Cleary Company: Design Build Remodel

Tag: primary suite addition

  • Future-Proof Your Home: Remodeling Ideas for Comfort and Accessibility 

    Future-Proof Your Home: Remodeling Ideas for Comfort and Accessibility 

    As more homeowners focus on living in place, they are requesting remodeling projects that prioritize safety, accessibility, and future-proofing. These changes not only make homes more functional, but also enhance comfort and longevity for older adults who would prefer to age in their current homes. From universal design to innovative technologies, here are the top trends for remodeling homes with aging in mind:

    1. Universal Design for Accessibility is fundamental to creating spaces that are usable for everyone, regardless of age or ability. Bathroom remodels are crucial for living in place, incorporating features like zero-entry showers, grab bars, and adjustable-height vanities to improve safety. These modifications can seamlessly blend with the overall aesthetic of a bathroom, maintaining both functionality and style. Laura Watson, Development Manager, ASID, UDCP, at The Cleary Company, emphasizes that “accessible design isn’t just about making homes safe—it’s about creating an environment that evolves with the homeowner’s needs.”

      Beyond the bathroom, open-concept living is another major trend, enabling greater mobility by reducing physical barriers like narrow hallways and thresholds. This approach supports homeowners who might use mobility aids such as walkers or wheelchairs. Learn more about Universal Design on our blog!

    2. Technology Enhancements. The integration of smart home technology is revolutionizing aging-in-place design. Homeowners are increasingly adopting features like voice-activated lighting, automated climate control, and fall-detection systems, which provide added security and convenience. These technologies help create a home that is not only easier to manage, but also safer for older adults who wish to maintain their independence.

      Smart kitchens are becoming more common, with innovations such as touchless faucets, remotely controlled ovens, and motion-sensor lighting. These upgrades help simplify daily tasks and enhance the usability of the space as mobility and dexterity change over time. 

    3. Kitchen Adaptations. Remodeling for accessibility is a key focus for aging in place. Updates like varying countertop heights allow for both seated and standing use, while drawer-style dishwashers and pull-out shelving provide easy access to storage and appliances. These design elements ensure that the kitchen remains a functional and central part of the home, no matter the homeowner’s age or mobility.

      Incorporating smart appliances, such as refrigerators that alert you when you’re low on groceries or ovens that can be controlled via smartphone, adds an extra layer of convenience. These features are ideal for those who want to age in place while embracing modern technology. 

    4. Multi-Generational Living. projects increasingly focus on creating flexible spaces for multi-generational households. Homeowners are transforming basements or spare rooms into separate living areas, complete with bathrooms and small kitchenettes. These spaces provide privacy for aging relatives or long-term guests while keeping everyone under the same roof. 

    5. Sustainable Design Choices are also becoming a growing priority in remodeling. Many homeowners are choosing eco-friendly materials like bamboo flooring and recycled countertops, along with energy-efficient appliances. These materials not only reduce the environmental impact but also contribute to long-term savings in utility costs. Energy-efficient windows, water-saving fixtures, and solar panels are additional sustainable choices that are becoming more popular in aging-in-place remodels. These updates align with both financial and environmental goals, helping homeowners create spaces that are cost-effective and eco-conscious over time. 

    Proposed Design Concept | Primary Suite Addition

    For the primary bathroom above, Designer Katie Florjancic, UDCP, planned for a removeable cabinet in the vanity designed for future wheelchair sink access, giving the clients flexibility in the space as they age and needs change. The space is designed for a wheelchair to have access to the sink. Other Universal design features include:

    • Zero Entry Shower with a bench, handrails and multifunction shower heads, including a handheld spray on a rail for different height positions.
    • Solid surface flooring with no or low profile transitions between tile and LVP.
    • Hardwired motion activated closet lights.

