Must-haves for a mature household

by | May 28, 2012 | 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, Articles

<h2 style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt"><font size="3" color="#990000">Must-haves for a mature household</font></h2><p><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1pt; font-size: 10pt">(ARA) – The aging population will have the second biggest impact of any factor on the remodeling industry over the next five years, according to the AARP and National Association of Home Builders. Why? Because today’s homeowners overwhelmingly prefer to live independently in their current homes, even if it means remodeling to meet their needs.</span></p><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1pt; font-size: 10pt"><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Whether you modify your current house or purchase new<span>  </span>these are some must-haves to ensure you’ll have a safe, secure and easily maintained home in which to spend your golden years:</p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><strong>Floor plan</strong></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">* Open floor plan with wide, accessible paths</p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">* Single-story home or a two-story with a first-floor master bedroom </p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><strong>Bathroom</strong></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">* First-floor master bathroom equipped with safety products, such as grab bars, elevated toilet seats and shower chairs</p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">* Curbless shower, featuring a handheld showerhead with an extra long hose</p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">* Adjustable- or varied-height countertops</p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><strong>Kitchen and laundry</strong></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">*<span>  </span>Adjustable- or varied-height countertops</p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">*<span>  </span>Upper wall cabinetry 3 inches lower than conventional height</p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">*<span>  </span>Pull-out kitchen faucet with lever handles</p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">*<span>  </span>First-floor laundry with front-loading machines</p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><strong>Electrical and security</strong></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">* Light switches by each entrance to halls and rooms</p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">* Security system connected to police, fire and EMS</p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">* Flashing porch light or 911 switch</p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><strong>Flooring</strong></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">* Smooth, non-glare, slip-resistant surfaces</p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">* Less than 1/2-inch pile carpet with firm padding</p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"> </p><div style="text-align: center"><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,29,0" width="425" height="282"><param name="movie" value="../images/banners/3a.swf" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="menu" value="false" /><param name="wmode" value="" /><embed src="../images/banners/3a.swf" wmode="" quality="high" menu="false" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="282"></embed></object></div>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><strong>Exterior</strong></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">* Low-maintenance exteriors, such as vinyl or brick</p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">* Covered garage or carport</p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">* Handrails near steps</p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">For more information about ADA-compliant pull-out kitchen faucets from Moen or bath safety products, such as SecureMount Grab Bars, elevated toilet seats and shower chairs from Home Care by Moen, call 800-BUY-MOEN(800-289-6636) or visit <a href="http://moen.com" target="_blank">moen.com</a>.</p>  <p><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1pt; font-size: 10pt">Courtesy of ARAcontent</span></p></span>