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Aging in In Place, Consider Your Future Needs
When Planning Your Remodel or Custom Home Project

Remodeling and building is an exciting time full of lots of decision making. If you plan on staying in your home during your golden years, you may want to consider some of the following “aging in place” suggestions:

EXTERIOR:
 Access- Consider a ramp if you have stairs
 Walls and Roof- Use low maintenance materials for the exterior walls and roof
 Landscaping: Plant easy to care for shrubbery
 Lighting: Sensor lights make it easy to see your walking path
 Flooring: Choose non-slip flooring for your walking path

INTERIOR:

Bathrooms:
 Add grab bars at the tub, toilet, and shower
 Use non-skid flooring in your shower and on your floor
 Install easy grip handles on your doors and faucets
 Make sure your bathroom is large enough to accommodate wheel chair maneuverability
 Consider a high seat toilet
 Add a fold down seat in your shower

KITCHEN:
 Install pull down shelving and open shelving for easy access
 Add a wall oven, no more bending over to put things in or take things out
 Position your microwave at counter height

OTHER TIPS
 2 Story Home? Consider creating all your main living area on the bottom floor
 Remove any step downs between rooms
 Give yourself a 5x5 foot turn space in your kitchen, bedroom, living area and bathroom
 Make sure your hallways are at least 36 inches wide
 Add motion sensored lighting in your halls and entrance
 Install doors that are 36 inches wide

Add in an intercom system so you can easily call someone in a different room

At Timeline, aging in place is one of the many things we consider when designing a home. For more information on aging in place, give us a call 408.741.3000

10 Tips- For Autumn Home Maintenance

Before the winter cold and storms set in, follow the maintenance list below to avoid potential hazards and costly damage.

Gutters and Downspouts

• Clean your gutters and downspouts to prevent buildup of dirt and leaves. Neglected gutters can lead to wood rot, pest infestations, and ruined gutters.
• Ensure your water drains properly and doesn’t pool. Pooling may damage foundations, driveways, and walkways.
• Check that all support brackets are securely in place. Be sure water is not coming down behind your gutters.

Windows and Doors

• Install or repair weather stripping or caulking around windows and doors to prevent drafts and to lower heating bills.
• Inspect and repair loose or damaged windows or door frames.

Plumbing

• To prevent pipes freezing and bursting, ensure that your pipes are well insulated.
• Locate and learn how to turn off the water shut-off valve in case pipes freeze.

Heating Systems

• Replace the filter in your furnace.
• Clean your ducts to improve your heating system’s efficiency and reduce household dust.

Chimney and Fireplace

• Fireplaces that are regularly used during the season should have an annual cleaning to prevent dangerous chimney fires. Call a professional in to inspect and clean your chimney.
• Test your fireplace flue for a tight seal when closed.

Attic Ventilation

• Be sure attic insulation doesn’t cover vents in the eaves to prevent winter ice dams on the roof.
• Be sure ridge vents and vents at eaves are free of plants and debris.
• Check attic vents for any holes to prevent unwanted rodent guests.

Landscape and Yardwork

• Although grass stops growing in the fall, the roots are growing deeper to prepare for winter. Now is a great time to fertilize and reseed your lawn.
• Prune your trees and shrubs after the leaves turn to encourage healthy growth.
• Cover any plants that don’t do well in freezing temperatures.
• Trim any tree limbs that are close to power lines or the roof of your home.

Thinking of remodeling your home? Call Timeline today to get started. 408.741.3000