According to the Joint Center for Housing Studies (JCHS) at Harvard University, the nation's housing inventory is in no shape to accommodate the 70% increase in the number of Americans aged 50 and over that will occur between 2000 and 2030.  Over the next two decades, more than 27.7 million people will join the 50 and over age group.  Most of this increase will be among the population aged 65 and over which is projected to surge 65% by 2030.

     Universal design and aging in place design and services in Austin have finally taken hold in the residential remodeling industry.  The current housing inventory doesn't offer the features needed for safety and accessibility in the numbers needed to accommodate the growing demand.  It is ultimately up to the homeowners and their families to plan for future housing needs.  Just what are the most important design issues regarding aging in place home modifications in Austin?

     To begin with, the JCHS data showed that one of the top priorities with aging in place consumers is low maintenance.  They want their houses to look great and require as little maintenance as possible.  There is a minimal need for landscaping and outdoor upkeep, exteriors that require periodic painting, and a preference for newer houses rather than older ones where things don't break down as easily.  These are the main reasons why the aging population considers moving.  However, the kitchen and bath in existing homes are the two main areas most referenced when considering CAPS certified remodeling improvements.

     People who are interested in aging in place home improvements  and elder living solutions are now looking for a level entry into their home alongwith the maneuverability that a more open floor plan having greater clear unobstructed floor space presents.  They desire flat floors without transitions requiring steps or stairs to move around.  Ramps having a correct 1:12 slope can be used to get them up to the level floor space at the exterior entries or the garage access.

     Most aging baby boomers prefer one story homes in which to age in place and this has become a primary reason to relocate versus a remodel.  They are looking for an accessible master suit and kitchen located on the same floor.  However, some developments mandate building two story homes.  The above requirement can be easily met by placing the guest bedrooms and accompanying bath upstairs.  If the master suite for any reason needs to be upstairs, closets can be stacked between floors to house a future elevator installation.

     Kitchens have evolved because fewer cabinets are needed within the more open designs.  Fewer wall cabinets are needed because of personal reach limitations. For those that are used, they can be installed at 14" above the base cabinet work top instead of the standard 18" spacing.  The cabinet top is now lowered by two inches and installed at a universal 34" height.  This makes a net 6 inch lower installation height for the bottom of the wall cabinet.  All types of cabinet inserts like pull out shelves and specialized drawers are now available for installation in both base and wall cabinets.  These devices will certainly help solve the reach problem.  Base cabinet kick spaces can be raised to 9" and deepened instead of the standard 4" to accommodate wheelchair access.  Kneespaces can be incorporated into the design for roll under access at the sink, prep area, and cooktop.

     The lack of bending motion and decreasing reach distances is changing the way we purchase and install appliances at comfortable heights. Placing dishwashers higher by a few inches to limit bending has become a reachable fad and the new height is changing the old look of our kitchens.   Refridgerator drawers, dishwashing drawers, and double ovens that are no longer stacked are just a few changes within the present day appliance marketplace.  Cooking ranges with the controls located on the front represents another metamorphosis helping with reach problems.  Microwaves can be installed on the now lowered countertop or within the lowered base cabinet according to the consumers need for adequate reach.

     The lack of doors represents a change in the cabinet market.  The new open look lets homeowners access what is stored within the cabinet without an open door blocking their clear path for approach.  No matter in what manner the doors are hung they always interfere with accessibility.  The open cabinet look is seen in both the bath and kitchen.

     Accessible bathrooms today contain stylish vanities set at a universal height of 34 inches with clear kneespaces.  The sink faucets are easily controlled by either wrist handles or levers.  Toilets are available in comfort heights eliminating the deep knee bend needed for seating.  Toilet seats are available with a heat feature and some have the ability to self close or have a night light.  Curbless roll in showers are advised for everyone.  The shower should contain at least a shower wand on a sliding bar for varying heights of use alongwith a regular shower head and control if desired.  Folding seats are useful if caretakers are ever involved. Grab bars around the bath and especially in the shower should be used while non slip floor covering should always be considered.

