The post war boom in housing produced millions of these homes throughout the country. Significant inventory of these homes exist and thrive today in communities such as Ladue, Olivette, Town & Country, Frontenac, Clayton, and Kirkwood to name just a few in St. Louis County.

Considering The Possibilities

1. Go Green: If a home is in sufficient repairable state, then we are doing the environment and our communities at large a favor by preserving that which took a significant amount of energy and material to build in the first place. In other words this is a sustainable or “green” thing to do. A recent study indicated that a 30% increase in energy efficiency will essentially remain a plus for the environment more than a newly constructed home of similar efficiencies.
2. Give It A Facelift: Many of those ranch homes are easy to renovate compared to homes built early in the century. It often is relatively simple to remove walls and rearrange spaces for a more current life style. The styling of many of these ranch homes is bland if not boring. It can be either a simple and economical face lift or a more ambitious renovation generating a different style suited to the Owner’s taste. In the hands of a skilled Architect, changing the look can often salvage and upgrade a home to a current style and preserve and increase the property value. This also contributes to the neighborhood and community fabric.
3. Add A Second Floor: Many of these homes are built sufficiently strong that they can support a second floor, without a great deal of reinforcing to the existing home. Of course these considerations need to be analyzed by an Architect or Structural Engineer.
4. Upgrades To Save Energy: Often these homes were built simple enough that in the course of renovation, upgrading windows and doors will increase value, styling and energy efficiency. Adding insulation and other weatherization factors is relatively a simple process. There are companies available that provide, for reasonable fees, an energy analysis which will indicate a dollars and cents view of the potential costs and energy savings over a period of time.
5. Aging In Place: There’s little doubt that we have an enormous aging population many of which prefer to stay in a home for the remainder of their years. Living on 1 floor certainly is an advantage in terms of mobility, and these ranch homes suit this situation appropriately. Upgrading kitchens, bathrooms and access issues are in order here.

Shown here are 2 versions of divergent styles as upgrade possibilities for the façade of an existing ranch in Olivette.

Purchasing and Renovating

In this current economic climate it seems prudent to consider purchasing and renovating a ranch. Consultation with an Architect, Engineer and/or a renovation specialist contractor is economical and a smart investment in analyzing the possibilities. Lastly, soliciting input from your real estate agent in regards to the effect of improvements on the value of your project is a smart thing to do.

Below is a before and after picture of a 50’s ranch addition we built for a client in Olivette.

Before

After

Article By:
Alan J.Berkowitz, AIA
Alan is an Architect who has specialized in renovations, additions, facelifts, historic restoration work and new
homes for more than 28 years along with a career in industrial product design. He graduated with degrees
in Architecture and Engineering from the University of Kansas. He and his family have lived in a 50’s ranch
that is a work in progress. berkowitzdesign.com

Different Categories of Aging in Place

The different categories of aging in place include urgent needs, progressive conditions and no urgent needs.

• Urgent needs require immediate changes in the living environment such as universal design or home modifications.
• Progressive conditions are conditions that are not urgent but will become manifest in the future. They include heart or lung disease or diabetes that may cause difficulty in living at a later stage in life.
• No urgent need includes people who do not have any health or mobility issues and prefer to remain in their homes.

What are the Home Modifications needed for Aging in Place?

Homes need to be modified to include conveniences that make everyday living easier for aged people. Falling is one of the most common injuries for aged people and can even cause death. Preventing falls is crucial for a person who would like to age in place. This means support in the bathroom and shower, railings on stairs, no loose throw rugs or obstructed pathways.

Increased lighting and easily accessible switches, nonskid flooring, ramps and sliding shelves are other things that make a home safer. These changes are not expensive and relatively minor. There may be other, more drastic changes that need to be done in some cases such as the installation of a private elevator, adjusting counter top heights and constructing new first floor master suites.

How to Become a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist?

The CAPS training program was created by the Remodelers™ Council of the National Association of Home Builders, in together with the NAHB Research Center, Seniors Housing Council and the Association of the Aging and Retired People. The training includes learning about:

• The needs of older people
• Specific home modifications that support independent living
• The most common types of remodeling required
• The most common obstacles and their solutions

The program also teaches how to make the remodeling aesthetically pleasing as well as obstacle-free for a safe living environment.

How to find Training for CAPS?

There are several places online where candidates can find CAPS training programs including the NAHB website and the AARP website. The program is three days and addresses the technical needs for this specific market as well as the communication skills needed to give the best possible modifications for the customer.

