As design build specialists, we have some guiding principles that influence the work we do. Perhaps most important among these is the fact that homes are where families live – and no two families are alike. When you’re creating a home for a family, making sure their physical and emotional needs are met is critical to the design.
Let’s talk about an increasingly common situation: one of your parents is going to move into the family home. What are the physical and emotional needs of someone moving into the household? First on the list would be space. In our role as design build specialists, we’ve worked with a number of families who have addressed this need by having an addition built or renovating existing space within the home to create self-contained living areas. These spaces can include a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, sitting area and more. Some units are built with direct access from the existing home – this is convenient for caregiving needs – while others have separate entrances.
Planning a home addition in 2024? It’s not too soon to get on the schedule!
There are other renovations to consider for your older relatives who are joining the household, or for anyone who intends to age in place within the home. Kitchen renovations can make it easier and safer to prepare, eat, and clean up after meals. These renovations can include items like improving the lighting in the kitchen and swapping out kitchen hardware for designs that are easily operated by people with limited mobility. Many people hesitate to make these changes for fear it will make the home look and feel institutional. This is where the design build specialist is very helpful. They have the resources and expertise to help you achieve a home that looks wonderful and functions flawlessly for everyone.