Tag Archive for: riverside construction

Responsible Renovation in the Time of COVID-19

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Fortune favors the prepared mind, as they say — and the prepared design-build remodeling company. That’s because the firms that are already compliant with the EPA’s Lead-Based Paint Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule are already prepared to keep you and your family safe during the pandemic. Turns out the same rules that require workers to be certified and trained in the use of lead-safe practices also apply to coronavirus-safe practices.

So let’s explore the three components of EPA lead-safe compliance, and see how they apply to today’s strange and often challenging world of physical distancing and lockdowns. The good news is that despite everything that’s going on you can design and build the home renovations you’ve always dreamed of, and do them in a safe and responsible manner. Just make sure the firm you hire is Lead-Safe Certified, and that they rigorously follow these rules designed to protect your home.

Certified Work Practices: Containment

Home renovations are usually noisy, dusty, and messy projects involving numerous workers, heavy equipment, and physical disruption. Whenever lead paint might be involved RRP rules help prevent toxic particles from getting into the air and onto surfaces where they can be breathed in and do damage. As we’ve learned, COVID-19 also gets into the air and onto surfaces, so by applying similar containment techniques, your certified contractor can help mitigate any potential issues and keep you safe.

Proven work practices for containment include isolating work areas with temporary barriers, limiting worker movement through the project area, and using dust scrubbers to filter the air to keep any job site dust down to a minimum. In addition, when working with others in close proximity masks and various protective equipment are worn by workers for their own safety.

Certified Work Practices: Cleaning

EPA’s renovation, repair, and painting rules are rigorous regarding cleaning procedures within a project zone, including specifications around cleaning methods, chemical agents, and frequency. Whether removing lead or the coronavirus, these techniques — when properly utilized — ensure that contained areas are precisely cleaned for personal safety.

Your contractor should be zealously following these protocols. Responsible firms will standardize their cleaning procedures to ensure thoroughness, often designating specific times throughout the workday. Part of the cleaning ritual is stubbornly maintaining physical distancing between workers and your family.

Note: Riverside Construction has adopted standardized cleaning procedures to ensure thoroughness in direct response to the Coronavirus threat. They are not only practicing safe distancing but are also wiping down high touch areas daily with disinfectant wipes and sprays, and consistently washing hands with soap and/or hand sanitizer.

Certified Documentation: Recordkeeping and Reporting

To abide by the law, lead-safe certified renovation companies must retain and, if requested, make available to clients and to the EPA all records necessary to demonstrate compliance. Although coronavirus is now on everyone’s radar much more so than lead paint, the same procedures can work to help fight the spread of infection in your home, as we’ve seen, — and the same careful procedure can protect your family and your home during a renovation project.

Proper documentation includes training and guidance for workers regarding proper containment and cleaning protocols, and RRP certification documents and reporting for the EPA. The bottom line is your remodeling contractor doesn’t necessarily need to have lead-safe certification to be safe, but having the certification can certainly give you additional peace of mind during these unprecedented times.

Note: Riverside Construction IS Lead-Safe Certified and fully committed to remodeling your space with utmost care and safety.

Partner with a LEAD-Safe Certified Design-Build Remodeling Firm

Riverside Construction is Lafayette and surrounding communities’ EPA lead-safe certified, award-winning, design-build remodeling company. We provide our clients with personalized and enjoyable remodeling services delivered on time and on budget. We consistently deliver the ideal remodeling solution by listening intently to each client’s unique needs. We are purposefully putting safety measures first as we continue to serve our community.

Riverside Construction of West Lafayette Earns Coveted Guildmaster Award 8 Years in a Row

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Independent Client Surveys by GuildQuality Rate West Lafayette Residential Remodeling Company Among the Area’s Best

 

GUILDMASTER AWARDWest Lafayette, IN, March 25, 2020 – Riverside Construction, an award-winning design-build firm in West Lafayette, Indiana, is proud to announce that it earned a 2020 Guildmaster Award from GuildQuality, for an eighth consecutive year, demonstrating exceptional customer service within the residential construction industry.

Since 2005, GuildQuality, an Atlanta-based third-party customer satisfaction software surveying company, has powered the Guildmaster Award to recognize and celebrate home building, remodeling, and contracting professionals demonstrating the highest level of customer service within the U.S. and Canada.

Out of 700+ eligible applicants, Riverside Construction is one of 300+ businesses within the residential construction industry recognized by GuildQuality for consistently delivering superior customer care.

In determining which businesses received the 2020 Guildmaster Award, GuildQuality reviewed thousands of survey responses submitted by customers of Guildmaster candidates and considered two primary metrics for each candidate: the percentage of customers stating they would recommend the business to friend and the percentage of customers who responded.

Riverside Construction achieved an all-time recommendation rate of 98% from their customers surveyed by GuildQuality.

