Right Sizing Your Home

There are no rules these days when it comes to retirement. People don’t feel obligated to, or quite frankly even want to, move out of their house when they retire. It can be a time-consuming hassle that often hurts the bank account, especially with this economy. The latest trend is to right-size. 

By 2015, the average home size is expected to shrink by 10 percent, according to the National Home Builders Association. Buying small houses has something to do with the economy, but it simply isn't practical to live in a mansion. People no longer want unnecessary space that won’t pay itself off. 

Having a smaller home is not only more affordable, it can also be easy to maintain and still can meet all your needs. That being said, retirement shouldn't be a time of focusing on moving, it should be a time to make the most out of what you have.

Why move out when you can fully utilize your current living area and make it into a relatively new place?  There are different methods to right-size your home and make it accessible for you as you age and also accessible for anyone who may be moving in with you. 

Maximize: Make The Best Use Of The Space You Have
Right-sizing is all about maximizing your space and getting rid of unnecessary areas. Rooms such as the office or dining room aren't essential to most homes. They can instead be made into additional bedrooms or a room dedicated to whatever you like to do most in your retirement years, whether it’s lounging or working out. 

Customize: Make Your Home Easy To Use
Another idea to consider is rearranging different rooms in your house. If items are going to get harder to reach as you get older, then redo the kitchen so all storage space is lower and easier to access. Components such as a spice rack or bowl/plate shelf can be reworked into pull out drawers.  Showers and baths can be redesigned so it is easier to get in and out of them. Adding new carpet? Make sure the seams with other floor surfaces are flat so they won’t become an obstacle if a wheelchair is ever needed. If you’re planning on having family over frequently or even permanently, then some rooms will want to be redone to suit your new roommates.

Economize: Make Your Home Energy Efficient
Going green has also become a trend that doesn't have an end in sight. Replacing windows and appliances to make them more efficient and eco-friendly will save you money and give your home a new look. 

Strategize: Make Plans And Follow Through
The exciting part of this process is that while changing your house around, you will get the chance to redesign and decorate it. A mesh of the old and new creates an eclectic and fresh look.

Bringing in a builder early in the process is key. The will be able to look over your floor plans and help you discover the various options you have based off your home measurements. You will find ways to maximize your space and rearrange your home to your personal preferences. Right-sizing is about evolving your house into a place that reflects your current needs and style while saving money. 

The best time to start right-sizing is now. Don’t wait until the day of retirement comes to make all these changes at once. It’s best to ease into your designing and renovating. Start thinking now of how you can change rooms around and if you’re going to want to bring in anyone else to live with you. Make the phone calls to a builder and designer to see how you can make the most of your home functionally and aesthetically. 

If you’re set on moving into a smaller or larger place, the ideas of right-sizing should still be incorporated. Focus on only having rooms you need and want. Don’t waste money on space you won’t fully use. Also, make sure to look for appliances and storage spaces that will fit your needs and your budget. Most of all, keep in mind that there are no rules, so have fun with what you do.

Wardell Builders | info@wardellbuilders.com | 858-793-4190 | Solana Beach, CA 92075

 

REPAIRS YOU SHOULD MAKE BEFORE YOU SELL YOUR HOME

When the time comes to sell the house, the last thing you want is fixable damages to deter a buyer away. Your buyer’s biggest concerns should be how they’re going to decorate rather than how they’re going to make repairs to the home. Save time, money, and stress by making these necessary changes when putting the house up for sale.  
 
Caulk
Caulk is a seller’s best friend: it’s cheap and goes a long way. Pick up some caulk from the store and check all seals in your bathroom, roof, windows, gutters and doors. Clean out these spaces before caulking. This improves the look while preventing water leakage.

Re-patch and paint
Take the time to re-patch any holes in the walls from accidents or pictures being hung on the wall. Use lightweight putty to fill in the holes and primer to paint over it once it dries. If the spots are noticeable, repaint the entire wall. Having patches of primer covering sections of the walls will look just as tacky as the original markings.

If the paint on the exterior of the house is peeling or chipping, then it’s time to scrape it off and start over with a new coat as well.

Filters, vents and sweeping
Small problems such as a dirty HVAC filter will make the system burn out quicker while costing more. You can quickly avoid this issue by replacing the filter once a month.

