aging in place Archives - Tri-Lite Builders

07 Mar 2023

Sticky Post By Steve Shinn, CR Posted in aging in place, Blog, Design, Kitchen Remodels, Lifestyle, Universal Design Permalink

10 Ways to Design a Kitchen for Aging in Place

Sticky Post By Steve Shinn, CR On March 7, 2023

Maybe you’ve found the house you want to grow old in. Perhaps you foresee your elderly parents moving in with you one day. Or maybe you require wheelchair accessibility. With the following 10 ways to design a kitchen for aging in place, you’ll make your space safer and easier to navigate.

Design a Kitchen for Aging in Place

Pike Properties

1. Install a Pullout Pantry

Because it lets you see everything at a glance without having to shuffle items around, homeowners of all ages will find a pullout pantry useful. But besides being convenient, drawers that give you easy access to your canned goods and cereal boxes also put less strain on your back and knees.

You can even use the pullouts to store heavy portable appliances, such as blenders, slow cookers, and toasters.

Simmons STUDIO Architects

2. Keep the Sink Close to the Stove

As we age, it’s harder on our arms and backs to carry big pots full of water to and from the cooktop. If any spills on the way, it becomes a slipping hazard. Keep your sink close to your stove but be sure to leave workspace in between. It defeats the purpose if you’re forced to hold a pot longer than is comfortable because you can’t find a place to set it down.

Where it isn’t possible to have the sink on the same side as the stove (or if the layout won’t work for the way you cook), there’s another option. Place the sink across from the stove, and you’re only 180 degrees and a step or two away. This works well in galley-style kitchens.

FabCab

3. Opt for a Shallow Sink

While we’re on the subject of sinks, buy one that isn’t too deep (preferably only 6 to 8 inches). It’s much easier to rinse vegetables and dishes in a shallow sink bowl.

4. Place the Microwave at or Below Counter Height

Whether your microwave is free-standing or built-in, having it at counter height is best for your back since it minimizes bending and reaching above your shoulders.

The Kingston Group

If you don’t want to sacrifice counter space, the next best solution is to tuck the microwave under the counter. Why? For starters, it’s easier to set a heavy plate down below you than it is to lift it above your shoulders. And since spills are more likely when you have to reach up to remove hot food or liquid, having the microwave under the counter also prevents burns.

Yorkville Design

5. Choose Standard Counter-Depth Appliances and Cabinets Without Frills

Designing an age-proof kitchen isn’t the time to get fancy with decorative legs, ornate refrigerator panels, or angled counters. Though these eye-catchers add personality, they can transform your space into an obstacle course. You’re more prone to bump your knees, legs, and hips on appliances and cabinetry details that jut out from the counter.

6. Make Corners Accessible

Blind corner cabinets won’t cut it. Yes, they provide ample storage space, but too often they turn into unofficial junk bins when you tire of getting on all fours to fetch the dish you need. Performing that bend-reach-lift motion also isn’t good for aging backs.

Look for corner cabinet bases that effectively eliminate the need for rummaging and reaching. They aren’t all the same, though. You have options, be it a convenient three-drawer base (left) or a traditional Lazy Susan. You can also get corner cabinet organizers with a kidney-shaped, half-moon, and other creative sliding shelves.

Lane Homes & Remodeling Inc.

Don’t limit accessible corners to your lower cabinets. This easy-to-reach upper cabinet opens like an accordion and doesn’t waste any storage space.

Gilmore Kitchens and Baths

7. Choose Drawers, Not Doors

The best part about drawers is that they display all your flatware and utensils at once, which allows for easy grabbing. You don’t have to get on your knees and peer into the back of the cabinet to see what’s available.

You can also store your larger kitchen items in drawers. Drawers wider than 30 inches can stow plenty of pots and pans.

8. Round the Edges

Avoid 90-degree angles on countertops and open shelves. The last thing you want is to hit your hip or elbow on a sharp corner as you’re maneuvering in your kitchen. Round edges lessen the likelihood of bumps and bruises.