     The National Association of Home Builders, in partnership with the AARP and Home Innovation Research Labs, created the CAPS program, which includes training and education on the technical, business management and customer service skills essential to compete in the fastest growing segment of the residential remodeling industry--home modifications for aging in place.  David L. Traut CAPS owner of T-Square Company in Austin, Texas is one of the select group of professionals nationwide to earn the Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist (CAPS) designation, identifying him as a home remodeler and builder with the skills and knowledge necessary to remodel or modify a home to meet the unique needs of the older population, disabled owners or their visitors.

     For additional information about the CAPS program, visit nahb.org/CAPS.  For more information about T-Square Company, visit www.tsquareco.com or call 512-444-0097.

    

    

    

    

 

    

   

  

     Everyone ages differently and has different needs and wants.  The factors that constitute the aging in place market for all individuals concerning elder living solutions are based on a persons genetic makeup, their lifestyle including the choices they have made while living their life, and their environment.  These factors have brought about the need for universal design.  This is the design of products, services, and environments that are usable by as many people as possible regardless of age, ability, or situation without the need for adaptation or specialized alterations.  It provides for the greatest safety and access for any home guests or occupants and is undetectable when done well.  Since so very few homes share the accessibility offered by universal design, to satisfy the needs of a particular household member brought about by an accident, an illness, or simply the aging process there will always be a need for customized accessibility features.  This will be accomplished by a CAPS accredited remodeling professional producing a truly fuctional design.   This same competent home remodeling company who understands and practices aging in place home modifications in Austin should carry out the work to fit the design and insure your safety and accessibility.

     The Center for Disease Control defines aging in place as the ability to live in one’s own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably regardless of age, income, or ability level.  Aging in place construction and remodeling has become synonymous with handicap accessible home design and modification during our lifetime.   Home modifications can be used to accomodate anyone from people with mobility impairments to those with vision loss, hearing loss, or even cognitive or developmental disabilities.  Accessibility home modifications or wheelchair accessible kitchen and bathroom remodeling in Austin will allow anyone with limited mobility within your home to feel more empowered and independent.  The extent of a customized accessibility design is dependent upon the activity level of the person requiring the modifications.  Whether someone needs a cane, walker, or wheelchair to help with mobility it is definitely a game changer for accessibility within the home.  Aging in place home modifications help people maintain their living environment for as long as it works for them before they might need assisted living care or a nursing home.

     Some people confuse aging in place with universal design.  Both are a method to increase accessibility within the home but aging in place strictly deals with an existing home. Aging in place also implies modifying any home for it's older occupants to insure that the inhabitants can safely remain there as long as they possibly can.  This time will expire once they need assisting medically trained help for safeguarding their personal safety in a nursing home or an assisted living environment.  Universal design is just that; offering choices to all of a home's residents no matter their age or physical capabilities.  It begins with a design and then the construction begins.  The number one safety hazard for elderly people is negotiating level changes within the home--steps at the entry, stairs between floors, and curbs to step over when entering the bath or shower.  Eliminating level changes is very difficult in existing homes and almost impossible to do aesthetically and without major compromises, unless there is a major renovation.  The result is that most homeowners decide to sell the house rather than make the modifications.  When universal design is incorporated into their design, homes can accommodate the needs of their owners as those needs evolve over time.

      Physical limitations affect many more people than the daily users of walkers and wheelchairs.  Many members of our life experienced or elder society have significant problems in dealing with their home environment.  Todays conventional building standards conflict with most people's accessibility when you consider our created architectural barriers concerning cabinetry and door opening widths, individual strength, range of motion, movement,  manual dexterity, balance, and coordination .  Once the demands of our built environment exceed their capacities we become excluded from a room or even the entire home.  The building world must work in unison to be sure the entire living environment meets basic needs in addition to affordability and structural integrity for the consumer and home owner.  This includes both the home and the components within the home being accessible to all inhabitants.  Privacy, sense of belonging, sense of control, and the sense of safety and security make up the quality of life for any home and should be considered for any design.

      Accessible home remodeling in Austin, Texas has become synonymous with handicap accessible home design and modification during our lifetime.   Home modifications can be used to accommodate anyone from people with mobility impairments to those with vision loss, hearing loss, or even cognitive or developmental disabilities.  Accessibility home modifications or wheelchair accessible kitchen and bathroom remodeling in Austin will allow anyone with limited mobility within your home to feel more empowered and independent.  The extent of a customized accessibility design is dependent upon the activity level of the person requiring the modifications.