Another simple cleaning task is the dryer vent. Make sure to clean it every year so dirt doesn’t build up and bring the risk of catching fire. A dirty chimney can also be a fire hazard. Hire a professional to clean the chimney on a yearly basis.

Doors, floors and the roof
Anyone who enters a house is going to notice the doorway, especially if there is a problem. Make sure screens aren’t sagging, frames aren’t bent or scratched and screws are in place. New paint on a door will completely spruce up your house’s image.

As for the floors, if there are any signs of discolored or loose boards, then it’s time to replace them. Sand and repaint the entire floor if any baseboards are showing wear and tear.
The roof will make a screaming impression if shingles or tiles are broken and gutters are hanging. Make sure to replace any broken pieces and clean up unwanted filth, such as moss growth.
 
Leaks and plumbing
No matter the size of a leak or its location, it is sure to bring significant damages to your house and give potential homebuyers real cause for concern. All leaks should be fixed prior to putting up the home for sale. It is also essential to repair any water spots from leaks. Unrepaired water spots leave homebuyers worrying that there may be additional expensive plumbing problems they cannot see.  If your plumbing fixtures are tarnished or are not working properly, just replacing them can help give your home a well-maintained look.

 

Wardell Builders | info@wardellbuilders.com  | 858-793-4190 | Solana Beach, CA 92075

 

REMODELING PROJECTS WITH THE MOST PAY BACK

Remodeling and updating rooms in your house can improve the enjoyment of your home as well as increase the quality of your investment. Having a home your are proud of and enjoy everyday can be priceless, but not all projects have the same financial payback.  Below are some projects that not only improve the look of your home, but also tend to have a high return on your investment.

1. Give Kitchen Cabinets A Fresh Look

Re-facing your kitchen cabinets is an easy cost-effective upgrade that will cost between $6,000 and $15,000.  Small kitchen upgrades can recoup 85% of the cost if you decide to sell the home.

2. Update Kitchen Counter Tops

Have your kitchen countertops seen better days? Natural stone counter tops, such as granite, have dominated the market for some time, but cheaper, traditional materials are now making a comeback.

Improved laminate countertops are the more affordable options at $25 to $50 per linear foot.  For a more expensive designer look, concrete or recycled glass might be attractive options.

 

 

3. Reroofing

Roofing is labor-intensive, so it's not cheap. The typical cost of laying a new roof on a mid-sized house is between $12,000-$15,000. Slate costs more.

But most roofing shingles now come with a 20-year warranty, and upgraded shingles often come with a 30-50 year warranty. A new roof can make a big difference in the curbside appeal of your home. Just as important, having a sound roof can prevent other maintenance problems that can lead to very costly repairs. Most roofing upgrades will recoup around 63% of their cost when you sell, according to experts.

4. Modernize Bathroom Sinks

Bathroom sinks and vanities have become home fashion statements of late, with the rising popularity of sleek stand-alone bowl sinks or sturdy, under mounted vanities.  Replacements can cost anywhere from $1,000-$3,000, plus installation.

Faucets range in price from $200-800. If you can afford the extra cost, consider going for it. When you sell your home, your upscale bathroom remodel should return around 70% of your investment.

5. Swap Out Toilets

Toilets fit over present plumbing, and are fairly easy to install. Toilets cost between $200-$800. Tub prices run between $350-$1,200. A big catch: removing the old units generally costs between $300 and $700. But a midrange bathroom upgrade like this will typically recoup 78% of your costs when you sell your home. When considering a new toilet, shop for modern units that conserve water.

These updates can be done with limited disruption in the normal use of your home. It is important to hire a licensed and bonded contractor to make sure the improvements are done correctly and that you are not liable for any injuries that might occur while the work is being done. Then just sit back and take time to enjoy your new look.

Wardell Builders | info@wardellbuilders.com  | 858-793-4190 | Solana Beach, CA 92075

 

PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT: TIPS TO MAINTAIN YOUR HOME

Some of the most expensive home repairs are ones caused by neglect. By doing a few tasks regularly, you could save thousands in the long run. Don’t be the person who turns the cheek when damages start to build up. Staying on top of repairs will save you big bucks down the line. Here are some aspects of your home to make sure you are maintaining regularly to protect your investment.