For U-shaped kitchens, ADA guidelines require at least 60 inches of clearance between opposing cabinets, walls or appliances.

Menter Byrne Architects

9. Focus on Clearance Space

The standard clearance between cabinets, walls, and appliances is 36 inches, which is enough room to comfortably pass in a walkway and have access to drawers and doors.

However, if you want a kitchen that can accommodate a wheelchair, you can use the Americans With Disabilities Act guidelines as a reference point for your design.

Kowalske Kitchen & Bath

10. Ensure That Floors Are Slip-Resistant

Materials that don’t get slick reduce the chances of falling when there’s a spill. Floor tile should have enough grout and texture to grip your feet. Porcelain tile absorbs less moisture than ceramic tile or other flooring types; it’s also easy to maintain and clean. Vinyl flooring, seen here, can offer good slip resistance too, and it’s softer on your feet.

Homework Remodels and Tri-Lite Builders have staff NARI certified as MASTER CERTIFIED REMODELER, CERTIFIED KITCHEN & BATH REMODELER, UNIVERSAL DESIGN CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL, and GREEN CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL. We can help you use universal design in your kitchen remodel so that you can continue enjoying your home as you age.

This blog was written by Sam Ferris, Houzz Contributor. I have more than seven years of experience in the design industry, including residential renovation, cabinet, and flooring design. I currently work for RVK Architecture, a professional design firm that delivers successful architecture, interior design, and landscape architecture solutions to public and private clients.

Premier Home Remodeling in the Greater Phoenix Area

For high-end home design, build, and remodeling in the greater Phoenix area that reflects your vision, Tri-Lite Builders will help you love your home again. Start your project by calling us at (480) 895-3442 or emailing [email protected] to discuss your remodeling project. We offer no-obligation in-home consultation. Our NARI-certified award-winning designers and craftsmen are eager to work with you to make your vision for your home a reality! See our portfolio here.

21 Feb 2023

Sticky Post By Steve Shinn, CR Posted in Bathroom Remodels, Blog, curbless showers, Design, Universal Design Permalink

11 Ways to Age Proof Your Bathroom

Sticky Post By Steve Shinn, CR On February 21, 2023

Renovate Your Bathroom with Accessibility in Mind

If you’re planning to stay in your house for the rest of your life, consider renovating your bathroom with accessibility in mind. Along with kitchens, bathrooms are one of the spaces homeowners use the most. They also happen to be wet zones. Reducing slip hazards and ensuring adequate lighting and maximum comfort is vital when creating an age-proof bathing space. Universal design features also make a bathroom more accessible for people of any age with a disability or an injury. These 11 ideas will help make your bathroom safe and easy to use for decades to come.

[Margaret Dean/Design Studio West]

Include a Shower Bench

A safe place to sit in the shower is vital for an age-proof bathroom design. Decreasing the amount of time you stand in the shower not only eases the strain on your body, it also reduces the chances of slipping and falling. Be sure to install or buy a bench that is large enough to comfortably sit and bathe on.

Your bench may be built-in or free-standing. If space is limited in the shower, consider a bench seat that can flip up when not in use. Waterproof seat cushions can help soften a hard surface.

[Sogno Design Group]

Install a Handheld Shower Head

Handheld shower heads are easily adjustable for height and, when placed adjacent to your shower bench, enable you to wash up while seated.

[Carnemark Design + Build]

Add Grab Bars in the Shower

Sturdy grab bars provide something for you to hold on to as you’re entering and exiting the shower or sitting down on a shower bench or seat. Install one on the outside of your shower and on each of your interior walls so you can safely navigate the space.

Increase the Height of Your Vanity

The standard vanity height is 31½ inches (not including your countertop). This isn’t high enough for some homeowners. Raising the cabinet height to 34½ inches (this will reach standard kitchen counter height, including a 1½ inch countertop) can prevent you from having to hunch over as you’re washing up.

There are two exceptions to increasing the vanity height. If you’re more comfortable with the standard vanity height, don’t increase it. Or if you want to make your vanity wheelchair-accessible, choose a counter height of 34 inches maximum, as specified in the American Disabilities Act guidelines.

