Never Skimp On These 5 Things When Building A Home

Building a home is expensive, especially in the GTA. But while there are places where it’s okay to spend a little less, there are some items you should never skimp on. Here are 5 items we recommend never skimping on when building a home.

Insulation

It gets cold up here, but summers can be equally as hot. Insulation is vital to regulating your home’s temperature. It’s what keeps your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Skimping on insulation saves you a bit on upfront costs, but good insulation saves you on heating and cooling bills.

 

Windows

Like insulation, windows help keep your home’s temperature regular. Quality windows also protect from cold, rain, heat, UV rays, and much more. Windows are also one of the top things buyers look for in a home, so you’ll see a return on your investment. Eco-friendly windows can also earn you tax rebates!

 

Licensed Professionals

Buying quality materials and having the perfect design is great, but if you don’t hire professionals to implement and install it’s doesn’t matter. Cheaping out on labor can be tempting, but it almost always leads to costly and dangerous mistakes. So always hire experienced and licensed professional to work on your home.

 

Flooring

When it comes to deciding what to save on and what to splurge on, most custom home builders recommend splurging on flooring. Items like lighting and cabinet hardware are places to save because they can easily be changed out later whereas flooring cannot. Flooring takes daily wear and tear, so going the cheaper route could just mean more money in the long run from having to change it out sooner. High-quality flooring is always worth it.

 

Storage

Storage is gold in the city. Home’s are smaller but people have just as much stuff as other places. Investing in smart storage solutions will make your life easier and appeal to potential buyers if you ever sell. Build extra closets, look into creative storage solutions, and utilize underused places like under the stairs.

 

Final Thoughts

Budgeting is one of the hardest things to manage when it comes to building a home. That’s why we try to advise our clients on the areas where it’s okay to save a little, and places where they absolutely should not skimp on. Going for the cheaper option on some items can cause costly mistakes and expensive repairs, so do some research beforehand. If you have any questions or want to start building your dream home in Toronto feel free to contact us!

A Guide To Everything You Need To Know About Kitchen Sinks

Building a custom home means making a lot of decisions. By far one of the most vital rooms in the home is the kitchen. It’s the heart of the home, and typically the most used space in a house. People spend a lot of time thinking about which appliances to get, what countertops to use, and cabinet colors. One thing people tend to overlook though is the kitchen sink. Your kitchen sink will be one of the most used items in the home, so make sure you’re putting in the right one. Here’s our simple guide to everything you need to know about them!

 

Materials

Just like with other elements in the kitchen, sinks come in different materials, each with their own pros and cons. Understanding what they are will help you decide which is best for your family and lifestyle. The most popular sink materials are the following:

 

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is by far the most popular material choice for sinks. It’s even been estimated that around 70% of all sinks are stainless steel. It’s an inexpensive but highly durable choice that comes in a variety of styles. They are prone to scratching and show water spots, so they’re a little harder to keep clean than other materials. However, they offer excellent resistance to stains and heat.

 

Cast Iron

Cast iron sinks are the original sink materials. It has a bright, glossy, enamel finish that stays looking good for decades. A heavy porcelain enamel finish, which is melted glass, is cast around a bare iron sink creating the highly durable finished product. Cast iron sinks are incredibly easy to keep clean, they don’t show water spots, and they’re resistant to fading. They’re also pretty affordable. The downside is that these sinks are heavy so extra support might be needed. They’re also prone to chipping, and if the enamel comes off the iron base could start to rust.

 

Composite

Composite sinks are made from granite or quartz composite. Crushed granite or quartz is combined with resin filler. They have the same aesthetic qualities of real granite and quartz but without the maintenance and durability issues. These sinks are tough and resistant to stains and scratches. Manufacturers claim these sinks are the most durable and long lasting out there.

 

Fireclay

Fireclay sinks are made by molding ceramic clay into shape, drying it at a high temperature, then putting a porcelain enamel around the clay. The enamel fuses to the clay, which increases the strength of it making it even more durable than cast iron. They’re not indestructible though- dropping something heavy in there could cause the enamel to chip. These sinks can be pretty pricey too, but they sure do look nice!

 

Styles

Sinks come in different styles too. You’ll have to decide both bowl style and in what style you want it mounted. The style of the sink may be dictated by your sink and countertop material choices, but manufacturers are more creative these days so the limitations are less.

