reason this occurs is when the roofing shingles have been applied to the new roof without removing older shingles first.  When buckling occurs to your roof in several places it is more than likely in need of replacing.  When the buckling occurs in only one spot it can be repaired.

Another common sign of roof damage is a tad more obvious.  If you find shingles in your yard you have a problem.  If there is an excessive amount of loose shingles you should contact a professional immediately to come out and fix the roof.  If not caught and taken care of early in the game you will need a whole new roof.

This happened to us when we purchased our home.  We noticed a spot in the ceiling in my sons room sagging.  We thought some damage had occurred and we would just replace that spot of drywall. The fix was of course not that simple.  The leak was actually coming from a spot where the roof came together as was not properly sealed allowing water to flow in.  Check your attic often this is where the first visual clues of a leaky roof will appear.  You should be able to repair the spot and take care of the issue without needing an entire new roof.

If you start to see some of the shingles on your home become discolored you most likely have an issue that needs a professional to be hired to treat the roof.  Most discoloration comes from the appearance of algae and moss growth.  You need your roof to be moisture resistant to avoid leaks.  A professional can come in treat the growths and seal the roof from moisture to avoid further complications.

Rotting shingles are a good sign that other areas below the roof are rotting as well.  This is a severe case and one in which you should seek out a professional roof installation company to come in, remove the old roof and install a brand new roof in its place. This will prevent damage to the inside structure of your home.  If not caught and dealt with early you could be looking at also replacing support beams throughout the attic.

Roofs are an important piece of your home.  If not kept up on roofing problems can lead to big dollars spent fixing damage that could have been prevented or maintained.  Most roofing contractors are more than happy to come out and offer a free quote to fix damage before you commit to an entire new roof.

 

 

Reasonable Home Improvements To Add Value

Improving our home is always top of mind.  To us home improvements don’t mean we have to completely overhaul a room or the entire house.  We don’t even always take on major tasks like replacing tile, carpet or painting often we take on simpler more inexpensive fixes.  Even simple things like adding some fresh flowers, plants or art can completely liven and change a space.  Read on for simple pick me ups for your home.

Let’s start in the living room.  Our room has a ton of windows and doors letting in major amounts of natural light but often appears to be a bit dark.  There are several fixes to our problem.  Some more major than others.  We considered adding skylights which is a bit costly but helps save on electricity bills in the long run for we would not have to have lamps lightening the space.

Another option that is reasonable is to lighten the color paint we have on the wall.  We tend to stick with beige which is neutral but a color such as yellow can add warmth and bring coziness to a space. Another option we have considered is replacing the dark wood furniture in the space with lighter colored furniture or coating it with white paint.  Lots of options are available to add light to a space.

Next we move on to the kitchen.  So much happens in this area of anyone’s home. It is a central hub for families and friends to gather.  Improving on a space such as this is to add function, coziness without deleting spaciousness and functionality.  Adding built ins can really improve a kitchen space.  One example is the microwave.   Having this item stacked above the stove instead of on a counter adds a tremendous amount of space.

Another great tip for the kitchen is to add an overhang from the counter tops for a mini-meal space.  Bar stools are convenient ways to add seating without taking up space in a situation like this.  I also like adding in a fresh herb assortment to add a fresh feel.  Instead of using a counter add mason jars on shelves or hooks with the herbs growing from them.  This can really improve the feel of a kitchen.

Home improvements aren’t always necessarily items that we can immediately see.  Adding insulation to improve the heating and cooling performance of your homes air conditioning system and home heating system are great examples of this.  Adding energy efficient appliances as well as heating and cooling units save you money over the long haul which is a huge improvement to your home and can increase the home’s value tremendously in the eyes of future buyers.

Home improvements come in all shapes, sizes and budgets. How you improve your home and why is up to you.  Some people are updating and upgrading for resale value only.  Others want to make their homes cozy havens to relax and enjoy.  Whatever the reason for your next home improvement, big or small, remember the end result will make it all worth the effort put into it.

 

Tips For Lacking Interior Design

Interior design creativity is not a gift that we are all born with.  I for one don’t have the makings of a world renowned designer.  What I do have is the ability to start with a base coat that is simple and then from there add to it.  I am not ever going to be one for color on the wall; beige is as bold as I go.  My couches and chairs are all in the brown, beige family and are solid colors. I do however have what it takes to add charm without breaking the bank or making my home impersonal.  Continue on to find some wonderful tips to help design the interior of your home today.

One of the first things I do is to peruse magazines.  I don’t subscribe to any however the library close to us keeps a good selection in stock and I do regularly find some that have been shared in the local swap box.  This is a great tip to save money on magazine subscriptions that can really add up quickly.

