Information on home design, including new home design, remodeling, mid-century modern architecture, sesimic upgrades and other home improvements.
This post first ran in 2019. Wildfire season is in full swing here in California, and it’s a sad fact of life that we all need to be prepared in case we get the unwelcome message that a fire is heading our way. As an architect helping rebuild after 2017’s Tubbs Fire, I’ve gotten a
This post first ran in 2018. Summer is almost here, and while many of us are looking forward to lazy days by the pool with a good book (and lots of sunscreen), we’re also thinking about how we’re going to keep cool without breaking the bank or destroying the earth. Cooling a mid-century
In any bathroom retrofit for aging in place, the bathtub and shower are likely to be key considerations. Getting into and out of the tub or shower presents challenges and risks for those with limited mobility or vision, so selecting the right product for your abilities and lifestyle is important. General Safety Recommendations Regardless of
After the kitchen, the bathroom retrofit is probably the most important and challenging modification you can make for safe aging in place. The potential for water on the floor, combined with the need to maneuover into and out of a shower or tub or onto a toilet, raises the risk of a serious fall among
After tackling your layout, cabinets and drawers, the next step in your kitchen retrofit for aging in place is planning your countertops, sinks and floors. The right countertops, sinks and floors can provide added accessibility and enhance food safety and fall prevention efforts for those with mobility or vision problems. Kitchen Countertops Height To make
Of all the modifications to make for successful aging in place in your home, the kitchen retrofit is probably the most extensive and potentially costly. Most homeowners will only undertake a kitchen remodel once or twice, which means you may need to think about retrofits for aging in place long before you reach retirement age.
Many of us will need to consider making wheelchair retrofits to our homes if we plan to remain in them as we age. According to a 2014 U.S. Census Bureau report, about 10 million people – 66.5 percent of the country’s population over age 65 – have difficulty walking. The number climbs with age, and
To kick off our aging in place series, I want to talk about housewide retrofits for aging in place– those items you’ll want to take care of around your entire home to make it ready for a time when you or a family member may have physical disabilities associated with aging. This week, we’ll cover
Aging in place is poised to become the new black. The U.S. Census Bureau projects that by 2030, one in every five people in our country will be retirement age. Increasingly, older Americans say they prefer to stay in their homes as they age–known as “aging in place” – rather than relocating to retirement communities
Every three years, the California Energy Commission (CEC), which is responsible for developing the state’s energy efficiency standards, updates regulations for buildings in California. Changes made in 2019, which took effect January 1, 2020, bring some big changes in the requirements for new construction. Most New Homes Must Have Solar Systems California is the first