 

Single Bowl

A single bowl has only one basin. This style is usually available in smaller compact sizes, making them perfect for kitchens that are tight on space. A larger single bowl sink has more space for cleaning larger items, which is the main reason why some people prefer them. They’re also easier to clean due to the reduced amount of corners and edges. Single bowl sinks tend to be cheaper too, which is another plus.

 

Double Bowl

Double bowl sinks are the most popular. It features a double basin that is popular due to its flexibility. The basins can be equal sized, or one may be larger. Many people like it because it allows one basin to be used to collect dirty dishes and leaves the other open for other uses like washing hands or food.

 

Farmhouse

Farmhouse sinks, also known as apron sinks, have a large forward facing section instead of a counter there. This style has become increasingly popular due to it being heavily featured on HGTV shows. It fits well with traditional or farmhouse style kitchens. They’re available in single and double bowls, but the single basin is more popular. They’re typically made from fireclay, but can also be found in other materials. Farmhouse sinks can be pricey though!

 

Top Mount

Top mount sinks, also known as drop-in sinks, are designed to be dropped into a pre-existing hole in the countertop. They have a lip that rests on the countertop to hold the sink in place and create a finished look. They’re easy and inexpensive to install which is why they’re a popular choice. The style is a little less sleek, and the lip between the sink and countertop can easily collect dirt and scum, which are things to keep in mind.

 

Undermount

Undermount sinks are mount underneath the countertop, meaning there is no lip like there is with a drop-in sink. The edge of the countertop drops directly into the sink basin, which makes cleaning easier. These sinks look great and make clean up easier, but they have some disadvantages. They require more work and skill to install, and depending on the material may require additional support. This style of sink isn’t designed for facet attachments so additional holes will have to be drilled into the countertop.

 

 

15 White Paints We Love

Picking the right paint color can be difficult, but nothing is as challenging as picking the right white. People are always stunned by just how many white paint options there are out there. Unlike other colors, determining the tones and hues within them can be challenging. We get a lot of clients turning to us asking for help, so here are our favorite white paints that we use frequently in custom homes.

 

BM Super White

If you’re looking for a white to instantly brighten up a space, Super White by Benjamin Moore does the job. It gives a clean and crisp look, without being overly cool. It’s one of the more neutral whites and doesn’t have any strong undertones.

  

BM Decorators White

Benjamin Moore’s Decorator White isn’t our favorite for walls- but it’s our go-to for ceilings and woodwork. It’s a bright, clean white that’s very versatile. It’s a neutral white that will go unnoticed making it perfect for ceilings.

  

SW Extra White

Extra White by Sherwin Williams lives up to its name. It’s said to be their whitest white and we’re inclined to believe them. It can read a little too cool against earth and warm tones though, so only use it if you’re planning on sticking to cool tones.

 

BM Swiss Coffee

A few paint brands out there have whites named Swiss Coffee. They’re all nice, but we’re partial to the one by Benjamin Moore. It’s a warm white that looks fabulous on walls. It pairs nicely with bright white trim too, giving just enough of a contrast without reading too yellow.

  

BM White Dove

You can’t talk about good white paints and not mention White Dove by Benjamin Moore. It has a soft creamy undertone that adds warmth to rooms. Unlike other warmer whites, this paint doesn’t read yellow and actually works well with cooler colors like grey. White Dove might just be our favorite white paint there is.

 

SW Pure White

If you’re looking for a “white white” Pure White by Sherwin Williams fits that bill. It looks bright and fresh, without being too stark. It can read a little gray in Northern light, so keep that in mind. It works fabulously for trim and cabinets though!

 

SW Alabaster

Alabaster by Sherwin Williams is a great white to work with, so it’s no wonder it was their color of the year in 2017. It’s on the warmer side, but it creates a beautifully soft look. If you’re looking for a white to work on walls, this could be our vote.

 

BM Chantilly Lace

Chantilly Lace by Benjamin Moore is one of our favorite whites. It’s a cooler white, but it has a touch of warmth to it that keeps it from being too sterile. If you’re looking for a bright white, this could be the perfect one.

 

SW Snowbound

Snowbound by Sherwin Williams is one of the cooler whites we use a lot. It has blue undertones to it, which come out even stronger in Northern light, but it’s a nice bright white.

 

BM Simply White

Simply White by Benjamin Moore is one of our go-to white paints for kitchens. It hits the perfect sweet spot- not too cool, not too warm. If white cabinets are what you’re after, this is the color we recommend.