Another tip I take into consideration is dividing spaces into functioning places for our family.  This means that one room may have several separate groupings of furniture to give each space its own purpose.  The latest space we used this technique was our son’s room.  It is a rather small space.  With the help of a loft we were able to box off his bed and make it a fort setting leaving the bottom under it to be utilized.  We used it as a space for his school work and a place to stash a bean bag and small table with a light for when he feels like reading or playing on his laptop.  We took his closet and made it into a complete dressing area with a space for his clothes and personal care items along with a mirror.  This way he can shower and come in to his room to take care of his grooming needs.  His space is small but serves several purposes for him.

Another designing on a dime tip I have to offer is to choose something in each space to be a focal point.  I like to use book shelves, fireplaces, art and windows.  Arrange the room around this object and you will find that symmetry happens almost automatically.

When I design a space within my home around a window as the room’s focal point I often use layering in the window treatment options I choose.  This always adds class and coziness to the space.  It is also a great way to mix materials and colors giving the room a more dynamic feel.  Window treatments also help to control the amount of light an area receives.

Remember also that you don’t have to have window treatment that fit neatly into a packaged space any more.  When using curtains the sky is the limit.  I have seen small windows surrounding by beautiful window treatments that turn the space into more of an art showcase.  The truth is that window treatments are one of my favorite methods to transform a space. They are usually inexpensive, easy to install and make a huge statement.

Not everyone is a creative genius when it comes to interior design.  I know I am for sure not.  What I am good at is looking for inspiration everywhere.  Take pictures and jot ideas down as you come about them.  I have a portfolio filled with things I like and as I redo and update spaces in the house I pull the portfolio out to see what can and cannot be used in the space.  It is easy to copy other geniuses!

 

 

Exploring Options In Home Security Systems

Home security is something we are all looking for.  Today home alarm systems have several different designs, functionalities and activated response mechanisms.  Before you choose an option for your home and family it is important to understand each difference and choose the best fit for your home security situation.

First let us take a look at some of the features that are common to most home alarm systems.  With a keypad entry access control system you will note that there usually is a panic button built in that is designed to alert the police, fire department and EMS in an emergency situation.   Another common feature home alarms and home monitoring systems have now-a-days is the ability to self diagnosis a system failure.  This is a valuable feature in that a service technician does not have to come out each time the system has a glitch.  Back up rechargeable batteries is another common feature that allows the alarm system to function normally in cases of power outages.  This of course is important as we have come to realize our society is full of thieves that lurk and wait for a situation of vulnerability to strike.

Most systems used for home security purposes are designed to monitor and detect fire or burglary. The alarm is triggered when a sequence, however short or long, of events happens that to trigger the alarm.  Usually fire alarm systems are activated by smoke or a steep rise in temperature.  Of course flames also set the system off.  Burglary alarm systems are triggered when a circuit that has been created is broken.  This can happen when a door or window is opened or closed.  Also censors for motion and the high pitch of breaking glass can set off the home security alarm system.

One of the benefits of having a personalized alarm system is your ability to customize the alarms sensitivity.  This is important for households of all kinds.  Some alarm systems have been none to be set off from high pitched snoring.  Another common alarm trigger is pet movement.  It is important when having a system installed that you take into consideration where the motion detectors are placed to avoid conflict.

There are several types of alarm systems that are common in homes today.  The first, most basic type is a simple on premise alarm.  All homes should be equipped in this manner.  These alarms are set to sound to alert homeowners of a single danger.  Most commonly found in fire detection and carbon monoxide monitoring.  Some families even use small wedges placed in doors that sound if disturbed to signal an intruder.  This is the most basic form of home security.

Another simple, effective alarm system is a localized system that signals with a siren or loud bell on the inside and outside of the home when the system has been compromised.  This type of system relies on outside sources to relay the problem to proper authorities.

A third type of systems is a phone based dialing system.   When an alarm is triggered a central phone number is alerted.  From there the alarm company monitoring the home sends calls out to the home owner to determine if crews should be sent.   This is the most often type of system that is triggered and often falsely.   Systems have improved ten-fold over systems of the past and are becoming more reliable.  Being able to custom set the sensitivity of the system has helped improve the reliability of this alarm set up.

The most effective type of home alarm system is one that can be continually monitored.  As soon as an alarm, fire, smoke or burglar is triggered a central center is notified.  This center is run on a constant 24/7 basis and immediately sends a validation call back to the source of the alarm.  If the call is validated to be real or if no contact can be made police and emergency responders are immediately dispatched to scene.  This process happens in a matter of seconds as everything is automatic.

Home security and monitoring is a personal decision left up to each and every household.  Take into consideration your lifestyle and determine what will give you the most peace of mind while you are home or away.