Buy a Comfort-Height Toilet

Most toilets are less than 16 inches high. Comfort-height toilets are 17 to 19 inches high, which can make sitting and standing much easier. This can reduce the strain on your back and knees.

[Julia Katrine Designs]

Think Twice About Glass

Few things open up a bathroom like glass walls and doors. But keep in mind that shower glass requires upkeep. You need to squeegee it regularly to avoid streak marks. This may make it less convenient for a bathroom designed for aging in place. There are heavy-duty types of shower glass that reduce maintenance but expect to pay more for it.

Ensure That the Space Is Well-Lit

The better your bathroom lighting is the less strain on your eyes. You also don’t want to miss any wet spots that can be hidden by shadows. Good lighting comes in many forms, including recessed lighting, vanity lighting, lamps, and natural light. You may even consider placing lighting inside an enclosed shower.

Choose Porcelain Wall and Floor Tile

Porcelain can last a lifetime, so chances are you won’t have to replace it as you get older. It’s also perhaps the easiest surface to clean. Water and a rag normally do the trick.

If you’re concerned about grout, look for porcelain tile with a rectified edge. Finely cut edges allow for thin grout joints (as little as 1/16 inch in some styles). You can purchase a pre-sealed grout as well.

[ReVision Design/Remodeling]

Look for Textured Flooring

No matter which kind of flooring you decide to put in your bathroom, choose one that has high slip resistance. A slick tile can increase the likelihood of an injury from a fall. You can spot a floor with good slip resistance by looking for grooves or feeling for texture. Generally speaking, the more textured a floor is, the higher its slip resistance.

There are ways to measure a floor’s slip resistance. Tile, for example, is rated by measuring the coefficient of friction. A flooring material’s slip resistance can normally be found on the manufacturer’s website.

[ONE eleven ltd.]

Go With a Curbless Shower Entry

A curbless shower entrance minimizes your risk of tripping over a step as you enter the shower. It’s also a wheelchair-accessible feature.

If you forgo a shower step, your shower floor will need to be properly sloped to allow water to drain correctly. If you do include a step, don’t make it large and bulky.

Consider the Lip Around Your Tub

Pay attention to the width of the lip on a bathtub. When you have to step over a wide tub surround, the gap between your legs gets larger, which can impair balance and increase the chances of falling. A narrower edge can be better for getting into the tub.

[UltraCraft Cabinetry]

Alternately, some prefer a surround that includes an area wide enough to sit down on so they can sit on the edge and swing their legs over into the tub. This is easiest to do if there is a grab bar installed to provide support.

This blog is written by Sam Ferris, Houzz Contributor. I have more than seven years of experience in the design industry, including residential renovation, cabinet, and flooring design. I currently work for RVK Architecture, a professional design firm that delivers successful architecture, interior design, and landscape architecture solutions to public and private clients.

Premier Home Remodeling in the Greater Phoenix Area

For high-end home design, build, and remodeling in the greater Phoenix area that reflects your vision, Homework Remodels will help you love your home again. Start your project by calling us at (480) 895-3442 or emailing [email protected] to discuss your remodeling project. We offer no-obligation in-home consultation. Our NARI-certified award-winning designers and craftsmen are eager to work with you to make your vision for your home a reality! See our portfolio here.

Find more informative blogs and articles on HOUZZ and on our website www.trilitebuilders.com

08 Oct 2022

Sticky Post By Steve Shinn, CR Posted in Bathroom Remodels, Blog, Design, Home Improvements, low-curb shower Permalink

5 Stylish New Bathrooms with a Low-Curb Shower

Sticky Post By Steve Shinn, CR On October 8, 2022

There are many benefits to a low-curb shower. The low barrier creates a safe entry point, helps visually expand a space, and keeps water from draining out. Plus, a low-curb detail is often much easier to construct than a true curbless design. Here, five design pros share how they handled this popular bathroom feature.