 

SW Eider White

Eider White by Sherwin Williams is a white that works well with grays, but it’s not too cold either. Greige paint colors, a combo of grey and beige, are becoming more popular and this white paint is the perfect compliment for that.

 

BM China White

China White by Benjamin Moore is a great color. It doesn’t have strong undertones and is almost a chameleon white. When it’s against pure white it has a beautiful off-white appearance. On its own though, it looks like a pure white. Talk about versatile.

 

SW Marshmallow

Sherwin Williams’ Marshmallow is another great white paint. It does have red undertones to it, which can cause it to look pinkish in the wrong lighting. It’s a creamy white that will cause you into a Vanilla ice cream craving.

 

BM Paper White

If you’re using marble in your custom home, Paper White by Benjamin Moore is the color for you. It pulls out the grey veining in marble and melds it perfectly with other whites.

 

BM Huntington White

Whites have a tendency to look vastly different depending on what time of the day it is and what sun exposure is hitting them. This can be frustrating, as you may love it in the morning but not so much in the evening. That isn’t an issue with Huntington White by Benjamin Moore though. This is a highly consistent white that looks good at all times.

 

Conclusion

It’s easy to become overwhelmed by all of the white paint options out there. Hopefully, our top picks helped you narrow it down. Always remember to try swatches in the rooms before making a final decision, and look at it at various times through the day. If you have any questions or want to get started building your dream custom home feel free to contact us!

The Sale Of Luxury Homes In Toronto Is Dropping

Building a luxury custom home in Toronto? Hopefully, you have plans to keep it for a while, because the sale of luxury homes in the GTA is falling. It’s not just Toronto either. Both Vancouver and Toronto, Canada’s two largest and hottest real estate markets have seen a decrease in the number and price of high-end homes sold.

 

In order for a home to qualify as “high-end”, it must meet certain criteria. For detaches homes, it should amount to around 3 million and for condominiums, it should amount to around 1.5 million.

 

The number of luxury homes sold in Toronto has dropped dramatically in just a year. There were 281 high-end homes sold this time last year, but so far this year there have only been 90 high-end homes sold. That’s a 68% drop, which is quite steep. It’s not just detached homes that are affected either, luxury condos have also seen a decline. Overall there was a 28.2% decrease in high-end condos sold in the GTA since last year.

 

This drop in interest in the luxury real estate market is a signifier of something larger happening in the overall market. The high-end segment is typically a good indicator of the broader housing market. Right now median prices homes in Toronto are steady, but if demand continues to drop the overall market will likely see prices fall.

 

Experts indicate a few causes for this sales slump. The slow down follows a few policy changes. The first being the foreign buyers’ tax, officially called the Non-Resident Speculative Tax (NRST). This is a 15% tax added to the purchase or acquisition of residential property by people who are not citizens of Canada. It was modeled after a similar tax that was implemented in Vancouver in an attempt to cool the hot housing market. Industry leaders also point to the tougher mortgage qualifiers Canadian banks just implemented as also influencing house sales.

 

These changes to the industry aren’t just affecting the luxury real estate market though. The sale of detaches houses across the GTA have fallen. The average price is down 14.4% from last year. Vancouver has seen similar price falls, with the average detached home price dropping 6.1% from last year.

 

The lower number of luxury homes sold, and for cheaper prices, might be alarming to some, but it does signify some hope. The housing market in Toronto, and Vancouver, was so hot in recent years that many people found themselves unable to afford even basic housing. Both cities are still facing affordability issues. The decline in the market might signify a stabilizing real estate market that could mean more affordable housing in these cities in the near future.

 

Only time will tell whether or not these drops will stabilize the market, or send it into a spiral.

12 Easy Ways To Make Your Home Senior Friendly

When building a custom home, we often ask people how long they plan to stay in the home. If it’s a forever home that implies that the homeowners plan on retiring here. We’d love for clients to love their homes for that long, but often people forget to think about how home needs change once you become older. So if you’re building and plan on aging in your home, or think that you’ll take in an older relative one day, here are a few simple ways to make your home accessible for people of all ages.

Consistent Flooring: Flooring transitions are trip hazards

Soft Flooring: Avoid putting in especially hard flooring like tile or concrete. Carpet and hardwood are best.