      We now need a new vision of a home that works for everyone and this attitude is becoming the new reality stemming from a revolution.  This new building revolution is known as universal design.  New accessible homes are being created along with ways to make the older homes more accessible.  This new way of thinking is enabling aging in place to become a reality for new homes and as a means to increase the accessibility in our existing homes.

      If you hire an experienced CAPS certified building professional with infinite knowledge of accessibility home modifications they will be able to help you make the right ADA remodeling choices.  These will include the improvements offering the most service to the individual with mobility issues. Talk to your contractor about the disability and the activitity level of the person needing the modifications.  Together you can arrive at a custom solution for your accessible home design.our new older majority of homeowners, a group where disability is a fact of life.

 

 

    

    

     Let's face it, accessible homes are needed by all of us at some time in our lives.  This is true whether it's for ourselves, a family member, or a guest.  The need is certainly not driven by age but is a result of life's experience.  Any family living with disability among any of it's generations within it's group can always benefit from additional accessibility. This will in turn increase safety and independence for all involved as they go through life needing elder living solutions.

 

     There are really three categories of aging in place customers.  Those who are simply and wisely planning ahead for their futures to remain in their present homes.  The second category concerns those people who know they have a chronic medical disorder and need to prepare in advance for accessibility issues which will come as a result of their disease.  People with diseases that are constantly causing increased physical or mental changes to their being are a good representative of this second group.  The third group involves those people who either have had a chronic problem that has  progressed severely altering their mobility or those who have sustained a life altering tragedy such as being involved in an accident.  All of these groups will drive the future metamorphosis of existing inaccessible dwellings.

      Disability is a complex phenomenon representing an interaction between one's physical impairments, the activities they need to perform, and the architectural barriers within the space in which this situation occurs.  The terminology and jargon used for disabilities evolves regularly whereas, "handicapped" is no longer acceptable.  It is no longer merely a description of intellectual or physical impairments.  Each individual with similar impairments describes his or her limitations differently.  The blind don't experience their world the same as a person with deafness.  Some of our societal statistics that weigh into aging in place situations include reports stating that 19% of the population between the ages of 16 and 64 and 42% of those of us 65 and over have a physical disability affecting the activities of their daily lives.  For a progressive condition,  aging in place home remodeling in Austin definitely comes into play.  This is the only way to insure both the safety and mobility for the homeowner or family member requiring the home modifications.  The two main groups driving this aging in place market are those people who are 65 and over and the baby boomers.  The first group is projected to reach 55 million in 2020.  The baby boomer generation born between 1946 and 1965 today make up 28% of the U.S.  population and are made up of some 77 million people.  Modifications of existing homes using aging in place services is important because people of age 50 and older want to remain in their current home for as long as possible.  Aging in place design in Austin should only be done by a CAPS certified remodeling company providing aging in place services.  This is the only way that you can be assured that the home modifications are the right choices to satisfy your needs.  There is no need to waste money only to find out that the wrong alterations were done by an inexperienced and non-qualified remodeling company.  Always check their credentials to verify that the remodeler holds a CAPS certification. All registered CAPS program graduates and their remodeling company will be listed in a national registry in Washington.  The information can be found by simply visiting nahb.org/CAPS.

      

     We provide a means for our customers to remain in their homes for as long as possible through certified aging in place design.  Gaining accessibility is the key component.  Let us help you design and build a new accessible awareness for your existing home.  Aging in place home modifications in Austin can show you how an accessible route will give you access to any part of your home no matter what your mobility situation is or will become.  For obvious reasons, the bathroom and kitchen are the rooms most affected by a lack of accessibility when aging in place is a concern.

We are able to handle any remodeling project, and focus on collaborative client centered solutions. We are not afraid to think outside of the box for solutions that meet our client's needs. We are a company with extensive experience in physical and occupational therapy as well as construction, remodeling, and design. Services we offer include: individualized assessments, architectural design, interior design, accessible remodeling & construction, wheelchair lifts & ramps, stair lifts, residential/commercial elevators, ceiling transfer lifts, and other simple solutions such as grab bar & railing installations.

Please call T-Square Company for all your CAPS building and remodeling needs!

