Elder Home Care | Mother In Law Suites » Bathroom Remodeling http://in-lawsuite.com Fri, 04 Nov 2011 02:21:24 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 How to Build a Mother-in-Law Suite http://in-lawsuite.com/how-to-build-a-mother-in-law-suite/ http://in-lawsuite.com/how-to-build-a-mother-in-law-suite/#comments Tue, 08 Feb 2011 19:27:27 +0000 Tom http://in-lawsuite.com/?p=1972

Mother in-law suites are usually generated from three major types of remodeling, the basement remodel, the garage conversion and the suite addition. These are the most widely used plans. No matter which one of these projects you choose, you need to ask these question and follow the advice that I’m about to give you. The following paragraphs are  broad overviews. I will be expounding upon them in later articles.

1) Are There Any Covenants or Restriction to Keep You From Building a Mother-in-Law Suite?

Check with your subdivision, city and/or your county to see if they will allow two separate households to reside at the same address. You may be able to use same address “front, rear or side”. Even if you don’t need a permit to build your in-law suite always ask this question. Is there any public entity that may have judgment over your “zoning” privileges? Zoning can specifically define the use of your property.

2) Are Your Existing Utilities Sufficient For A Mother In Law Suite?

This could be a big one. Check the utilities of your existing home, to include the electrical service (power panel), the plumbing (both waste and water supply) and the heating/ cooling system to see if they are large enough to handle the new in-law suite. Use our “Concept Design Form” found at or website. Print it out and present it to a licensed mechanical, electrical, and plumbing contractor to evaluate the additional need that the remodeling project will demand. They will be able to give you a ballpark estimate on the cost according to your need. Caution, some of the MEP upgrades costs will be quite significant but they are necessary to a successful project that will add value to your home.

3) Hiring An Architect?

I suggest hiring a licensed architect. Here again, use our “Concept Design Form” listing the number of bedrooms, kitchen, bathrooms and other rooms you think are required to help an architect find the layout that will give you the best use of the square footage you have to work with. Remember that this space is for home care for a senior or other loved one. You’ve got one shot so get it right the first time. You may also need an architect’s seal on the drawing for the building permits. He will also make sure you meet compliance for emergency and secondary egress. As a Realtor I see clients shocked after spending hard earned money to remodel and find that without the correct window size or walk out, that it does not qualify for “living space”. That could mean a big fat zero gain when you list your home for sale.

4) Getting Estimates

The documents the architect produces gives you a devise to obtain complete estimates with fewer duplications and/or omissions. Getting three estimates is standard operating procedure. Give the contractor two weeks or fourteen working days for a bid dead line. Put in writing. Remember this is a buyers market. Be sure to have a schedule including a start date, a completion date and a payment schedule. Most contractors use the one-third system. Once again get it in writing, one-third on starting, one-third at the middle of the schedule, and one-third on completion. Get lien waivers from the general contractor as well as his sub-contractors and suppliers. Make sure the big ticket items are paid for, such as the ac-unit, copper wire and power panel box, bath tub with surround, roll-in shower, doors and windows, flooring, etc. Make their certificate of insurance for liability and worker comp part of the contract. One last thing you might want to get in writing is to make sure they supply a port-a-potty. This will help to keep your bathrooms clean during the construction.

5) Choosing The Right Contractor for Your Project

Pick a contractor that you feel at ease with. Check his references. Check all of them. How long has he/she been in business? Ask friends, neighbors and even your city about them. Use the Better Business Bureau. They may have a record of any complaints about them and how the complaints were handled. You must be sure that your contractor is trustworthy, responsible and prompt. This is a time of quick decision and close working space. I always feel as if I am at my clients beckon call. You never know when the electric will go off or the water doesn’t work. I’ve seen it all. The best-laid plans do go a stray. You probably have better odds at the casino than having a completed project end without some kind of hiccup. Building your mother-in-law suite can be a good experience. If you ask lots of question, do your homework, and choose wisely, you have a pretty good shot at enjoying the construction of your mother-in-law suite.