Maximum Lighting: Lighting is good for any buyer, but seniors especially need it to see any potential tripping hazards

Wide doorways: Having doorways wide enough for walkers or wheelchairs is a huge bonus

Main Floor Master: Steps can be hard to navigate the older one gets, so having a master bedroom on the main floor is great.

 

Handicap Bathroom: Having a handicap accessible bathroom is appealing to older buyers. This includes enough room for a wheelchair to navigate, a walk-in shower, and handlebars for support.

Narrow Hallways: Narrow hallways aren’t the best for wheelchairs, but seniors that are still mobile like walls close enough that they can stead themselves with their hands

Fewer Steps: Avoid putting in any unnecessary steps such as sunken in living rooms or raised platforms.

Handle Types: People with arthritis or muscle weakness have a difficult time managing round twist knobs and faucets. Try swapping them out for lever handles.

Contrast Strips: If you do have stairs, make sure you lay down contrast strips at the top and bottom of them. This helps elderly people easily see where they begin and end.

Railings: Stairs should have railings on both sides when possible to help with support.

 

Ramps: You don’t necessarily have to put them in, but make sure at least one of your entrances can accommodate a ramp for any wheelchairs or walkers.

Conclusion

If you plan on loving your home forever, make sure your home loves you. Small simple elements including in your custom home design plan can make your home accessible to people of all ages. Ramps can be added at any point, but elements like flooring or wider doorways are better done from the beginning. To get started on building your dream custom home contact us today. We look forward to hearing from you!

House Foundations: Pros and Cons of The Different Options

People often overlook how important a houses’ foundation is. It deserves some attention though. After all, it’s what’s keeping your house in place. There are three main options when it comes to foundation, and there are pros and cons to each. Here’s what you need to know so you pick the right one for your custom home.

 

 

Basement Foundation

A basement foundation is the deepest of the three, and mirrors the floor plan above. They’re usually 6 feet high, but new builds tend to make them full height so they can be finished.

Pros:

-Extra space

-Added value (buyers love liveable basement space)

-Potential income if converted into rental unit.

-Works well in colder climates

-Easier access for repairs.

Cons:

-Expensive

-Time-consuming

-Prone to water issues such as flooring

 

Crawlspace Foundation

A crawlspace foundation is when a home is built on footings and surrounded by short foundation walls leaving a small gap between the ground and the bottom of the house, known as the crawl space. The area is often so narrow one has to physically crawl through it, hence the name.

 

 

Pros:

-Less expensive

-Fewer materials needed

-Access to utilities (some crawling required though)

Cons:

-Prone to moisture

-Small animals can make their way in

 

Slab-On-Grade Foundation

A slab-on-grade foundation (also simply called a concrete or slab foundation) is simple a solid concrete slab that rests on the ground. The slab part of the name refers to the concrete pad the home is built on, while grade refers to ground-level.

 

Pros:

-Least expensive option

-Lowest maintenance

Cons:

-Doesn’t work well in cold climates

-Hard to access utilities (have to break into concrete to get to them)

 

Conclusion

Hopefully, this information helped answer some questions you had about foundations. If you have any questions please feel free to ask us. Foundations are vital; after all, they’re what’s keeping your house up so it’s good to fully understand everything about them.

6 Things To Never Do On Your Granite Countertops

Granite countertops have been all the rage since the early 2000s. Although current trends are favoring the less busy stones like quartz and marble, granite is still going strong. It’s a super durable stone, plus it’s pretty, but there are a few things homeowners should NEVER do on their granite countertops. Here they are.

1. Working With Raw Meat

Granite is a natural stone, which means it has tiny holes in it that can soak up bacteria, dirt, and germs. Most countertops are sealed to prevent this from happening, but the seals can wear away. So make sure that you aren’t working with raw meat directly on your countertop, as the bacteria can work its way into the stone, which can make you sick.

 

2. Treating It Like A Cutting Board

Granite is super hard, but that doesn’t mean it makes a good cutting board. Not only will knives cut into the seal on the stone, you can bet that the stone will dull your knives. So just use a cutting board, okay?

3. Using Acidic Items

Certain household items and foods are acidic in nature. Things like vinegar, citrus fruits, and soft drinks can eat away at the surface and seal on your granite. This can lead to stains if you’re not careful, so clean up any spills right away.