      

  

     If you have been considering a fine bathroom makeover or bathroom transformation in Austin there are a few things you should take into consideration.  Bathroom makeovers in Austin, Texas can take on many looks and facets.  The scope of work you choose to accomplish should effectively solve your problems and most importantly, your needs as the home owner.  The identification of these specific needs belongs to you the home owner.  The way your home is structurally altered to accomplish these needs is the job of the professional remodeling contractor.  Accessibility should be a concern no matter what your age when doing a bathroom upgrade.  If your concerns are not for you,  barring any life changing accident, they could concern the accessibility of another generation's independence is using the restroom.  CAPS professionals in the remodeling industry can help with solutions in solving these issues.  Keep in mind that a successful remodel which ultimately increases your home's accessibility will increase the value of your home as it will be a better fit for anyone in our society and not just the completely mobile or the disabled home buyers.  It will always be cheaper to remodel than relocate.

    Certainly there are many upgrades available when planning a bathroom transformation.  The replacement of the tub with a new accessible shower during a custom tub shower conversion can create a bold  look but will run you at least $12,000.  There are no spending limits for bathroom remodels.   You can plan on spending around $15,000 to $18,000 for a hall bath remodel.  The price tag can approach or exceed $35,000 for a complete master suite remodel.  Bathroom cabinets are always a concern because additional storage is always a desire.  Fine cabinetry for your bathroom remodel should include the vanity, wall cabinets, and the linen storage area.  The type of plumbing fixtures and building components chosen along with the labor will compose the overall cost of the remodeling project.

     Keep in mind that moving plumbing, especially drains, is one of the more expensive aspects of all fine bathroom makeovers involving floor demolition.  If you can limit and control the costs involved with this issue you will have more money to spend on the things that show off your endeavors.  Changing water supply line locations is not as difficult as moving drains especially when they go into the main drainage system that resides underneath the finished floor.

      Bathroom plumbing fixture choices are numerous to say the least.  Select reputable companies offering the best warranties especially when considering finishes used on control valve trims and the fixtures installed in the project.   Larger walk in shower designs should have seamless fiberglass liners to avoid leaks if the house ever shifts.  Using natural stone or glass tiles while additionally designing in glass blocks will certainly be an upgrade.  As for the new walk in shower design, you can design the space to not need a door for splash protection or you can take the route of a clean looking frameless glass shower enclosure.   This will surely set you back at least $900.  The end result will be a sophisticated  clean look of beauty enclosing your new shower.  Whether the door sits upon a curb or you have a specific need for a curbless situation you will be satisfied with your choice.

      If you're current situation is cramped but you already have a double vanity, you might gain space for a new shower expansion in your Austin bathroom remodel by either shortening the vanity while keeping the two sinks or by going with one single sink located in the middle of a shorter vanity.  This can be accomplished by capping off one sink drain completely and/or deleting the water supply stops.  If your toilet is located between the vanity and tub then shortening the vanity is all for naught.  You can move the toilet over but this means breaking out the floor to change the toilet plumbing floor flange plus the water supply.  Be careful as this alteration can be costly and should only be done to allow certain specific situations to evolve.

     Who do you choose to help you with your dream?  It is true that a professional remodeling contractor with years of experience will cost you more than a handyman illegally playing among the trades at your peril but then again there are those professional guarantees to  consider.  The professional verses the handyman is more likely to seek your overall satisfaction that will follow him into his next job.  A true building professional can also orchestrate the job's smooth flow limiting the down time of a most useful room.  Subcontractors will not be covered up and each skilled  trade is brought onto the sight as needed in an orderly fashion.  Professionals normally have insurance to cover on the job accidents to protect the homeowners from having legal action brought against them personally.  Be sure you ask for a certificate of insurance from your chosen professional contractor so that you aren't held personally liable for medical experiences covering a worker's accident while on your property.

     I tell my customers all the time that one of their main ways of choosing a reputable contractor with a good track record and BBB experience rating is the ability for them to do work with the particular residential building contractor they are interviewing.  Can they communicate easily relying on the contractor's experience and reputation and can they get along throughout the sometimes long and detailed construction process?  Are they compatible as human beings because the only energy that should be spent during the project should be directed toward it's completion.