The program also teaches how to market aging in place to increase the number of people who select this option. Many older people may not be aware that there is help available for them to make their homes livable for when they become older and have special needs. Children of aging parents may also not be aware of this option.

After the training program is completed, participants must complete the graduation application and submit it to the NAHB University of Housing. CAPS graduates are not merely home remodelers. They offer a service to the public and take a pledge to uphold a code of ethics. They may retain their certificate only by joining continuing educational programs and participating in community service.

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.

Some of the more mundane renovations that might be needed, especially with an older home, are the updates and removal of structural and interior dangers, like mold, inefficient insulation and outdated wiring. While apparently not as crucial as other aesthetic aspects of a project, like a room addition or ramp for an elderly relative, these initial considerations are in fact of the greatest importance.

Home Remodeling Considerations

Mold

One serious consideration, especially in warmer, humid climates is mold. While most forms of mold are not toxic, some indeed are and can cause serious health consequences. It is therefore necessary to address this concern quickly when beginning a project. Because the presence of mold indicates water leakage, home owners first need to identify the source of this water and address that concern. Then the mold can be killed with a biocide and encapsulated. Encapsulation means completely sealing the mold to ensure it cannot continue to grow.

Lead Paint

Another, far more serious threat to homeowners is the presence of lead, which is especially prevalent in older homes. Although, dangerous for everyone exposed, lead is especially threatening to children because it is more easily absorbed through growing skin. This damage to young children, even unborn babies, can be severe. Specifically, lead can inhibit mental and physical development in children. Decreased IQ levels, increased behavioral problems and shortened attention spans are also common effects of lead exposure.

Commonly recognized as a threat in older paint, lead had a variety of applications in the past, including acting as an ingredient in gasoline, furniture and water-carrying pipes. For that reason, there are several ways homeowners, especially children, can risk exposure to this chemical if it is not properly removed. In addition to chipping paint, lead exposure can occur through the air, in the form of lead dust, in drinking water, in food or even in contaminated soil.

asbestos

Another chemical commonly found in older homes that poses a threat to families during renovation is asbestos. This chemical, a naturally occurring mineral used heavily in the 20^th century for construction, should, like lead, be properly removed from homes to ensure the safety of all occupants. Once popular as an insulation, based on its fireproof qualities, heat resistance, chemical resistance and electrical insulation, this material has since proven to cause serious health consequences. Used in a variety of household and industrial applications, this material poses a serious cancer threat when broken, jagged or shredded, which allows it to be released into the air and breathed into the lungs.

Like lead, this chemical has received much attention based on its dangerous side effects. However, its pervasive use in past construction makes it a continuing problem. Its danger is even amplified as older homes are remodeled and the aged material is exposed. Mesothelioma disease is the cancer that results from exposure to this chemical. If exposure occurs, four different types of this disease might occur, with the most common developing in the lung lining. Mesothelioma symptoms typically do not even appear until 20 to 50 years after initial exposure to asbestos, making it even more vital to avoid this chemical because the recognition, and subsequent treatment, of this disease is so difficult.

Safe Home Renovation

Obviously, highly dangerous chemicals like lead and asbestos need to be identified and properly removed by professionals to ensure the safety of a household. The actual process of renovation can disturb these previously-contained chemicals, so it’s important to determine a home’s age to figure out which chemicals might have been present in its construction. While the added strain of a poor economy and elderly relatives might lure some homeowners to cut corners and take on difficult projects, it remains important to recognize one’s limitations, ensure family safety and hire professionals that can help carry out these difficult renovations.
Article by Eric Stevenson

photo by Abby Lanes

Garage Renovation Basics

When considering converting a garage into an additional room, there are basic things to keep in mind. These would include the style, decor, and overall look that you want your new room to have. Since most garage spaces are very basic and bare, they will need carpet or other flooring, paint, and fixtures. Deciding what type of floor would be best suited to the home owners needs and then choosing other room fixtures to match is a great starting point in planning the design of the new living space.

Some Remodeling Is Best Left To The Professionals

The basic renovation of painting and adding decorative touches will be easy for most people to handle on their own. However, there will also probably be some things that will need to be done by a professional. A few of the most essential professional Room Remodeling requirements will be discussed below.