    Beyond Accessibility 

    Remodeling for living in place goes beyond accessibility—it’s about creating a home that is both functional and future-proof. Incorporating universal design principles, integrating smart technology, and using sustainable materials ensures that homes remain comfortable and safe as their owners’ needs evolve. As Laura Watson aptly puts it, “The best design looks ahead, anticipating tomorrow’s needs while maintaining today’s comfort.” 

    These trends highlight the growing importance of thoughtful, adaptable design in remodeling projects, ensuring that homes can support their owners throughout all stages of life. Learn more about Accessibility and Universal Design at the Universal Design Living Laboratory, a home located in Columbus, Ohio!

    Planning to remodel your home? Why not future-proof it while you’re at it? Schedule a call with our Client Relations Coordinator to get started.

  • Top Four Benefits of a Home Addition | Columbus, OH

    Top Four Benefits of a Home Addition | Columbus, OH

    Why building a home addition makes sense for your family.

    Do you need more space or functionality in your home for a growing family? Maybe you need a home office or want a sunroom? Or do you desire a ground-level primary suite for aging in place in your home of 20-30+ years?

    A design-build home addition can provide many benefits for your family. Our Remodel-Design-Build Team at The Cleary Company in Columbus, Ohio is who you can trust to collaborate with you to develop and execute a plan that works for your family and lifestyle.

    Furthermore, adding on to your home is a wise investment to make for your family, especially when you want to stay in your neighborhood. The following are some benefits to consider, helping you decide when it’s time to add on to your home.

    1. Increase family living space. How great would it be to expand part of your beloved home without having to move or leave your neighborhood? Adding a bedroom, family room, home office, blowing out the wall to expand the kitchen, or adding a sunroom keeps you in your home without the hassle of moving. Extra square footage can greatly impact the quality of life for your family and give you the extra room you need to grow.
    2. Comfort, functionality, and personalization. Designing an addition for your home allows you to tailor your design plan to suit your family’s preferences and needs. Customizing the plan during development and design gives you the flexibility to create a spa-like bathroom, a functional home office, a spacious family room, or an additional bedroom to serve as a primary or a guest suite. Perhaps it’s the addition of a 4-season room to complete your vision for your backyard oasis. Personalizing it ensures that your home is tailored to your lifestyle and design aesthetic.
    3. Cost-Effectiveness. Of course, a home addition will cost you money. But that will pale in comparison to the cost of purchasing a new, larger home. The cost of moving to a new home involves real estate agent fees, closing and moving costs, and potential renovations to make a new home yours. A home addition allows you to add the room you need, without the cost of relocating to a new home. A side benefit, you will increase the value of your property, depending on what you add to your home. Additional square footage usually translates into a higher market value.
    4. Aging in place. This is a top consideration for many of our design-build clients. They love their home, their neighborhood, and their community. But a two-story home that worked for their family isn’t working as well now that the kids are gone, and the parents are getting older. The need for more living space on the first floor is a common theme we encounter. Creating additional kitchen space, a first-floor primary bedroom and bathroom suite, and a sunroom is high on the list for remodeling projects.

    Watch the Home Additions playlist on our YouTube channel to see how we’ve transformed many homes in central Ohio!

    After you hire the Remodel-Design-Build Team at The Cleary Company, we will not only collaborate with you to develop and execute a plan that works for your lifestyle but our Team will handle all of the details. We are responsible for the budget, scope of work, design plan, quality and completion of your project as well as,

    • Provide you one point of contact.
    • Navigate your local zoning regulations.
    • Draft construction documents & plans for building permits.
    • Determine any impacts on the overall aesthetics of your property.
    • Work within your budget by simultaneously designing and estimating your project.

    What does a home addition cost in Columbus, Ohio? Read our blog to see what investment ranges you can expect when hiring a design-build firm for a home addition.

    Read more tips for planning a home addition from BobVila.com the quintessential resource for trustworthy advice for your home.

    Let’s work together to fulfill your vision and improve your home life! Visit the Contact page on our website or call our Client Relations Coordinator @ 614-459-4000.