     After choosing your residential construction contractor you should never pay for everything up front.  Payments should be associated with aspects of the job and you should always get something for your money.  Soft costs like designs, permits, or fees can be paid in advance to get the project rolling plus any custom made entities or materials ordered and stocked on the job sight.  Never let the contractor draw ahead of what is actually happening no matter how much you are caught up in the building process.  Paying for a little overhead to an experienced construction professional will always cost more but usually saves you a lot in the long run.  It's not always about the cheapest bid because you'll always get what you pay for.  Get every aspect of the job in writing and both you and the chosen residential construction contractor must sign the document for it to be a binding contract.

 

T-Square Company is a bathroom remodeling contractor in Austin, Texas

Custom Walk In Shower Designs

 

 

    

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 8, 2014                                     

 

David Traut earns Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist Educational Designation

 

Austin, Texas David L. Traut owner of T-Square Company is now one of the select group of professionals nationwide to earn the Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist (CAPS) designation, identifying him as a home remodeler and builder with the skills and knowledge necessary to remodel or modify a home to meet the unique needs of the older population, disabled owners or their visitors.

 

The National Association of Home Builders, in partnership with the AARP and Home Innovation Research Labs, created the CAPS program, which includes training and education on the technical, business management and customer service skills essential to compete in the fastest growing segment of the residential remodeling industry--home modifications for aging in place design and remodeling.

 

In 1974 while obtaining a graduate degree from the University of Texas at Austin an innate talent was acknowledged and T-Square Company was formed as a means to remodel both friends and Professors homes. This began a quest for constructive footprints leading to a lifetime of challenge. My researching practices evolved into the art of building the most efficient structures possible utilizing the ever changing technologies benefiting construction.

 

CAPS graduates include remodelers, builders, designers, architects, occupational therapists and others who help homeowners remain in their homes safely, independently and comfortably as they age.

 

The CAPS coursework curriculum incorporates market demographics, communication techniques, marketing, common barriers and solutions, building codes and standards, product ideas and resources and business management.

 

CAPS program graduates are required to maintain their designation by attending continuing education programs and/or participating in community service projects.

 

"As a certified aging in place specialist I look forward to helping homeowners in the Austin and surrounding areas make the changes they need to enable them to live in their homes for a long, long time.  We can now offer certified aging in place services" said David Traut.

 

For additional information about the CAPS program, visit nahb.org/CAPS.  For more information about T-Square Company, visit www.tsquareco.com or call 512-444-0097.

 

     Millions of Americans are living longer and have more active lives.  While this group is embracing newly found and changing lifestyles, a need to revitalize their home environments has come about.  Elder living solutions  require bathrooms with disability access and have become the norm for the baby boomer generation.  Identifying this major opportunity while developing the skills to interact with those needful homeowners has created a new type of remodeling.  A certified aging in place specialist performing elder construction or CAPS home remodeling contractor has completed the coursework and training in how to help keep existing homeowners in their homes longer. The CAPS certified remodeling contractor will be listed in a national directory compiled by the NAHB in Washington.

     Aging in place design and aging in place services in Austin will provide a means for our customers to remain in their homes for as long as possible and this is why we offer this nationally accredited service. Gaining accessibility is the key component.  Let us help you design and build a new accessible awareness for your existing home.  We can show you how an accessible route can give you access to any part of your home no matter what your mobility situation is or will become.  For obvious reasons, the bathroom and kitchen are the rooms most affected by a lack of accessibility when aging in place is a concern.

We are able to handle any remodeling project, and focus on collaborative client centered solutions. We are not afraid to think outside of the box for solutions that meet our client's needs. We are a company with extensive experience in physical and occupational therapy as well as construction, remodeling, and design. Services we offer include: individualized assessments, architectural design, interior design, accessible remodeling & construction, wheelchair lifts & ramps, stair lifts, residential/commercial elevators, ceiling transfer lifts, and other simple solutions such as grab bar & railing installations.

     Millions of Americans are living longer and have more active lives.  While this group is embracing newly found and changing lifestyles, a need to revitalize their home environments through elder living solutions has come about.  Identifying this major opportunity while developing the skills to interact with those needful homeowners has created a new type of remodeling.  A certified aging in place specialist or CAPS home remodeler has completed the coursework and training in how to help keep existing homeowners in their homes longer. They will be listed in a national directory compiled by the NAHB in Washington.