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]]> http://in-lawsuite.com/how-to-build-a-mother-in-law-suite/feed/ 3 Professional Advice for Elderly Home Care Remodeling & New Construction http://in-lawsuite.com/professional-advice-for-elderly-home-care-remodeling-new-construction/ http://in-lawsuite.com/professional-advice-for-elderly-home-care-remodeling-new-construction/#comments Fri, 19 Feb 2010 23:06:36 +0000 Tom http://in-lawsuite.com/?p=1046

Project Type

If you are planning to  build an addition, you may want to consider finishing out your existing garage and building a new garage. The cost of building a new garage is far less (in some cases 1/2 as much) than adding additional new living space. For a basement in-law suite you will need a walk out basement and a window that meets your local codes. Concrete foundation walls can be cut to exact opening sizes allowing you to add a door or window if your natural grade permits.

Garage in-law suites will require windows in the bedroom in accordance with your local building codes.

When remodeling a basement, installing a sub floor system such as DRIcore helps to keep the flooring warm and dry as well as adding a healthier living environment for you loved one.

Safety Monitoring

Even when your not in the room with your loved one, you can still check in to make sure their OK and that their receiving proper treatment from others such as healthcare providers.

When planning a construction project don’t forget to consider any other wiring needs you might have in the future, such as Cable TV, Internet connection, etc… The cost of wiring is far less during construction as compared to post construction.

Wheelchair Accessibility

In addition to adding more space and freedom of movement to your in-law suite this option also enables you to have piece of mind, knowing that in the event of injury or other medical complications your loved one will be able to navigate independently or with assistance through his/her living space even in a wheelchair.

In Home Care

Having a lockable passage to your home requires a exterior entrance to the in-law suite and gives you the option of securing your living space when your not present. This gives you piece of mind, knowing that home health care providers have access to your home only at your discretion.

Having a Rehab/Exercise room can save you time and money. Your loved one can be rehabilitated in the comfort of their own living quarters which can save you time that would be spend driving to and from expensive rehab facilities as well as keep your loved one under your watchful care.

Special Health Needs

Comforting in an In-law suiteAn In-Law Suite can even be built with hospital like equipment and treatment capabilities, but without the cold and sometimes dangerous environment. This way your loved one can spend their time around friends and family in a comfortable, safe place, and still get the treatment they need from in home care providers.(Of coarse its always recommended to follow the advise of your physician)

If lack of mobility is a main issue your loved one is facing, a lift can be built into the structure of the building and could facilitate helping your loved one out of bed for bathing, changing, etc…

Chairlifts and many other helpful devices can be installed and designed into the project to make your in-law suite conform to your loved ones needs, and provide them with the best possible living space physically and emotionally.

For basement suites or other special situations an elevator is a great option. Over the recent years the cost has come down on in home models and can be more affordable than you might think.

Safety Accessories

Adding something as simple as a handrail or grab bar can literally be a life saver. Placing Ramps and Grab bars in important locations can help your loved one stay independent for as long as possible.

These simple fixtures can help to minimize falls and other accidents before they happen, its true what they say, “an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.”

Floor Plan

Below is a link to a few samples of in-law suite floor plans in each of the basic design models. Remember everyone has a unique situation and needs, so these are just to help you get some ideas. FLOOR PLANS

Bedroom

When thinking of remodeling, make sure that a window can be placed in the bedroom. Having this in mind first can be a guideline and starting point for the floor plan layout of your project.

Dimmer switches are an easy way to help the room to feel warm and comfortable. In addition they also extend the life of incandescent bulbs.

Structural backing for wall mounted TVs or other items should be considered for installation during initial construction and can sometimes help to make the most of your family member’s living space.

Bathroom

When designing your in-law suite consider using a Jack and Jill bathroom configuration. This gives any guests your loved on might entertain access to the restroom without going through the bedroom.