Haven Design and Construction

Geometric Gem

Designer: Jana Valdez of Haven Design and Construction

Location: Omaha, Nebraska

Size: About 60 square feet (5.6 square meters); about 6 by 10 feet

Homeowners’ request. “This bathroom is on the basement level of a new-construction home and belongs to the clients’ teenage son,” says designer Jana Valdez, whose clients found her through Houzz. “His parents requested a modern masculine design that could later be used as a guest bath once he goes away to college.”

Low-curb details. “The clients hired us to design the bathroom after the foundation was already poured for their new home,” Valdez says. “The floor was not initially sloped for a curbless shower when the foundation was poured, so incorporating a low curb versus a curbless shower was much more budget-conscious at that point in the project. Many clients don’t realize that on a new-construction home with a concrete foundation, the decision to go with a curbless shower should be made prior to the foundation being poured.”

Other special features. “Patterned geometric shower tile (Nolita matte porcelain tile, 24 by 24 inches, from Tile Bar) adds personality and a modern vibe to the space,” Valdez says. “The geometric tile is set against a simple white subway tile for contrast. A frameless sliding glass door with matte black hardware is the perfect finishing touch.”

The custom vanity is painted in Onyx by Benjamin Moore. The wood-look tile flooring conceals a radiant heat system.

Designer tip. “We tiled the whole wall next to the vanity to give a more cohesive look and to visually expand the size of the shower,” Valdez says.

Wall and ceiling paint: Swiss Coffee, Benjamin Moore; trim paint: Snowbound, Sherwin-Williams; countertop: London Grey, Caesarstone

SGDI Sarah Gallop Design Inc.

Aqua Attraction

Designers: Angela Neyman and Joty Randhawa of Sarah Gallop Design

Location: Burnaby, British Columbia

Size: About 50 square feet (4.7 square meters); about 5 by 10 feet

Homeowners’ request. “This was the main-floor bathroom in this home, so it would be frequented by guests,” says designer Angela Neyman, whose clients used Houzz idea books to share inspiring ideas. “It was also partially used by a teenager for the next couple of years before moving out to go to university. With these things in mind, the space had to have good storage, be functional and easy to maintain, but also be aesthetically pleasing and fun for guests.”

Low-curb details. “Wanting to downplay the break in the floor, the curb was wrapped in a coordinating tile to match the shower side walls and shower floor,” Neyman says. “This allowed the curb to blend into the shower flooring, allowing your eye to continue to the feature tile on the back wall.”

The back wall is 5-by-5-inch ceramic zellige-style tile in a glossy aqua finish.

Other special features. Patterned white-and-gray ceramic floor tile in a matte finish. Shaker-style alder vanity with marble-look quartz countertop.

Designer tip. “Easy to maintain was a primary goal, so sticking with man-made products is a great way to achieve this,” Neyman says.

“Uh-oh” moment. “Getting the correct layout and variation for the shower feature wall was a challenge to ensure it didn’t end up splotchy or too dark in some areas and too light in others,” Neyman says. “To ensure the client was happy with the blend, we did a dry lay of the tile prior to installation. After a couple of adjustments, we got the blend just right and the client was quite pleased with the end result.”

Shower accent tile: Tencer Mestizaje zellige wall tile in aqua, 5 by 5 inches, Tierra Sol; lighting: Casoria single sconce in antique brass, 14 inches, Visual Comfort; paint: Intense White (walls) and Distant Gray (ceiling and trim), Benjamin Moore

Betty Balian Design

Palm Punch

Designer: Betty Balian Design

Location: Glendale, California

Size: 250 square feet (23 square meters)

Homeowners’ request. “The entire layout of the room was reconfigured to include a two-sink vanity, separate washroom area, and a wet room,” designer Betty Balian says. “The garden window was also added to allow in natural light along with a touch of nature.”

Low-curb details. “I used a graphic tile pattern to run the course of the floor and curb to make the transition, dimension and perspective of the space more interesting,” Balian says. “The advantage to having a low-curb shower is that it allows for the water to remain in the wet-room area. While a curbless shower has its own appeal with regards to a seamless transition, it can and tends to have water seep outside the shower door, especially when there are drainage issues.”