“With clear intention of creating a remodeling experience that is smooth and enjoyable for all of our clients, I developed a 5-Point Promise, said Andy Haste, Founder and President of Riverside Construction. “This creed promises prompt communication, a clean jobsite, a guaranteed completion date, accurate budget estimate, and a two-year workmanship warranty. I am honored to receive this Guildmaster award now eight years in a row. This award is especially important to us because it is based on client testimonials, and it shows we’re doing something right.”

For more on the 2020 Guildmaster Award and qualifications, visit www.guildquality.com/guildmaster/.

Bring March Madness Home

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In lieu of an actual tournament this year — of upsets, buzzer-beaters, barn-burners, of the thrill of victory and of the agony of defeat, we are taking the competition home. Get ready! In the absence of watching our favorite players drill threes, block shots, and leap over 7-foot contenders to slam down a dunk, we can create our own action—our own basketball highlights, if you will! If you’re hankering for a little one-on-one competition or even a friendly game of H-O-R-S-E, it’s time to BRING IT ON!

While hanging a hoop over the garage will suffice for many, today there’s room for smart innovation, like an indoor court, to get your blood pumping and your heart racing.

We decided to tackle our March Madness withdrawals head-on so, we are bringing back to life some fun, inspirational March Madness-inspired remodeling ideas from all over the country. Enjoy!

 

Riverside Construction Basement Remodel

Riverside Construction Basement Remodel

Charleston Building & Development Indoor Gym

Charleston Building & Development Indoor Gym

Contemporary Home Gym by Detroit Interior Designers & Decorators, Tutto Interiors

Contemporary Home Gym by Detroit Interior Designers & Decorators, Tutto Interiors

Eclectic Kids by Austin Interior Designers & Decorators, Van Wicklen Design

Eclectic Kids by Austin Interior Designers & Decorators, Van Wicklen Design

Modern Home Gym by Downers Grove Design/Build Firm, Oakley Home Builders

Modern Home Gym by Downers Grove Design/Build Firm, Oakley Home Builders

Modern Home Gym by West Des Moines Design/Build Firm, Kaufman Construction Design and Build

Modern Home Gym by West Des Moines Design/Build Firm, Kaufman Construction Design and Build

Park Avenue Townhouse Boys Playroom by Perianth

Park Avenue Townhouse Boys Playroom by Perianth

Teen Room by Walker Home Design

Teen Room by Walker Home Design

Whichever in-door court suits your fancy, making the decision to incorporate a basketball court into your home is a healthy decision—and an accessible one.

Whether you are looking to transform an indoor living space, like an attic or basement, into an indoor court, or want to build your own detached 3-point shooting structure, take the first step toward creating your new space and schedule a virtual meeting with your very own personal design consultant.

Love these remodeling ideas? Riverside Construction specializes in kitchen and bathroom remodels, room additions and basement renovations.  Check out Riverside Construction’s portfolio for more featured projects.

2020 Bathroom Design Trends Popular in West Lafayette

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Believe it or not, we spend a significant amount of time in our bathrooms every year between showering, grooming, and “escaping” or relaxing. According to this 2019 study, the average person will spend 416 days of their life in the bathroom. More specifically, men will spend 373 days, or 23 minutes per day; and women will spend 456 days, or 29 minutes per day.

With this much time in the bathroom, more and more homeowners are expecting their bathrooms to work harder—playing an important role in their lives. These 2020 bathroom design trends highlight the key features that homeowners are selecting in West Lafayette to improve their everyday bathroom experiences.

Convert Your Tub to a Shower

Particularly common among Lafayette homeowners is the need to ditch their tub for a large more functional walk-in shower. While it’s not advised to replace every tub in your home with a shower, the master bathroom is one place where you can make an exception.

If you are a person with mobility issues, claustrophobia, or just like the convenience of a large open walk-in shower, a barrier-free (or curbless) shower is an ideal solution. These showers are designed to sit flush with the floor and generally don’t have any doors.

Curbless showers are the epitome of luxury and perfect for homeowners who are aging-in-place but desired by anyone regardless of age or ability. Once you’ve showered in a barrier-free shower, you’ll never want to go back.

Incorporate Universal Design Features

Depending upon your need or area of comfort, incorporating universal design features into your bathroom may prolong the stay in your home. West Lafayette homeowners are seamlessly incorporating products that make their bathroom functional, safe and beautiful for many years to come. Some of these product features include, non-slip floors, bidets, extra lighting, functional grab bars, handheld showerheads, and enlarged doorways, just to name a few.

Attach a Handheld Showerhead

Consider a handheld showerhead to get the most from your showering experience. These units attach to your shower wall via a long hose and can be easily removed to direct the spray of water right where you want it.

Because it has an extended reach, handheld showerheads are great for overall convenience and accessibility needs. They make it easier to rinse hard to reach areas, bath pets, shave, and even clean the shower.

