By Marsha Andrews, J.D.
Spring is in the air and a few weeks ago, we began to spring forward in time. Nights are becoming longer and of course, our Northwest weather will soon begin to allow us to do more things in and around the house.
Home improvement projects come to mind and a trip to your local home improvement store is inevitable. These projects can take on their own personality but make sure that they mirror yours – particularly, your budget. Throughout those cold and rainy days, all of us have looked at a few home and landscape magazines and thought, these appliances will look nice in my kitchen; or I think a total remodel of the bath would be great by making it an end suite to my master bedroom. Sounds familiar? Of course it does.
As boomers and/or older adults, we should consider our remodels as a practical matter, ie. installing equipment or features that will enhance our ability to not only remain in our homes, but also add aesthetic and economic value. For example, remove area rugs-(which are tripping hazards) and replace them with new carpeting. Consider a carpet that is low maintenance, easy to clean with a low nap surface, which will prevent slip and falls. Low nap carpeting is better for wheel chair access . Also, consider wider doors and wider hallways (if possible), lower cabinet and stovetop levels, and of course, the automatic door opener for roll-in showers with hand-held top and side shower heads.
My favorite is the “smart” access voice recognition feature, used for controlling lights, cooling and heating systems. These features are almost limitless, but attainable. It all depends upon you and how you wish to achieve your goal. Here are a few tips I would like to share with you before making your “maiden voyage” to your favorite hardware store. Be prepared, there will be many.
First, envision your project. Ask yourself, is it a mere paint job that will add new color in the living and dining room(s)? Should I remove old curtains and replace them with plantation shutters? Or is it larger project, i.e. a room expansion or having an open floor plan, new windows and floors, etc.?
Second, can I accomplish my vision on my own or do I need a contractor? If your answer is to “do it yourself”, then you know what to expect and how to pace yourself accordingly. If you need a contractor, then your trip to the hardware store just got a little complicated, yet definitive. If you are considering a contractor, interview at least three, let them show you previous projects that are in line with your vision, get references from previous customers and most importantly, make sure that they are bonded.
Third, what is my budget? Once you have determined the size of your project, and how much it will cost to complete it, you will have removed at least 50 percent of the stress that comes with home improvement projects.
Let’s revisit Tip Two. Hardware stores are fantastic for your Spring project. They can enhance your ideas by bringing your vision into focus. They will show you products that will either match your vision or give you more options to consider. For example, for the small paint job(s), a home decorating center can give you ideas on color, texture, blends, wear, and again costs. For major projects, these stores are helpful in assisting you from the small things, such as door panel installations, lock replacements, new patio furniture, to the large projects, such as a total rebuild – not to mention lighting and other fixtures, like pillars, wainscoting, crown molding and flooring.
So my friends, “Welcome to the World of Home Improvement !! You are about to wear not only the badge of bravery, but also show the world your sense of style. Just think of the compliments you will receive from your guests when you throw your first party of the season. Friends won’t stop talking about it!!
Remember, home is where the heart is, and it begins with you!!