Other special features. Natural oak vanity with marble countertop. Ceramic shower wall tiles. Palm print wallpaper (Palm Leaves in gold on charcoal, Cole & Son). “The color palette of this space is black, white and yellow,” Balian says. “It creates a sense of fun and whimsy while feeling like you are exported to a nature-inspired oasis. All these colors have been incorporated into plumbing fixtures, sinks, washroom and cabinetry. The lighting fixtures also add a natural geometric glow that complements the space. The wallpaper ties it all together with its color story and nature-inspired organic pattern.”

Designer tip. “When working with a smaller bathroom, a great way to maximize function and space is to incorporate the tub into the shower area,” Balian says. “I also like to use darker colors in smaller spaces, as they tend to recede in the space, making it feel and look larger.”

10 Bathroom Design Features Pros Always Recommend

Archetype Architecture

Marble Marvel

Designer: Kylie K. Bass of KKB Interiors

Architect: Archetype Architecture

Location: New York City

Homeowner’s request. “Create a timeless oasis with maximum storage capabilities and a makeup counter, as the client is a TV reporter and spends a lot of time in her bathroom getting ready” for on-air appearances, designer Kylie K. Bass says.

Low-curb details. A border of Arabescato Corchia marble frames the low-curb shower entrance and complements the vanity countertop. “A low curb allows for a bath mat to comfortably remain in front of the shower as opposed to a curbless design, where it’s easier for water to get onto the bathroom floor,” Bass says. “And we wanted to be able to fully outline and accent the shower by using the Arabescato Corchia slab as the trim.”

Other special features. “We chose black-paneled shower doors because they have a strong yet elegant presence in this small primary shower,” Bass says. “We also loved the combination of pairing them with the clean Bianco Dolomiti marble tiles, broken joint tiles on the shower floor, unlacquered brass Waterworks fixtures and lime-washed walls to create a timeless yet old-world aesthetic.”

Designer tip. “If you’d like to achieve the look of plaster walls without committing to plaster, I highly recommend exploring a limewash wall finish,” Bass says. “It gives the appearance of textured walls for a fraction of the cost.”

“Uh-oh” moment. “Being that this was a prewar renovation, most of the challenges we faced didn’t reveal themselves until demolition,” Bass says. “For instance, we were anticipating somewhat of a narrow space and, sure enough, when we opened up the walls, there were unmovable pipes in strange places. This forced us to close in on the room and drop parts of the ceiling to conceal them.”

Builder: PMN Contracting; custom vanity: GS Woodworking

Lorla Studio

Terrazzo Treasure

Designer: Laura Hur of Lorla Studio

Location: San Francisco

Size: 54 square feet (5 square meters); 6 by 9 feet

Homeowners’ request. “The homeowners asked us for a bathroom that was highly functional and also really unique and playful,” designer Laura Hur says. “They needed more storage and they wanted the bathroom to feel brighter and bigger. At first it seemed like a nearly impossible task to marry the clients’ vastly different sources of inspiration, which included images of colorful, playful and bold, almost retro-like design elements, as well as modern, minimal and very neutral spaces. But we found a way to harmoniously marry the thoughtful, minimal details often seen in Scandinavian design with the clients’ penchant for bold colors and dramatic spaces.”

Low-curb details. The floors, curb, 18-inch baseboard, shower bench and floating shelves are all terrazzo, creating a visually seamless design that helps the space feel larger than it is. Stacked glass shower tiles virtually expand the height of the room. “We primarily achieved the marriage of styles by using bold materials (terrazzo) in a minimal and modern way (clean lines, exaggerated baseboard, floating shelves, etc.),” Hur says. “We drew material and color inspiration from the city of San Francisco, with all of its funky architecture, bold colors, interesting materials and abundance of nature. At the same time, our material application was inspired by the clean lines and minimalist aesthetic found in Scandinavian design.”

Other special features. Brass fixtures and a light wood floating vanity add warmth.

Designer tip. “Streamline your material palette to make a small space feel large,” Hur says.