Protect Against Water Intrusion
Water intrusion is one of the biggest concerns for homeowners both from a safety perspective and to help avoid major damage. When looking at water, you want to inspect multiple areas:

• Rain gutters and downspouts
• Stucco
• Exterior paint
• Showers, sinks and toilets
• Window seals
• Plants near the foundation

Seal, clean, caulk and repair any area that needs repair as soon as you notice a problem.

Inspect Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Units
An inspection of your HVAC system needs to be done once a year. The filters should be changed or cleaned every 6 months. The equipment is going to last a great deal longer and save you thousands of dollars if you keep up on its maintenance.

Treat for Termites
If left untreated, termites can ruin pretty much everything in the house from furniture to drywall. To make matters even worse, most homeowners insurance doesn’t cover termite damage. It takes months to years to notice that termites are in your house and by that point, it will be far too late. For this reason, it’s important to stay on top of annual termite inspections in order to protect your home and your belongings. Painting your wood trim and decks also helps to protect against termites and rot. So make sure you have a regular painting schedule.

Inspect and Repair Roof Damage
Roof inspections should be part of your regular home repair routine. The older the roof, the more frequently it needs to be inspected. These inspections will prevent water damage, leaking, roof deck sagging, and cracks. Have all vents sealed and cracks replaced to save your roof from having to be replaced and adding up to 40 years of life onto your existing roof.

Power Wash & Repair Wood Decks
A wood deck should be power washed and sealed every one to three years. This will add 20 to 30 years to the deck’s life and prevent stains, algae, mold, mildew, and water damage. Repair work is essential in keeping small problem areas from spreading. Wet spots from water drainage from flowerpots can lead to major repairs if maintenance is deferred.  Just by repairing rotting around the edges of the deck, you can extend the life of your entire deck.

Clean Dryer Vents
Dryer vents should be cleaned annually. This will prevent lint from building up and the dryer from overheating and catching fire.

Clean CarpetsYou should clean your carpet at least every year, but you’re better off cleaning any areas that have heavy traffic more often. It costs thousands of dollars to replace one thousand square feet of a medium-grade carpet and about $500 to clean one thousand square feet of carpet. Annual cleaning will prevent soil buildup and keep you healthier by taking away exposure to bacteria and dirt.

Make Sure Windows WorkOld windows can allow moisture to seep into the house causing rot and mold around the window frame. Updating your windows can help prevent costly damage and also dramatically increase your energy efficiency.

Do Not Overwater Landscaping Overwatered landscaping next to your home can cause a range or problems that can lead to costly repairs both inside and outside of your home from mold to major stucco damage.  If you notice bubbling or peeling paint on the walls near your landscaping, that is a telltale sign that your landscaping is overwatered. To avoid water damage you can install a drip system for plants near your home instead of sprinklers and make sure the grading and soil slope away from your home so water doesn’t pool next to the structure. Also if your home is stucco, make sure the top of the soil is several inches below where the stucco ends.

Chimney
Similar to the HVAC system, a chimney inspection needs to be done annually. By having it cleaned out and fixed up you can prevent fires, mold, and damper damage. A couple of hundred dollars in repairs could save you thousands of dollars in repairs in the chimney and even inside your home.

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Fall is a great time to perform the inspections so you can have any needed repairs completed by the holidays. Hiring a maintenance company to do the inspections year after year makes it easier to spot problem areas and ensures the inspections are not overlooked. Preventative maintenance not only saves money over the long term it also buys more enjoyment of your home while protecting your investment. 

 

Wardell Builders | info@wardellbuilders.com  | 858-793-4190 | Solana Beach, CA 92075

 

Saving Energy Tips: Saving Energy Ideas at Home with your Heating and Cooling System

Keeping home heating and cooling system equipment clean, cleaning your duct work, cleaning your filters - In the simplest of terms, your home heating and air system pushes air with fans connected to ductwork. The amount of energy used to push that air can be lessened by making the air flow easier. Clean ducts and clean filters are not only healthier, air moves through them with greater ease.