 

Medicare Supplement Health Insurance Tips For Seniors

Researching health insurance for you or a loved one can prove to be quite difficult.  This is true with Medicare and supplemental plans as well.  The hard part of choosing coverage is deciphering what each policy actually covers or doesn’t.  The one thing we do know is that having health insurance, no matter the age is important.  Without it you could be leading a path into financial ruin.  This applies to seniors as well.  We don’t financially plan for a disaster to occur when thinking about retirement.  Making sure you have the right medical coverage, including Medicare supplemental insurance is essential.

When you are handling the application details for your Medicare coverage it is important to be on top of the process.  Waiting to enroll can cost you with late enrollment fees.  You should start receiving information the year before you turn sixty-five, the age which Medicare eligible individuals can start participating in the Medicare program. If you have not received information you can check online to find out more.

With Medicare an important fact to know is that the supplemental plans are all the same no matter what insurance provider you choose to purchase it through.  Medicare supplement plan G is the same plan through any insurance company the difference may come about in the amount you pay to purchase the insurance.  It is odd but yes the coverage is the same although the rate may not be.  Seems odd right?  A great way to find the coverage you want at the price you are willing to pay is online.

Sites are available online that offer Medicare eligible participants to input some minor information such as age, city, tobacco use and come up with prices on Medicare supplemental insurance as well as providers in their area.  Most sites also offer a side by side comparison of the supplemental plans with a convenient, toll free number to call for assistance.

One thing to remember when purchasing Medicare supplement insurance as well as any other health insurance plan is that the amount you pay is more than just the monthly premium.  You will want to take into account the monthly amount as well as the co-pay for each visit to the doctor or hospital.  Each supplemental plan covers differently and co-pays and deductibles on all supplemental plans differ.  It is important to research exactly what you will be paying monthly as well as out of pocket if something does happen that requires you to use the Medicare supplement plan.

Another thing to consider is if the doctors you currently use are able to be seen with the Medicare parts and plans you choose.  For instance, with the Medicare Advantage Plan only doctors who contract their services with Medicare can be seen.  These doctors have pre-approved a set dollar amount per services that Medicare has agreed upon as long as you see a certain circle of doctors.  This may not bode well if you have been with your doctor for 30 plus years and are not wanting such a drastic change in health care providers at this point in time.

Finding the right health insurance does take time, research and patience. The benefits of purchasing the coverage that will most benefit you can mean a world of difference for your future health and financial future.  It is important that you choose reputable sources for information and work with companies that offer assistance via telephone as well as online.  Often times directly speaking with advisor will help clear up any confusion you may have.

Ensuring You Have The Coverage You Need

Purchasing health care coverage is one of the most daunting tasks.  Navigating through health insurance companies, choosing coverage and ensure you have received the best coverage at the best price, with the best service.  This is all a bit overwhelming.  It doesn’t get any easier dealing with Medigap supplement insurance plans either. There are a number of policies to choose from and a variety of private insurance companies willing to sell you the coverage.  This makes it all the more frustrating when seeking out coverage that makes since to fill in the gaps left by your Medicare Part A and Part B coverage.

Medicare is government sponsored insurance for seniors who are eligible and have reached the age of sixty-five.  You can also become eligible for Medicare if you are under sixty-five and become permanently disabled.  The one issue that arises with Medicare coverage is that it does not cover everything.  To fill in these holes the government has come up with supplemental insurance policies that can be purchased on an individual basis.  These plans are meant to fill in the gaps that Medicare Part A, hospital insurance, and Medicare Part B, medical insurance, leave behind.

Medigap is the policies that are put into place to fill in the gaps in health care expenses left behind by Medicare.  Medigap plans are private and are offered by a variety if insurance companies. These policies pay for the minor details that add up quickly for seniors living on a set income.  Items such as co-pays, hospital stays and deductibles are not covered with Medicare. What happens in an ideal situation is that Medicare covers a majority of the expenses and your Medigap policy kicks into effect to cover what is left over.  This alleviates the out of pocket stress.

One thing to remember with Medigap policies is that they are strictly regulated by state and federal laws that are designed to protect individual Medicare users.  There are a variety of Medigap plans to choose from and each is designated by a letter of the alphabet.  Don’t be fooled.  The plan coverage is the same no matter who sells the insurance.  Medigap Supplement Plan G is the same through company A, B or C.  The difference comes in the cost of the insurance to you.

It is important to remember when comparing Medigap plans that the less expensive a plan has fewer benefits and higher out-of-pocket costs.  More expensive plans include extra benefits, like coverage for routine checkups, deductibles and at-home care services.  There are several sources online that allow you to compare Medigap plans and rates without giving personal information.  This tool is valuable especially during the introductory phases of enrolling in Medicare.

Having health insurance coverage is a must to avoid becoming indebted to medical facilities.  Health insurance, including Medicare and Medigap supplemental plans alleviate the need to put off doctors visits or necessary surgeries until you can financially afford them.  With coverage there is no need to worry about catastrophes.  You are covered.  Medigap ensure the same thing to Medicare holders.  The gaps are nothing to worry about when you have purchased insurance to fill in the holes left behind.