4. Not Cleaning Up Spills

Accidents happen, especially in the kitchen. Spills are inevitable, but make sure you clean them up in a timely manner. If a spill sits for too long it can etch away at the seal on the granite, opening it up to stains and further damage. Clean up spills with hot soapy water or approved granite cleaner.

5. Putting Hot Pans Directly On It

While granite can handle the heat, don’t try leaving hot pans on it for too long. The sealants protecting it get weakened by the heat which opens it up to stains and scratches.

6. Sitting or Standing On the Countertop

Stones like granite naturally have fissures, striations, and veins in them. These are naturally weak points in the stone, so standing or sitting on these vulnerable points can lead to cracks. So keep off of it!

 

Conclusion

Although granite isn’t as popular as it was during its peak in the mid-2000’s, it’s still a wonderful stone to use in kitchens. It’s a tough countertop that will hold up for years, but it still needs to be treated right to make sure it lasts long and stays looking good. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions or want to get started building your own custom home, complete with beautiful granite countertops.

Architectural Design 101: Victorian Homes

Victorian homes are some of the most distinguishable. Their old world charm feels like it’s from a storybook. Detail trim that makes you think of a gingerbread home and bright colors that reminds you of a dollhouse, Victoria homes are eye catchers. It’s not all magic in these homes though, as they tend to have features that are compatible with modern living. They tend to favor beauty, in excess, over practicality. This makes them highly polarizing, with people either loving or hating this home style.

 

History

This architectural design is often referred to as a Victorian style, but this “style” is really an era in history. As the name implies, the Victorian era corresponds to Queen Victoria’s rule over Britain (1837-1901). This period had increased industrialization, which led to many innovations in architecture.

Victorian homes actually come in a few styles such as Second Empire, Queen Anne, Stick, Shingle, and Richardsonian Romanesque. Victorian architecture evolved from the elaborate Gothic style. This appealed to the romantic nature of Victorian ideas that things like fashion, furnishings, and architecture should be beautiful rather than practical.

 

 

Exterior

Victorian homes are easy to recognize from the outside. They’re usually two to three stories, often featuring a tower, and are quite large and imposing. This contributes to their castle-like feel. Many Victorians have decorative trim that gives it their “gingerbread” look. The roofs are also distinctive, with elements like steep, multi-faceted roof lines, gables, and towers. The vibrant colors of these homes also make them easy to stop.

 

Interior

It’s easy to get wooed by the exterior charm of a Victorian, but the interior is where people get turned off. Victorian style homes often have multiple, small rooms, making the layout feel choppy and closed off. But they do have lovely features like elaborate trim, amazing woodwork, gorgeous fireplaces, and stunning hardwood floors. They also favored a lot of materials that we no longer use today because of health concerns like asbestos and lead paint.

 

Key Elements

Victorian homes were the peak of excess. The level of details and items in these rooms can be overwhelming. It reflects the times then when industrialization made common household goods affordable and widely available. Having bare rooms was seen as bad taste, hence Victorian homes have no shortage of details.  

 

 

Key Rooms

Living spaces were the highlight of Victorian homes. They often had multiple sitting rooms. In Victorian times people showed off their wealthy by showcasing their items so their living spaces were decked to the nines. Marble, hardwood floors, wainscoting, wallpaper, chandeliers, trim, and tons of furniture and accessories were stuffed into these living spaces.

 

Conclusion

Victorian homes have their good and bad elements, but this architectural style sure does stand out. Toronto actually has a large number of original Victorians is one of the few cities where these homes remain popular. Feel free to contact us to learn more!

 

Design Trends You Shouldn’t Put In Your Home

Trends are difficult. They can make your custom home instantly feel updated, but like with fashion, interior design trends can come and go quickly. We always recommend homeowners to stick with classic choices for large items that can’t be swapped out easily once a trend fades. Instead, integrate current styles with small items like paint color that can easily be changed up. Here are some design trends you should avoid.

 

Gray Wood Floors

Hardwood floors are classic, and they’ll never go out of style. They’ve been used for over a hundred years in homes. But a recent trend is to put in hardwood that is gray or gray washed. Gray was huge a few years ago, but the trend is dying quickly. If you put in gray wood now, chances are in three years it will scream, “dated”. Also, gray means you are always stuck with cool tones, it looks unnatural, can often look cheap, and it only works with certain styles.