Kitchen

Cooking in an In law suiteCollapsible sink bases are made at the right height for wheelchair accessibility but still have an under-cabinet that can be removed or left in place.  - Thinking of things like this in the design phase can help you be better prepared from the future and may even save you money and time in the long run.

If your loved one is suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s it is recommended to evaluate their abilities and determine if they will be able to use a kitchen. Doing this now can help you spend your project budget in the best way possible for your loved one’s needs.

When laying out the kitchen, its a good idea to design it around making all the essential appliances and items within reach from one area if possible. This way your loved one won’t have to walk back and forth many times to get from one often used area to another. When grouped together, your loved one can easily get something from the refrigerator, prepare, and cook it with as little walking as possible.

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]]> http://in-lawsuite.com/professional-advice-for-elderly-home-care-remodeling-new-construction/feed/ 1 Bathroom Remodeling For Accessibility http://in-lawsuite.com/bathroom-remodeling-for-accessibility/ http://in-lawsuite.com/bathroom-remodeling-for-accessibility/#comments Tue, 05 Jan 2010 12:00:10 +0000 Tom http://in-lawsuite.com/?p=742

I am going to talk about a pretty popular room in you home. You use it to clean your self, relieve yourself, brush your teeth, fix your hair, shave, put on your make up, and look at your self. It’s your bathroom. It is one of the most used rooms in your home.

Now let’s say something happened to you that made it difficult for you to walk, stand or move without a walker or wheel chair. What would you be forced to do? Is your bathroom designed so you can even get a wheel chair into the room? Once the wheelchair was in the bathroom would you be able to turn it around in a circle? Are any of your fixtures accessible from a wheelchair? How about your mirror, your vanity, your toilet or shower?

If you were ambulatory, you would be considered one having a handicap. (handicap – n. a particular way in which somebody is physically challenged.) It could happen to you or a loved one. It does happen everyday to thousands of people young and old. Why not be ready? You would be forced to move or pay someone to physically lift you and transport you where you needed to go. There is one thing you can do to keep you in your home.

Bath Remodeling Plan

Create a plan for an accessible bathroom. First look at the layout of an accessible bathroom plan. You need a doorway width of a minimum of 32 inches wide. Wheel chairs are between 24-27 inches wide. If you have to turn a wheelchair off the hallway into the accessible bathroom you probably need to have a doorway of 36 inches wide. Make sure that the door opens a minimum of 90 degrees. Accessible design for easy entrance should included a lever handle privacy latch set. If you cannot achieve the minimum door opening of 90 degrees you might consider a pocket door to make the most of your space.

Handicapped Bathroom Design

The essentials for a residential handicap bathroom would consist of a toilet, a vanity, shower/bath or wheelchair accessible shower unit. Some master baths may have both bath and separate shower units. This will allow flexibility for shared use. A general rule for any accessible bathroom needs a five-foot turning radius. This will allow the restricted mobility of a wheelchair to easily access each component of the handicap bathroom.

Bathroom Vanity

The roll under vanity height has a maximum of 34 inches from the top of the vanity to the floor and a minimum of 29 inches from the under side of the vanity top to the floor. The rough-in height is adjusted to allow room for the toe and foot clearance. The hot water supply and the waste drain must be insulated to prevent burning or be covered with drywall. The faucet may be a single handle unit. A pressure mixing valve with anti-scald temperature control will help prevent scalding.

Toilet

The height of the handicapped toilet is from 3 to 5 inches taller than a standard height commode. The higher the toilet height the less distance is travel from sitting to standing height. , The height depends on the user. If you are designing the accessible bathroom for children or an older love one, take into consideration each need for the toilet design and type. Easy transfer from wheelchair to toilet will require closer to a standard height toilet. So the height of the toilet should be the best height to accommodate the user’s specific needs. Toilet Lifts are also a useful tool when caring for an ambulatory patient.