Use a Programmable Thermostat - Programming your HVAC system to vary the temperature inside your home according to your occupancy needs saves money over having your home heating and cooling system run at a set temperature all of the time. A programmable thermostat is likely the easiest, most cost effective way to save energy in your home. Many people are under the misconception that it takes more energy to bring your home up to temperature than to just maintain it. This has been shown to be incorrect in the vast majority of situations. Program your thermostat to comfortable temperatures when you are typically home and active. For winter, let's say you wake up at 6:30 and the temperature adjusts to 70; you are typically out and about until 4:30 so that temperature can be set to 62 while you were gone and back up to 70 for your return. If bedtime is at 10, let's drop the temperature back down to 62 until the morning comes around when it will jump back up to 70. This provides for comfort, ease of use and energy savings.

HVAC Equipment Upgrades - If your heating and cooling equipment is old you may want to look at the new models on the market. Some of the new energy saving equipment include variable speed fans, very high efficiently heating units and high SEER rating condensing (cooling) units. New models of electric heat pumps can be very energy available. This allows the units to bring heat and cooling to smaller areas of your home providing greater comfort and control, reducing energy waste.

Ceiling Fans - An often overlooked addition to the comfort level of a home are ceiling fans. Ceiling fans set on a low setting push air down in a room; which is how a ceiling fan will help to distribute your warm air. Ceiling fans add to comfort and increases the efficiency of your heating source, saving energy. Ceiling fans are even better in a cooling situation, they often will provide enough comfort to keep you from engaging your air conditioning system.

Wardell Builders | info@wardellbuilders.com  | 858-793-4190 | Solana Beach, CA 92075

 

 

Metal Windows, Window Materials

Window frame and sash materials can be divided into three primary types: metal, wood, and vinyl/ester composites. Under the term “window” for this article I am also including glazed exterior door systems. Many windows use a combination of these materials, a metal or vinyl clad wood frame and sash window. Let’s look at residential metal windows, where they are used and their pros and cons.

Metal windows were traditionally steel providing for a very strong frame and sash assembly. With small profiles, steel assemblies allow for larger glass to frame ratio than any other material. Typical sash and frame profiles were simple L and T shapes.

Steel windows suit both industrial/contemporary design and old world design. We have used them in a French farmhouse design, hacienda and post modern homes. They were the typical alternative to wood windows for many years. Almost any metal window you see that was installed prior to World War Two is steel (aluminum was used in the 1930’s but not commonly used). The thin lines and heavy feel of steel are attractive. The use of putty to seal the glass to the frame and the usual attached hardware (with nowhere to hide) lends a handcrafted look the windows. These days there are only a handful of qualified fabricators you can turn to for these products.

While very attractive in certain design applications, steel windows are the most expensive of the typical window materials. Usually steel windows are a painted finish. They are built to last but can have rusting problems in coastal areas. The most common method of operation is casement, awning or hopper. They do not lend themselves to a double hung or sliding configuration. Steels biggest operational drawback is thermal. Steel conducts temperature extremely well and has little insulation value. The profiles are solid and within those simple standard shapes steel cannot achieve high thermal performance.

Most metal windows you see today are aluminum. They have come a long way from the inexpensive windows of the 1970’s. While the inexpensive flimsy aluminum windows we grew up with are still readily available, vinyl windows have captured that market. The aluminum windows and doors that are popular with designers lean towards a heavier duty frame with much better hardware.

Everyone has been frustrated with an aluminum sliding door popping off the track and requiring a broom handle to secure since the lock failed. This does not happen with the newer “Fleetwood” style aluminum doors. Heavier profiles have created very sturdy, long lasting door and window systems. In contemporary architecture you will find aluminum operating windows integrated into commercial storefront units. These systems allow for a relatively affordable way to have large areas of glass with the freedom of selected operable portions. The now popular disappearing or pocketing sliding door systems are easily achievable in these new heavier duty doors.

A new look in aluminum is coming out of Europe in a big way. These are door sliding door systems that achieve incredibly small frame sections allowing the glass to visually float with little encasement. While not inexpensive, these units are dramatic allow finishes to flow from interior to exterior with little interruption.

Bi folding exterior door and window units are also available now with hardware and strength that allow them to actually work. Bi fold systems were problematic in the past but the advances in hardware and the rigidity of new material shapes make this an attractive operating method for homes.