By Mitchell Parker, Houzz Editorial Staff. Home design journalist writing about cool spaces, innovative trends, breaking news, industry analysis, and humor.

Premier Home Remodeling in the Greater Phoenix Area

For high-end home design, build, and remodeling in the greater Phoenix area that reflects your vision, Homework Remodels will help you love your home again. Start your project by calling us at (480) 895-3442 or email [email protected] to discuss your remodeling project. We offer no-obligation in-home consultation. Our NARI-certified award-winning designers and craftsman are eager to work with you to make your vision for your home a reality! See our portfolio here.

Find more informative blogs and articles on HOUZZ and on our website www.trilitebuilders.com.

07 Apr 2021

Sticky Post By Steve Shinn, CR Posted in Award-Winning, Bathroom Remodels, curbless showers Permalink

5 REASONS TO CONSIDER A CURBLESS SHOWER

Sticky Post By Steve Shinn, CR On April 7, 2021

Bathrooms are one of the biggest motivators for homeowners to plan a remodel. While there are many reasons, often it is because they want their bathroom to feel like an oasis. A curbless shower can help create that oasis feel, but we want to share 5 reasons to consider a curbless shower from a different perspective.

HERE ARE 5 REASONS TO CONSIDER A CURBLESS SHOWER

They are space savers: Curbless showers save space in your bathroom! Whether they are designed for big or small spaces, we can create your curbless shower to fit your unique area. A curbless shower also has no high curb which creates seamless flooring that gives your bathroom a bigger feel.

They are practical: Do you have children? Think of the flexibility of showering children who have just come in from messy outdoor play and you can shower more than one child at a time in these showers as well! The curbless shower also grows with you, allowing you to age in place. With no curb, the shower is already outfitted to accommodate mobility aids meeting needs as you grow older making it safer for you.

They are easy to maintain: Whether you have bi-pass doors or no doors on your curbless shower, your shower area can be easier to clean by having a handheld showerhead. Using a handheld showerhead, you can spray down the walls at any time when they need cleaning. If you choose to go with an open curbless shower, you have no doors to consider. There are no hinges or door seals to wear out which is an added feature to easy maintenance. And when it comes to cleaning the floor, it can be done as you are cleaning the rest of the floor in your bathroom!

Designer look that adds a high-end value: Curbless showers give any bathroom a designer look that will add a high-end value to your home. You can show your personal style and create a beautiful focal point for your bathroom by choosing different colors, shapes, and textures in your tile work. When designing your shower, there is also a wide range of flexibility in adding benches, shelves, and heated floors to make it uniquely yours. We can help you design the perfect curbless shower for your space.

Easy Entry and Exit: Stepping over a bathtub or a curb in a shower can become a fall risk for both young children whose coordination and balance is not yet fully developed and for those beginning to age. Any time there is water involved, the floor can be slippery, and the step can be too high for anyone with mobility issues. A curbless shower offers a safer entry and exit where you simply walk in and walk out. If a wheelchair or walker is needed, there is no barrier.

Consider a Curbless Shower for Your Bathroom Remodel

Curbless showers provide accessibility, practicality, and easy maintenance as well as flexibility in design. They can extend the longevity of your home as it allows you to transition as you age in place.

Tri-Lite Builders is an award-winning home remodeler that can help you figure out the details and design for your bathroom so that you can fit a curbless shower into your space perfectly. Call us at (480) 895-3442 for a free consultation to discuss your remodel!

View our portfolio of remodeling projects here!

13 Dec 2019

Sticky Post By Steve Shinn, CR Posted in Home Remodel, Lifestyle, outdoor living Permalink

It’s That Time of Year!

Sticky Post By Steve Shinn, CR On December 13, 2019

NARI CONTRACTOR OF THE YEAR AWARD PROJECT

*This is from our sister company, Homework Remodels.

It’s that time of year! The NARI Contractor of the Year Award Project submission! Our project is being submitted in the Entire House category, $250,000 – $500,000. This entire house project is reviewed by an impartial panel of industry experts who select winners based on each entrant’s submission, which includes “before and after” photography and project descriptions. Judging focuses on problem-solving, functionality, aesthetics, craftsmanship, innovation, degree of difficulty, and entry presentation.