     Everyone ages differently and has different needs and wants.  The factors that constitute the aging in place market for all individuals are based on a persons genetic makeup, their lifestyle including the choices they have made while living their life, and their environment.  These factors have brought about the need for universal design and handicap remodeling contractors.  This is the design of products, services, and environments that are usable by as many people as possible regardless of age, ability, or situation without the need for adaptation or specialized alterations.  It provides for the greatest safety and access for any home guests or occupants and is undetectable when done well.  Since so very few homes share the accessibility offered by universal design, to satisfy the needs of a particular household member brought about by an accident, an illness, or simply the aging process there will always be a need for customized accessibility features.  This will be accomplished by a CAPS accredited remodeling professional producing a truly functional design.   This same competent design/build home remodeling company who understands and practices aging in place home modifications in Austin should carry out the work to fit the design and insure your safety and accessibility.  A certified aging in place specialist will be listed in Washington on the NAHB CAPS listing.

     There are three segments that are served within the aging in place marketplace.  The first segment includes those clients without urgent needs.  They have no immediate health issues and simply have a preference for universal design techniques.  The second segment focuses on a group of homeowners with progressive health condition needs.  These people have a chronic or progressive conditions like MS requiring special modifications to their home allowing them to age in place.  This group of people will face a time of urgency at some point in their lives as their mobility needs evolve.  The third sector involves those people who have undergone traumatic health changes that necessitates immediate modifications to their home in order to age in place.  Only aging in place home remodeling in Austin can accomplish the home modifications for all three sector's needs mentioned above.  As our society evolves away from institutionalized care,  making a home more comfortable for both older adults and their visitors can have an immediate benefit on the comfort and lifestyle of the adult child.

     Some of our societal statistics that weigh into aging in place situations include reports stating that 19% of the population between the ages of 16 and 64 and 42% of those of us 65 and over have a physical disability affecting the activities of their daily lives.  For a progressive condition,  aging in place home remodeling in Austin definitely comes into play.  This is the only way to insure both the safety and mobility for the homeowner or family member requiring the home modifications for elder construction.  The two main groups driving this aging in place market are those people who are 65 and over and the baby boomers.  The first group is projected to reach 55 million in 2020.  The baby boomer generation born between 1946 and 1965 today make up 28% of the U.S.  population and are made up of some 77 million people.  Modifications of existing homes is important because people of age 50 and older want to remain in their current home for as long as possible.  Aging in place home modifications in Austin should only be done by a CAPS certified remodeling company.  This is the only way that you can be assured that the home modifications are the right choices to satisfy your needs.  There is no need to waste money only to find out that the wrong alterations were done by an inexperienced and nonqualified remodeling company.  Always check their creditials to verify that they hold a CAPS certification.

Typical Aging In Place Home Modifications

    

     Whether you're looking for a local residential remodeling contractor in Austin, Texas to accomplish a kitchen remodel or a construction professional to complete an entire gutting and remodel of your entire home including a home office transformation,  the final accenting finishes most likely will include the use of fine cabinetry. The choice between frameless European and Northern face frame cabinetry styles will highlight practically any design.   Choosing the correct wood species can further add to the richness of the job.  Then there are those needed additions that must blend while being added onto your home without notice.

      To begin with, kitchen upgrades and bathroom remodels return the most money at resale on the initial investment of the remodeling project.  National averages show that kitchen remodels recoup around 70% of the costs of the upgrade at the time of resale of the home.  However, your kitchen remodeling costs should never exceed 15% of the total value of your home.  Here is where you need to get your thinking cap on and plan for an affordable budget that is within your means.  Your material choices are very important and if you need to stay mid-level to fit the budget then do so.  The labor involved for the project will be around 1.6 times the cost of the materials used.  The total budget should allow $100 per square foot for your kitchen upgrade project.

     Any kitchen remodel will need to produce a better service or work triangle between the sink, refrigerator, and stove placement.  The shorter the sum of the triangle legs the more efficient the layout but islands can also be incorporated into the design to increase the efficiency.  The prep sink within the island can become it's own focal point of the work triangle displacing the duties of the main kitchen sink.  The orientation of the island toward the work triangle is very important making sure traffic can still flow freely within the designated triangle. Islands can contain all sorts of special storage areas.  Mixer lifts, produce storage drawers, wine storage, and dough board pullouts are just a few of the many useful aspects that can be incorporated into the island.

