Tag Archives: aging-in-place

8 Desirable New Jersey Home Features

This entry was posted in Home and Family Lifestyle, Neil Parsons and tagged , , , , , , , on by .

Family of five standing in front of home.  Children - 11 to 14 years.  Parents - 40s.In a recent interview, Neil Parsons, owner of Design Build Planners, was asked about 8 desirable New Jersey home features that many buyers are seeking. These features add value in selling a home and provide comfort and enjoyment for the current owners. Below are the items posed to Neil and his thoughts on them with relevance to current homeowner design build remodeling project requests. Continue reading

Universal Design in Remodeling Projects for Need and Desire

This entry was posted in Bathrooms, Jason Parsons, Kitchens, Neil Parsons, Remodeling Industry Information, Remodeling Project Design and tagged , , , , , , , , , , on by .

Having turned 50 this year, I have received much mail regarding membership to the AARP (American Association of Retired Person). Even though I am far from being ready for retirement, being AARP eligible is an indicator of aging, at least for me, similar to gray hair and weaker eye sight. Getting older is a fact of life and ignoring the reality does not make it go away.

On a similar note, most homeowners do not like to discuss universal design options during the onset of a design and build remodeling project. For those unfamiliar with the term universal design, it broadly refers to construction components that allow for easier use and access for people of various ages, sizes, and physical condition. Aging in place is an associated term that refers to planning and building in components that may not be required presently but possibly will be needed or welcomed in the future. Continue reading

Bathroom Shower Doors

This entry was posted in Bathrooms, Jason Parsons, Neil Parsons, Remodeling Project Photos and tagged , , , , , , on by .

Regarding bathroom shower doors, for years the choices have been “framed or frameless?” and “sliding or hinged?”

Now, with some new over sized spa-like bathrooms, a new shower door question has risen: “door or no door?”

Enjoy these photos from Houzz.com. They show many possibilities. Some are designed for personal convenience through Universal Design. Others are designed for a desired look and feel. Continue reading

Home Improvement Trends

This entry was posted in Jason Parsons, Kitchens, Neil Parsons, Remodeling Project Design, Tips for Selecting a Remodeler and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on by .

Homeowners personalize their home rather than move;
Design Build Planners reveal new trend during National Home Improvement Month.

Toms River, New Jersey, May 1st, 2012—In honor of National Home Improvement Month this May, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) reveals that homeowners are personalizing their space during a remodel as the tough housing market forces more people to stay, rather than move.

According to a poll on NARI.org, 26 percent of respondents are planning to stay an additional 16 to 20 years in their homes because their home values have decreased during the recession. Twenty-three percent reported they are going to stay an additional six to 10 years in their homes. Continue reading

Lifestyle Suite Additions

This entry was posted in Architecture, Bathrooms, Jason Parsons, Neil Parsons, Remodeling Project Design and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , on by .

A popular remodeling project that the Design Build Planners are often requested to design is what we refer to as a “Lifestyle Suite”. What was once called an “in-law suite” now offers much more as far as flexibility of use presently and in the future.

Our Lifestyle Suite addition begins with a bedroom, closet and bathroom. From there, we typically add a sitting/TV/family room for personal use or entertaining. Then a wet bar or kitchenette is incorporated to complete a studio residence attached to any style home. Add a separate entry to create privacy or solitude, but then pass back through to the main house for family mingling. Continue reading