OUR PROJECT’S BACKGROUND

We are excited to give you a little bit more background on this amazing whole house renovation in Biltmore for our clients. Our clients wanted to turn their rental property into their part-time residence. With this lifestyle shift looming it was time to put their personal stamp on this investment property and check off all the must-haves on their list. They had lofty goals that would alter both the inside and outside spaces, but they needed assistance fine-tuning it all. That’s where we came in! Continue to read how this house became our NARI Contractor of the Year Award Project.

DESIGN AND PLANNING PHASE

During our Design and Planning phase, we prioritized their list and allocated a budget to each action item. For this home, virtually every surface would be modified. The owners purchased this house for its million-dollar view of the mountains, thus giving them space to enjoy its view was monumental. Their outdoor living space was as important to renovate as was their interior.

THE KITCHEN

The Kitchen needed a floor to ceiling update. We modified built-in closets and an awkward shelf unit to improve efficiency and increase storage capacity. New cabinets, counters, appliances, backsplash, and lighting were installed. With very little room to rework the floor plan, we made sure that the space functions well. Thus, we curated a well-organized space with ample cabinets, tall wall cabinets, and interior cabinet storage solutions.

THE LIVING ROOM

The Living Room retained its existing layout but needed a fireplace façade update. The launching point for the silver Travertine used around the home, we installed the new stacked stone facade and coordinated the fireplace hearth with the silver Travertine coping stones. Then, we added a custom reclaimed wood mantel. By replacing an unnecessary sliding glass door with a window, we created new space for furniture placement. Then, in a corner near the kitchen, we added a dry bar with cabinets to complement the kitchen. Glass front cabinets, a wine fridge, and a custom decorative backlit glass countertop make this space unique.

THE MASTER SUITE

In the Master Suite, we focused on comfort, color and then creating a bathroom to accommodate aging in place. The bedroom’s high ceiling left the space extra warm in the summer and cool in the winter. To assist with the comfort level, we installed a new Pella sliding glass door with shades between the glass and a mini-split heating and air conditioning unit. In the Master Bathroom, to achieve a more open feel, we removed a doorway and built walls to create a private water closet and pony walls for a zero-clearance shower. This new walkway would provide access to an additional clothes closet that had previously been part of a guest bedroom.

In need of a home office, a large guest bedroom was divided to create a home office while keeping a guest bedroom with a closet and access to the attic. The whole home would receive an update for paint colors, flooring, millwork and lighting.

OUTDOOR LIVING SPACE

This homeowner’s renovation included a total remake of their outdoor living space. The landscaper refreshed with new plantings, then the boldest change was the new fireplace they built near the updated spa for additional privacy. The new stacked stone fireplace adds ambiance and warmth for enjoying crisp winter evenings. The new Travertine patio and wall caps replaced the worn terra cotta. Lastly, they added a built-in barbeque with a bar area to complete their new outdoor living space. This amazing space is perfect for serving and hosting!

FRONT OF HOME

This area begged for design details. Thus, we added new garage doors with windows, adding natural light in the garage. The silver Travertine patio extends around the palm tree giving them a spot for a bistro table where they enjoy morning coffee. Then, we painted the band around the top of the home and the columns along with the fascia to complement and outline the roof. New coach lights are the finishing touch for the front of the home.

THE END RESULTS

Our clients are thrilled with their ‘new’ home and we are excited to share it with you! With any project this of this magnitude, there are always challenges that create change orders to our best laid out plans. Good communication throughout this entire project kept everyone on the same page. This project truly enhanced the home, through functional living space, well-planned design elements and added convenience for the homeowners. Their future is bright as they look to age in place within their home. We believe it is a perfect submission for the NARI Contractor of the Year Award Project. See more of Homework Remodels’ featured projects here as well as our own here.

We turn your home remodeling ideas into a reality.

Call us today to book a complimentary 60-minute consultation (480)895-3442.