by Sean | May 20, 2013 | Aging In Place, Construction, Construction & Design, Universal Design
Aging in Place, or Universal Design, means living in one’s home independently regardless of age or ability. During the design phase of construction, Living Stone carefully integrates universal design elements to suit the needs of the client.
89% of people 50+ wish to remain in their own homes indefinitely (AARP)
68% of remodelers already perform aging-in-place remodeling (NAHB).
Over half of all 55+ households rate their current home a 9 or 10 out of 10 (American
Housing Survey).
The aging population is the number two issue to affect the remodeling industry over the
next five years, only behind the availability of skilled labor (NAHB).
Remodelers report that the most requested aging-in-place features include: grab bars, higher
toilets, curbless showers, wider doorways, ramps or lower-thresholds, and task lighting.
What should my home contain if I want to age in place?
- A master bedroom and bath on the first floor.
Read More
by Sean | May 20, 2013 | Construction, Construction & Design
If you’re planning a home remodel, hire a professional remodeler with excellent credentials. The best remodeling results are achieved when qualified remodelers do the work. Click here for more information on renovations! “Remodeling professionals have training, experience, skills, and solid references,” said says Sean Sullivan with Living Stone Construction. “Home owners can hire the best remodeler for the job by checking credentials and choosing the most qualified candidate.” Ask about these credentials when hiring a professional remodeler: Licensing and Insurance All professional home remodelers should be insured and able to display a certificate proving possession of insurance. While not all states require remodelers to be licensed, in those states the remodelers should also be able to share proof of licensure. Insurance and licensing (where applicable) helps to demonstrate that the remodeling firm is in good standing. Education The most skilled professional remodelers not only have experience on the job, but education. This may include designations such as Certified Graduate Remodeler, Graduate Master Remodeler, Certified Aging in Place Specialist, Certified Green Professional and more. These remodelers have invested in continuing education and professional development to keep their remodeling and business skills sharp and better serve their customers. Association Membership Many successful remodelers are members of trade associations like the National Association of Home Builders—Remodelers because it offers business resources and continuing education. Membership also provides opportunity for professional growth and expanding knowledge of the remodeling industry. Excellent References Glowing references are abundant for professional remodelers because happy home owners enjoy sharing their good experiences and appreciation of their newly upgraded space. Ask to speak with previous clients and to see photos of previous home remodels for getting a sense of their customer relations practice and work style. Business Skills Experienced remodelers know how to manage their business, which provides stability and security for their customers. These professionals will provide a written contract for a home remodeling job, as well as guarantees and warranties for their work. Another important sign of honest business practices from a remodeler is outlining a clear payment schedule and not requiring large amounts of cash up front. Professional remodelers should also have a good reputation with the Better Business Bureau and a good credit report, indicating solid business operations. Conduct thorough research when hiring a professional home remodeler so that you hire someone with good credentials. Verifying smart business practices and remodeling expertise will better ensure that your home remodel will be completed successfully. For more tips on planning a home remodel or hiring a professional remodeler, visit www.nahb.org/remodel or contact Living Stone Construction! 828.669.4343
by Sean | May 15, 2013 | Building Green, Green Building
Every home Living Stone builds is Energy Star Certified and receives a HERS rating. With this rating our clients also receive a projection of energy usage for their home. We are excited to announce that we can now offer an ENERGY USAGE GUARANTEE! The home warranty we offer through Bonded Builders has just announced a new program for our clients. Bonded Builder's Energy Guarantee is a unique way to enhance the HERS rating we secure on each home by making it just that, guaranteed that the house we deliver will actually preform as designed, without any risks! This program is designed to capture those buyers desiring such energy savings and also to attract potential buyers who are learning that energy-efficient homes is where they need to be focusing their efforts towards. The easiest way to describe the process would be if a home is slated to consume $1,000 of energy throughout a year, any amount over that is paid back to the homeowner at the end of each year, up to $1,000 (100% of the anticipated amount). For instance, if a home is slated to consume energy in the amount of $1,000 and after 1 year the homeowner used $1,200, we would send the homeowner a check for $200. Subsequent years are reset at the $1,000 and any overages are paid at the end of each year for 2 years!
by Sean | May 14, 2013 | Construction, Construction & Design
Home owners considering planning to stay in their home should know about remodeling projects that increase the home’s usefulness and make it better to live in. A 2012 National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) survey of remodelers found the following five most common remodeling jobs. Housing market data reveals that small, smart remodels reward home owners with better return on investment and can help update and customize a home. Review these top five remodeling projects and begin planning to remodel during National Home Remodeling Month. 1. Remodel the bathroom Payback on remodeling a bathroom can reach 65 percent with new fixtures, tile, toilet, vanity and lighting. Low flow toilets consumer less water and can decrease the monthly water bill. 2. Remodel the kitchen A minor kitchen remodel can improve the look and utility of the space without costing a bundle, and yields a 75 percent return. Consider replacing backsplashes, cabinet fronts, countertops, and flooring. Installing low-flow faucets and energy-efficient appliances can also reduce water and energy expenses in a heavily trafficked room. 3. Replace windows and doors Updating windows can also return a solid portion of the investment (73 percent for wood frames and 71 percent for vinyl). New, energy-efficient doors and windows also help reduce energy leakage from the home and can bring down heating and cooling bills. 4. Repair property damage Property damage is a common but unfortunate occurrence. Seize misfortune as an opportunity to customize and upgrade the home. If you are already going to be inconvenienced with major home repairs, take that time to plan and incorporate home remodeling that may have been put off in the past. 5.Whole house remodeling Repairs and replacements of old components and the desire for upgraded amenities were cited as the top reasons for customers to hire a remodeler. Evaluate the use of the entire home to see if it fits your needs. Home owners are repurposing spaces to fit their families and making more efficient use of their home’s square footage and equity, rather than moving to a new home and mortgage. Smart remodeling projects for improving the home can make the home more comfortable for your lifestyle.
by Sean | May 8, 2013 | Construction, Construction & Design
Black Mountain front porch we are currently building in The Settings.