Inexpensive aluminum windows are well suited to vertical hung and horizontal sliding operations. The heavier aluminum product can handle those types of operations along with projection methods including casement, awning and hopper. Aluminum crosses many price points. Finish can be mill (natural aluminum), anodized (a metal coating with limited coloration) or painted. If kept clean the material is suitable in coastal areas. Although aluminum is also a conductive material (like steel) aluminums typical section shapes allow for thermal breaks and can be used in achieving high thermal performance window and door systems.

At the outer edge of metal window and door materials are exotics like stainless steel, copper and bronze. While not common they are used (and we have installed them). They are expensive materials and have their own quirks. While Architectural Traditions, along with a few other manufacturers are making solid bronze systems these materials are almost always found as cladding over a wood based sash and frame. The exception is stainless steel. There are a few companies in both the U.S. and Italy that use stainless as a primary window sash and frame material. All of these exotics use a natural finish and handle the elements very well. Bronze and copper patina will age - while stainless steel (with minimum upkeep) stays bright for many years.

Windows Covering Options | window coverings | aluminum window trim | aluminum window installation details | aluminum windows insulation | sash window replacement |window frame repair | vinyl window frame | ester window systems | steel windows | copperplate windows | windows bronze finish | stainless windows

Wardell Builders | info@wardellbuilders.com  | 858-793-4190 | Solana Beach, CA 92075

 

Aging In Place - Home Remodeling for Seniors

I was recently asked about “Aging in Place” remodeling. What should be planned for, how to make it work and what the heck did it mean?
Your home can adapt to you as you age, allowing you to “age in place”. As eyesight dims a little, core balance begins to fade we may want our home to adjust to fit our new and changing realities. This is no different than being able to “Child Proof” a home when we have toddlers or create the place where the “kids hang out” when we have teens. There is a basic checklist produced by the National Assoc. of Home Builders, you can read it at: http://www.nahb.org/generic.aspx?genericContentID=89801

Summing up its ideas:
Reduced mobility equals opening and turning areas large enough for wheelchairs equaling doors resized to 36” wide, hallways to 42” and turning areas in the home with a 5’ clear circle, free of any obstructions. Add to this flat threshold transitions, flat exterior surfaces, non slip flooring materials, steps converted to ramps where possible, sturdy, and easy to use handrails at all remaining steps and the use of wheel chairs becomes feasible.

Finish material selections, both interior and exterior want to have ease of maintenance as a featured quality. Clad metal or fiberglass windows and doors reduce maintenance greatly on a home. Levers instead of knobs on doors, large handles cranks for window operation, paddle style electric switches and even electric door locks can make the home for easier to use. There is no reason not to lower the height of those switches to 48” to allow easier access from a wheelchair.
In the bath and kitchen thermostatic or pressure balanced faucets and shower fixtures with lever handles are readily available in all types of styles. Showers can be redesigned to allow easy roll in or at least no step ramps. Styled sturdy grab bars are useful in the shower and toilet areas. Cabinets can be designed for wheel chair use at sinks and with roll out shelves to make access easier. Using glass for cabinet fronts or even open shelving can make finding kitchen items simpler. The height of counter tops can be reset. The microwave and oven heights can be reconfigured so they are not too high or too low for access. The advent of raised step washer and dryers has lessened the burden on your back when dealing with wash loads.
As eye sight or coordination begins to falter a bit; think of adding a different color to counter top edges and stair treads. Added windows, in strategic locations in the house will provide greater day lighting to the home. Where too bright of sunlight is an issue, electric window shades and drapes are an option. There are many new lighting fixtures out today. Many feature low energy use LED and color balanced fluorescent bulbs. More lights of greater efficiency will not be adding to your electric bill. Adding lighting to closets and other storage areas can improve a home. Motion detecting lighting controls can also make your home easier to live in.
For multistoried homes getting between the floors can present a challenge. Elevators are not just for estate homes anymore. Think about having stacked closets in your home to make a future elevator an easy installation. Laundry chutes and dumbwaiters are inexpensive ways to get typical work loads through the home without lugging items up and down stairs.

There is a large volume of information available on the web regarding Aging in Place. Feel free to call us, here at Wardell Builders, any time with questions or even a walk through your home to take a look at possible improvements that can make your home continue to suite your lifestyle for many, many years.
 
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Wardell Builders | info@wardellbuilders.com  | 858-793-4190 | Solana Beach, CA 92075