 

Barn Doors

Barn doors have been popular for a few years now, and they really do look great. But lately, people have been using them in ways that aren’t the greatest. Barn doors are perfect for pantries, closets, and even dens. But they shouldn’t be used for rooms that need privacy like bathrooms or bedrooms. The reasons why are that they don’t lock, they don’t block noise or smell, and they can be noisy when moved.

 

Shiplap

Most home builders and interior designers have come to loath Joanna Gaines from HGTV’s Fixer Upper because she popularized shiplap. Shiplap is a specific type of wood board that was used on walls, typically in the south. There is something quaint and rustic about it, but they don’t belong in every home. Nowadays people are putting it in every style of home and the worst part is they don’t even use real shiplap, just wooden boards. Unless your home is in the South or has a rustic style, skip the shiplap.

 

Edison Bulbs

Edison Bulbs looks super cool, and they have an industrial-vintage vibe to them that can really add style to a room. The issue is though, that, well, they are just awful in terms of lighting. Edison bulbs don’t produce a strong light, and it’s often very yellow which isn’t flattering to most colors. So feel free to use them for some light fixtures, but avoid them in places where you really need task lighting like the kitchen and dining room.

 

Jet Tubs

Spa-like bathrooms are all the rage, and it’s easy to understand why. Who wouldn’t want to have a tranquil bathroom? Often people try to create this vibe by putting in jet tubs. The issue with jet tubs is that they don’t last a long time. Many have issues with jets breaking down or mold growing inside of them. Cleaning them can also be an issue. And for the large price tag you have to pay for them, they’re just not worth it. A soaker tub without the jets is far easier to maintain and it costs less, so go that route if you can.

 

TV Over Fireplaces

In Canada, fireplaces are actually needed. But often people don’t think about furniture placement when designing home. That leaves them scrambling when they moved in. The reality is that most people have TVs in their living rooms, and when it comes time to sell buyers will look for a place to put one so you better have one. Over the fireplace isn’t the ideal location though. TVs are too high leading to neck pain. There can also be issues with heat from the fire affecting the TV and if you have low ceilings placing a TV higher up can making a room feel squat and low.

 

Conclusions

Having a trendy home might look great, but it might not always be the most practical for real life. Including trends at the cost of practicality or functionality is never smart. Stick to classic elements or styles that you really love so that your home stays looking good for longer. Learn to find the balance for integrating trends in small ways. Contact us to learn more or to get started building your dream custom home.

12 Easy Ways To Make Your Home Senior Friendly

When building a custom home, we often ask people how long they plan to stay in the home. If it’s a forever home that implies that the homeowners plan on retiring here. We’d love for clients to love their homes for that long, but often people forget to think about how home needs change once you become older. So if you’re building and plan on aging in your home, or think that you’ll take in an older relative one day, here are a few simple ways to make your home accessible for people of all ages.

Consistent Flooring: Flooring transitions are trip hazards

Soft Flooring: Avoid putting in especially hard flooring like tile or concrete. Carpet and hardwood are best.

Maximum Lighting: Lighting is good for any buyer, but seniors especially need it to see any potential tripping hazards

Wide doorways: Having doorways wide enough for walkers or wheelchairs is a huge bonus

Main Floor Master: Steps can be hard to navigate the older one gets, so having a master bedroom on the main floor is great.

 

Handicap Bathroom: Having a handicap accessible bathroom is appealing to older buyers. This includes enough room for a wheelchair to navigate, a walk-in shower, and handlebars for support.

Narrow Hallways: Narrow hallways aren’t the best for wheelchairs, but seniors that are still mobile like walls close enough that they can stead themselves with their hands

Fewer Steps: Avoid putting in any unnecessary steps such as sunken in living rooms or raised platforms.

Handle Types: People with arthritis or muscle weakness have a difficult time managing round twist knobs and faucets. Try swapping them out for lever handles.

Contrast Strips: If you do have stairs, make sure you lay down contrast strips at the top and bottom of them. This helps elderly people easily see where they begin and end.

Railings: Stairs should have railings on both sides when possible to help with support.

 

Ramps: You don’t necessarily have to put them in, but make sure at least one of your entrances can accommodate a ramp for any wheelchairs or walkers.

Conclusion

If you plan on loving your home forever, make sure your home loves you. Small simple elements including in your custom home design plan can make your home accessible to people of all ages. Ramps can be added at any point, but elements like flooring or wider doorways are better done from the beginning. To get started on building your dream custom home contact us today. We look forward to hearing from you!