      Living with a dysfunctional bathroom layout reduces the total feeling of relaxation your master bath is capable of providing.   During those much deserved private moments you long for your bathroom's surroundings to provide both luxury and function.  There isn't adequate lighting for the many daily personal duties like applying makeup.   There needs to be adequate ventillation so you don't always feel as though you are housed in a "sweat box" while getting dressed. The outdated plate mirror extending from your vanity top's splash upward toward the drywall furrdown above has never been a design you thank the world of. You have always disliked that box above housing the poorly illuminating fluorescent tube lamps that are concealed by the yellowing plastic diffuser panel.  You are sick and tired of the poor storage facilities inherited when you purchased your home.  The height of the vanity is out of line according to your needs and it is also inadequate for your storage needs.  The existing cabinet layout contains unusable drawers beginning to come off their tracks and the cabinet doors have their own particular issues.  Your cabinets are either too deep to access what they contain or their storage capabilities have been limited by their total improper design.  What were those guys thinking?  What's more the out of fashion ceramic tiles are either partly missing or they are totally the wrong color for the day along with the colors within the rest of the room.  Having improperly working plumbing fixtures that are now also antiquated with their own set of problems is yet another quandry within itself.  The fixtures themselves can also be finished in a color that is long out of style.  So what do you do?

     It is well past time to undergo a fine bathroom upgrade and makeover.  Bathroom remodeling can either be a pain or a pleasant experience according to the participants involved.  Bathroom remodeling in Austin, Texas like most other cities includes many of the same aspects.  Be sure to choose a qualified residential construction contractor whose personality and qualifications are agreeable with you personally.  You are about to undertake a very important short term relationship in your life with someone you may know by reputation only.  The relationship needs to be comfortable and free flowing thus enabling the contractor's creativity level to be at it's highest during your remodeling project. Look at it as a partnership between your needs and the remodeling contractor's abilities.  His professional remodeling experience will include his capacity to identify many construction limitations and hazards.   These variables underlie the major pitfalls that can be avoided while making a bathroom remodeling design come into reality.  His experience can also aid you in accomplishing bathroom upgrades that include dissability issues.  Accessibility is what the project is about anyway.  The job needs to flow between the various trades involved to produce a better final outcome.  This too is a reflection on his remodeling experience for which there is no substitute.

     Bathroom plumbing fixture choices are numerous to say the least.  Select reputable companies offering the best warranties especially when considering finishes used on control valve trims and the fixtures installed in the project.   Larger walk in shower designs should have seamless fiberglass liners to avoid leaks if the house ever shifts.  Using natural stone or glass tiles while additionally designing in glass blocks will certainly be an upgrade. 

     Colors for bathrooms today are natural and earthy creating a calming effect.  Accents of color reflected from the tiles, paint, fixtures, and woodwork are used to make things a little more interesting compared to the room's overall vanilla tones within your design.  Help is just a phone call away but be sure the one who answers has the qualified experience you need for completing your new bathroom transformation.

Residential Remodeling Creating A Custom Walk In Shower

 

    You should never consider hiring a "jack of all trades but master of none" type handyman to tear your bathroom apart.  What's more, you certainly do not want to witness such a person struggling to piece the room back together attempting to achieve your long desired Austin bathroom remodel idea.  If so, you will absolutely learn a hard and invaluable lesson in getting what you pay for by accepting the handyman's cheapest bid.

     It is well past time to undergo a fine bathroom upgrade and makeover.  An Austin bathroom remodel can either be a pain or a pleasant experience according to the participants involved.  Bathroom remodeling in Austin, Texas like most other cities includes many of the same aspects.  Be sure to choose a qualified residential remodeling professional whose personality and qualifications are agreeable with you personally.  You are about to undertake a very important short term relationship in your life with someone you may know by reputation only.  The relationship needs to be comfortable and free flowing thus enabling the residential remodeling contractor's creativity level to be at it's highest during your remodeling project. Look at it as a partnership between your needs and the remodeling contractor's abilities.  His professional remodeling experience will include his capacity to identify many construction limitations and hazards.   These variables underlie the major pitfalls that can be avoided while making a bathroom remodeling design come into reality.  His experience can also aid you in accomplishing bathroom upgrades that include dissability issues.  Accessibility is what the project is about anyway.  The job needs to flow between the various trades involved to produce a better final outcome.  This too is a reflection on his remodeling experience for which there is no substitute.

