Blog

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

SATURDAY, AUGUST 25th

11:00 AM-4:00 PM

1276 Richardson Avenue- Los Altos

Join us for refreshments, meet the designers and builders, get a free tour of the home

Let us know you're stopping by: openhouse@tldesign.net

Andreza Ashraf joined the Timeline team in early 2018 as our newest Job Captain, specializing in 3D modeling. Her deep desire to learn coupled with her educational prowess have made Andreza a welcome addition to the architecture department.

Holding a Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture and Urbanism and a Master’s Degree in Environmental Studies, Andreza is well educated for her career in architecture. With her experience working as a Junior Architect and Architect Consultant, Andreza has the knowledge and know how to excel with Timeline.

Presently, Andreza enjoys working on projects she is truly passionate about, gaining experience in architecture, and modeling beautiful homes for our clientele. Her duties include residential schematic design and drafting, 3D modeling and rendering, as-built measures and drafting, and coordinating with project consultants.

Bi-lingual in Portuguese and English, Andreza has spent the majority of her life in Brazil before making the
big move to the Bay Area 4 years ago. Outside of work she enjoys reading, exploring new parks for hiking and camping with her husband, cooking and eating out with friends.

Jennifer Woods has spent over 20 years handling the finances for various South Bay companies in her career as an accountant. For over 10 of those years she has worked specifically in the construction industry. A whiz with numbers and naturally detail oriented, Jennifer has enjoyed a successful career.

Holding a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from SFSU, Jennifer is both educated and experienced. Always dressed for success with a winning smile and positive outlook, Jennifer is a great new addition to the Timeline team.

“This is one of those jobs where I love getting up every day and going into work because I enjoy working with the Timeline team…I enjoy smaller companies where all the employees know each other by name at a more personal level.”-Jennifer

In her spare time, Jennifer enjoys spending times with her two sons and seven siblings as well as hiking, photography, travel, poetry writing and all things crafty.