Tips On Creating A First Class Landscape

Having a landscape that speaks to visitors about who you are is important.  It is important that the landscape is in sync with the home’s exterior.  If you are an avid health nut and love the natural taste of foods think about adding a space to garden fresh vegetables.  However if flowers are more your style choose a space in the yard to set up a seating nook with native wild flowers flooding the space.  Landscaping is all about making the space personal, functional, maintainable and yours.

I love the idea of adding a garden to a home’s landscape.  It is a great way to produce your own source of foods and gives families a sense of pride.  Harvesting vegetables from your yard instead of running to the grocery store is a terrific moment.  I love running out to the yard and grabbing a ripe tomato when guests are filling our home.  Nothing makes a salad fresher than adding fresh veggies from your very own space.

When designing your homes landscaping another option to consider is the use of deciduous shrubs, vines and trees that don’t start peaking until the fall.  They transform the garden with the bright reds, glowing yellows and fiery oranges they bring to the landscape. The reason these plants will change colors is that they will stop producing chlorophyll in colder weather, and thus the pigments within the leaves begin to change. Ensure your plants receive plenty of sunshine to increase the display of fall colors. Boston ivy, burning bush, maple, chestnut and barberry are popular choices for those who want to enjoy a spectacular fall bloom.

Another reason to take care of your landscape is the return it brings on your investment.  It is hard to believe but the more trees and landscaping dollars that are present wisely in a space the more the value of the home rises to potential buyers.  If possible purchase plants and shrubs when they are small and inexpensive.  As they grow you will be amazed at how the landscape matures and the aesthetic beauty that comes with it.

To keep the landscape and gardens growing well and quickly use a fertilizer designed for your location.  Many brands of fertilizer come custom and give you detailed plans on when and what fertilizers need to be applied during the season.  It is amazing but fertilizer is something that can be used year round and will increase the appeal of your landscape.

You can add some color in the spring and summer with annuals however this can turn costly if care is not sought. They do fill the gaps between shrubs and perennials.  Using a variety of annuals that range in height, color and style will add variety just be sure to use your resources wisely.  It really does not increase the value of your home in any manner so purchase wisely.

Landscaping is a fun way to express yourself with the exterior elements of your home.  It is important to remind yourself that landscaping works best when it flows naturally with the home’s exterior.  Think about it this way if you have an incredibly modern home with lots of white clean lines you don’t want a jungle in the yard.  The same thing is true for the opposite.  If you have an incredibly eclectic exterior a boxy, planned exterior does not really flow.

Tips To Follow When It Comes To Landscaping

For many of us the term landscaping basically means we cut the lawn and pull the large weeds.  The yard is basically kept neat and is groomed but not obsessed about.  Others, like the neighbors, take things super seriously; making sure the grass is never cut in the same direction twice in a row.  Below are some basic landscaping tips to consider regarding your homes landscaping.

One tip is to not become overwhelmed.   If you are planning on working on the entire yard break it up into sections.  Work diligently on one section at a time until it is complete and then move on to another.  Not only does this approach make the yard less intimidating it also breaks the financial obligation down into manageable pieces.

Another convenient, cost friendly improvement to your landscaping is to install a drip system.  This allows a continuous flow of water to your plants.  Unlike a sprinkler system that hogs water and doesn’t tend to distribute the water in a steady flow to the plants roots.  Water drips are a great way to ensure the plants in your landscaping are being adequately watered and that the roots as well are getting nourishment.

Using Native plants in your landscaping effort help with the maintenance and effort that goes into having a beautiful space.  Native plants thrive in the specific climate and are less care than ones that need the climate adjusted for them to live happily.  Using native plants also lessens your watering as the level of watering that is takes them to stay beautiful is the same amount as the environment is naturally spilling out.

Plants are one way to add privacy to your yard.  Another way to add privacy and spruce up the landscape is with decorative fencing.  If you are looking to add elegance to your yard and landscaping design an automatic electronic gate with an access entry system adds class and really spruces up a yards appeal.  They can also easily incorporate climbing plants that make the gate and fence appear a natural part of the space.

Adding natural elements to your yard and landscape are nice ways to add interest.  Large boulders strategically placed in the yard can be turned into seating areas.  We have been known to use fallen trees to make benches and tables for quaint sitting areas.  We also took natural elements, stones, to build a unique fire pit.  The small side tables around the pit area to hold beverages are from tree trunks that we have dried out and sealed.  They are beautiful natural elements that add to the natural landscape instead of creating something artificial.

As you may know, landscaping can mean different things to different people. Some of those who landscape it view it as routine maintenance to their yard, while others may see it as an artistic process. Try a few of these tips. They will help you to make whatever you wish to do look amazing to you!