Bathroom Shower

If you have an existing shower/bath you will need a study transfer seat with grab bars and an open tub. This means no sliding glass bath enclosure. A shower curtain is acceptable though. You might need a roll in shower. If you have a tub/shower there are many roll in shower kits that conform to a standard bath opening of 60 inches in width. They have a minimum curb height if ½ inch to allow easy wheelchair access. If you are remodeling your shower you may consider a larger dimension of 6’ wide by 4’-6” or larger.

Grab Bars

One of the last things left to be considered for your accessible bathroom is the placement of backing (plywood or 2-by lumber placed between the wall studs) behind the drywall to support heavy duty grab bars strategically laid out for easy access outside and inside the shower or bath tub and around the toilet area. The grab bars should be capable supporting up to 250lbs.

Naturally without the proper backing behind the drywall to support the grab bar, they could pull off the wall and cause a fall and damage to the wall finish. The grab bars should be between 1 ¼” to 1 ½” in diameter and an 1 ½” from the wall. The same backing should be place behind the drywall for toilet paper holders and towel bars for proper installation.

Floor Coverings

Falling is the last thing we must discuss today for the successful floor plan of an accessible bathroom. Design the flooring to have a non-slip finish. Vinyl sheet goods are inexpensive and are easy to maintain. If you are using flooring tile , use a tile no smaller than 12’ by 12”. Try to select non-slip or mat finish to help with the presence of water. Try not to use throw rugs or mats because their edges may cause a fall. Strive to create a barrier free design.

If you use good common sense and keep it simple, you will have a better chance of having a successful project.

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]]> http://in-lawsuite.com/bathroom-remodeling-for-accessibility/feed/ 2 Mother In Law Suite Floor Plans http://in-lawsuite.com/in-law-suite-floor-plans/ http://in-lawsuite.com/in-law-suite-floor-plans/#comments Fri, 11 Dec 2009 14:11:08 +0000 Tom http://in-lawsuite.com/?p=157

We have put together some Mother In Law Suite Floor Plans to help you start thinking about the best way to lay out your mother in-law suite. These are just examples, but they help to illustrate how simple and efficient design can help you keep your loved one safe and still maintain the highest level of independence possible, while at the same time adding value to your home.

In Law Suite Floor Plans

Each in law suite floor plan is designed around one of three different home remodeling application. If thinking about the mother in law suite floor plan layout is a little too overwhelming for you at this stage, please try our free mother in law suite design form to help you take the first step in making sure you have considered as many of your loved ones needs as possible. This simple form will also e-mail you a list that will be the basis for your floor plan design and will help ease you into designing the perfect mother in law suite for you and your family!

Mother In Law Suite Addition Floor Plan

This in law suite addition plan is perfect for adding some extra space for mom. The size can be adjusted to suite your special needs. Adding a mother in law suite addition to your home can give your aging parent the privacy they need and the peace of mind you need too.

Addition Floor Plan Ex.

Mother In Law Suite Addition Floor Plan

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Mother In Law Suite Basement Floor Plan

Adding a mother in law suite to your basement is a cost effective way to add comfortable and safe living space to you home. Basement mother in law suites work best with a walkout basement but there are many solutions available to help you build a basement in law suite even if you don’t have a walkout style basement.

Basement Floor Plan Ex.

Mother In Law Suite Basement Floor Plan

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Mother In Law Suite Garage Floor Plan

Remodeling your garage for a mother in law suite may be the most cost effective solution to creating a safe and comforting place for mom in your home. Since the garage is already connected to your home its not har to relocate electricity and plumbing if the design is well thought out. The foundation is already there as well and since it was made for a car to drive into the grade of your land is probably even with at least some part of the garage structure and will make it easy to build an accessible entrance for your loved one to safely enter and exit their new home.

Garage Floor Plan Ex.
Mother In Law Suite Garage Floor Plan

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