• Electrical Wiring

While it’s true that most completed garages already have electricity, they may not have enough individual wall outlets to allow for a comfortable living area. Additional electrical outlets will need to be added, and the allowance for larger electrical equipment may also be necessary. Refrigerators, washing machines, and air conditioners are all common appliances that need a larger electrical current to operate on. Having a professional ensure that the garage space is adequately equipped to handle these types of appliances will help prevent circuit overloads and possibly even fires.


• Windows & Doors

The addition of windows and doors may also be needed. Having more than just one entrance to the room is important, as home owners will always want a back up escape route in cases of emergencies. Windows will allow more natural lighting to enter the garage, which is normally quite dark. The more natural light a room has the less need for relying on artificial light that will increase the homes electricity bill. In order for windows and doors to be energy effective, they are best installed by professionals.

• Water Lines

Another vital addition to the garage will be water lines. Unless a garage already has plumbing, water lines will need to be added so that a bathroom can be created. The number of necessary lines will also depend greatly on what additional appliances that use water will be placed in the living area. Commonly used appliances include washing machines, kitchen sinks, bathtubs, and dishwashers. While it may not be necessary to have all of these appliances in the garage, it will likely be more convenient if they are. If someone else plans on using the garage as a home, they will likely enjoy the convenience of having all the necessary amenities at hand. Additionally, those residing inside the home will appreciate the added privacy of not having the garage resident come into the home to do laundry, cook, and bathe.

Mother In Law Garage Suites – An Affordable Solution

Many responsible adults find the task of caring for their elderly parents daunting and expensive. Nursing homes are pricey and do not always provide the kind of care that our elderly ones deserve. For this reason, many have decided to renovate garage space into living space for the elderly family members to avoid the need to place them in long-term care facilities. While the task can seem overwhelming, it’s an affordable option to a predicament that many people find themselves faced with every year.

The Video Below is from a 3 car garage in which on bay was converted into a cozy mother in-law suite

To see more photos of this Garage Conversion Click Here

While there are many other tasks involved in the conversion of a garage into a hospitable home, these are a few of the basics that will get one’s creative juices flowing. Garage conversion can be a lot of fun, even though it requires quite a bit of forethought and planning. With the right tools, a little advance knowledge, and an open mind, a garage can become a gorgeous living space. This renovation can add value to the home and provide an enjoyable place for loved ones to live comfortably for years to come.

If you have any tips, stories, or ideas, about renovating garage space into living space please share them with our readers by leaving a comment below!

Here’s a scenario that many of us may face: what if you have a relative, like a mother-in-law or a child, come back to live with you for a time? The basement can be an excellent place to remodel for this purpose, giving your relative space they can feel at home in. The basement naturally feels a little different from the rest of the building – you can use this to your advantage. That “different feeling” will make your guest feel more comfortable with calling a certain portion of the house their own.

You can seize on that “different feeling” for other purposes, too. Once you’ve renovated the basement, you will find that the space’s unique qualities make it very suitable for rooms in the home that aren’t meant to feel quite like the rest of the house. The basement can make an excellent playroom for children, or a good home office space. Since you want to be able to focus on work rather than the demands of home, having this different space can be a real asset. A game room or a den with a bar might also be good options. Since most basements are huge, open spaces in comparison to other rooms, you may even be able to utilize more than one of these concepts without even needing to build new walls.

Basement Remodeling Considerations

There are some things you will need to take into account as you remodel your basement, though – the basement just isn’t like the other rooms in your house. The biggest difference is lighting. Pretty much every room in the upper floors of your home has windows to let in some ambient light, but because the basement is below the grade of your property, it lacks this property. Don’t respond to this just by flooding the place with bright lighting and whitewashing your walls – while that will make things very bright, it will also make it garish and uncomfortable. Instead, consider using warm, bright colors, and using things like can lighting and sconces. The dark quality of the basement can be an advantage in some settings, like a game room or a den.

Other things to consider are elements like pipework or ventilation ducts. Try and keep these along the walls of the basement, so that they don’t crowd the space in the center of the room. You can also cover them up with paneling so that they don’t stand out, or paint them a darker color for a more moody effect. There are plenty of ways to make these pieces work for your renovation.

The main thing to remember is to not be daunted by the task at hand. Your basement has the potential to be as inviting and useful a part of the home as any other room, and has other advantages besides – that “different feel” we mentioned, which makes the basement a perfect place for a mother in-law suite, a playroom, an office, or dozens of other uses. Instead of just a place to store your high school memorabilia, why not give the place a remodel and see what a difference adding a floor to your house makes?

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