     Just look at the different types of housing represented througout this city and it's surrounding areas.  Smaller homes, cottages, sprawling historical townhomes surrounded by architectually pleasing fences, rustic ranch homes, Macmansions, and sleek high rise condominiums are just a few examples of the structures that define Austin's diverse housing landscape. Economic situations alongwith personal preference formulates where we choose to live in a town with such diversity.

     Committing to a bathroom remodel means taking many factors into account in the planning stages.  No matter which type of the structures listed above you're dealing with,  you must lean toward making the new bathroom upgrade blend with your existing home's design existing in harmony with it's surroundings.  All efforts must be made to prevent it from appearing as a "dirt dobber" design.  Putting an ultra modern updated bath into a dated urban cottage really doesn't blend well.  The types of architecture dealt with will clash and one will override the other taking away the prospect of a blending project to your home.

     Certainly there are many upgrades available when planning a bathroom transformation.  The replacement of the tub with a new walk in shower can create a bold  look but will run you around $10,000.  There are no spending limits for bathroom remodels.   You can plan on spending around $12,000 to $15,000 for a hall bath remodel.   The price tag can approach or exceed $35,000 for a complete master suite remodel.  The type of fixtures and building components chosen alongwith the labor will compose the overall cost of the remodeling project.

       Young Austin homeowners are always looking for ways to bring their existing older home's bathrooms up to date.  They can't afford a major residential remodel while providing for a new family.  Bathroom remodels for these smaller baths can incorporate a number of the items listed above in moderation to fit any budget.  Using beautiful ceramic tiles in an interesting design, updating plumbing fixtures, and the use of neutral colors can create a small bathroom with a "wow" factor. It is quite possible to produce a small but charmingly remodled bath on a budget.  A project that is affordable plus the fact that it will add resale value to your home cannot be denied.  Check out all the options before committing to a plan and then stick to it.  Always hire a local and professional builder.  Remember that producing change orders because no one thought of "that" can be expensive. Create the style for your Austin bathroom remodel that best gives you that feeling of pride!

A Bathroom Remodel Should Provide A Pop For Your Home

    

     Elder design takes on many facets because everyone ages differently.  Once you pass through the entry door that begins a designated accessible route,  the next phase of any ADA remodeling for greater accessibility includes making all destinations wheel chair accessible.  Everyone requires the unrestricted use of any sinks and bathing facilities to promote personal hygiene and independence for any Austin bathroom remodel.  This includes the sinks in both the kitchen and bath areas installed within ADA compliant cabinets at the correct 34 inch height. Roll under capability for wheelchair access will be included maintaining the proper clearances underneath the vanity during any bathroom modifications for elderly people.  Furthermore those sinks must have accessible faucets with either automatic dispensing capabilities or manually operated blade (wrist) handles.  Both the water supply lines and the sink drain underneath must be insulated or covered to prevent scalding when remodeling a bathroom with disability access.

Wheelchair Accessible Vanities

 

    ADA accessible baths from a bath tub standpoint are generally limited to showers and the type of shower used is determined by the end user's physical capabilities.  ADA compatible showers typically offer roll in or transfer situations.  Custom tub shower conversions should be totally accessible.  Regardless of the type ADA shower being used,  a proper half inch threshold at the shower entrance should be observed for a custom walk in shower or you will need a means to add a ramp later.  The splashing drawback of this situation can be remedied by installing a second wet trap floor drain overcoming any sewer gas problems arising from a dry trap.

     The water controls located within the ADA accessible shower from a custom tub to shower conversion should include an easily adjustable faucet for temperature control with an automatic scald guard shield and an adjustable sliding wall mount capable of holding a hand held shower wand if desired.  When the hand held shower is not mounted the user can rinse off easier using it as a hand held unit.  The installation of grab bars as needed is a must.

 Roll In Showers

 

     Toilets need to have the flush handle located toward the middle of the room and be of the correct height for comfort.  Proper clearance from any walls must be observed and the approach to the toilet must be maintained.  Grab bars should be installed both on the rear and sidewall of the toilet at 34 inches above the floor.  Any bathroom transformation needs to include universal design characteristics and be accessible to everyone in the home.

 

     Remember to choose a remodeling contractor with ADA experience who is CAPS certified to show you how to get the greatest accessibility for your evolving lifestyle.