Add Additional Storage

Common among Lafayette homeowners is a need for more storage, particularly in the bathroom. If your bathroom is stacked to the gills with bathroom supplies or cluttered with toiletries, you may want to join Riverside Construction clients who have redesigned their bathrooms to improve usability and boost their home value.

Several ways to increase storage space in your bathroom include under-sink cabinets, carving out a niche with open shelving or floating shelves, repurposing space to create a linen closet, recessed medicine cabinets, and other effective tricks of the trade.

Choose a Comfort Height Toilet

One of West Lafayette’s latest bathroom design trends includes comfort height toilets. The height of a traditional toilet is 15-inches from floor to seat. A comfort height toilet is 17- to 19-inches from floor to seat. A higher toilet makes it easier to sit down, get up, and overcome physical issues such as weak legs and bad knees, etc.

Opt for a Comfort Height Vanity

Cherry Lane West Lafayette Transitional Bathroom Remodel

Just like comfort height toilets, taller vanities (also known as comfort height bathroom vanities) are also trending in West Lafayette—and rightfully so. Most bathroom vanities ten years or older have a height of 31- to 33-inches; whereas, the new comfort height bathroom vanities are 36-inches. These new comfort height vanities are the same height as a kitchen base cabinet and are the new standard size for bathroom vanities. They help improve posture, reduce the need to stoop and bend and minimize back strain.

NOTE: The comfort height bathroom vanities are best for master bathrooms because they are better suited for adults (they are a little too high for most children to reach). If you have kids who use a hall bathroom, you might consider keeping to the old traditional vanity height of 31-33 inches.

Customize Your Shower Walls

Photo Courtesy of Kohler

Kohler now offers an innovative shower wall system focused on easing the task of creating the perfect showering space. A Choreograph shower wall and accessory collection offer Lafayette homeowners both a well-organized and beautiful showering space. It features in-wall storage, moveable shelves, integral hooks, baskets, and a slanted bottom ledge to use when shaving or having to balance yourself in the shower. Check out this unique design trend hitting West Lafayette.

Use Surfaces That Are Easier to Clean

Let’s face it, cleaning the shower isn’t easy. But, choosing the right surface can make it easier. Popular among Lafayette homeowners are solid surface showers, which are easier to clean, especially if you have hard water.

Here are the three most popular solid surface shower panels that we see among our clients:

● Fiberglass Showers
● Cultured Marble Panels
● Choreograph Shower

Tiled showers are also popular. They are a little more time-consuming to clean (particularly the grout lines), but they come in a variety of options that are beautiful, durable, moisture resistant, easy to clean, and also provide a safe non-slip surface.

What’s Next?

If you would like more information about current bathroom design trends or are interested in exploring bathroom remodeling options for your home, take a look at our Bathroom Remodeling Portfolio to help get you started. Also, attend one of our upcoming complimentary Home Remodeling Luncheon Seminars. Or, receive the latest design trends and home remodeling tips by signing up to receive our Monthly Newsletter.

When you are ready to talk with one of our designers about beginning your new bathroom remodel, please schedule a conversation about your home remodeling needs or call us at 765.838.1644.

2020 Kitchen Design Trends to Watch for in Tippecanoe County

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In the world of home remodeling, the start of a new year is a perfect time to look at past styles and gauge the trends that will influence design for months to come. If you’re considering a kitchen refresh or a full kitchen remodel in 2020 enjoy these emerging trends in Tippecanoe County, brought to you by Riverside’s talented designers:

Painted Cabinets

It’s not uncommon for homeowners to freshen up their kitchens by painting their cabinets. Fortunately, the trend is here to stay—a great way to transform your kitchen and pack a big punch.

Also, a favorite among Riverside clients is simple cabinet door designs—one of the most popular being the shaker door style, which is characterized by a four-piece door frame and recessed center panel.

Granite and Quartz Are Tops

Quartz and granite continue to be popular countertop choices for homeowners in Lafayette and West Lafayette. Either product will serve you well in terms of durability and appearance. Take your time comparing the pros and cons, and the design options of each. Granite is a natural stone product so it will have imperfections, which lead to exciting and beautiful patterns and colors; however, it will require some sealing maintenance (a simple spray on wipe off process) over the life of the product.  On the other hand, a quartz countertop is made from resin, pigment, and crushed quartz so it can be customized more to your liking plus there is no need for sealing.  Note – the price of quartz has been on the rise due to tariffs on materials imposed by other countires making standard granite colors more budget-friendly.

Backsplashes: Practical and Beautiful

A backsplash covers the area of wall behind a kitchen countertop and the upper cabinets, giving homeowners an opportunity to express themselves through a variety of textures, colors, and materials. It also protects the wall behind the sink against water damage from inadvertent splashing. It’s not only practical, but it’s also beautiful—adding a gorgeous visual element to your kitchen.

When it comes to backsplash materials this year, subway tile continues to be the go-to material in Tippecanoe County. It not only comes in an endless variety of materials, from ceramic and porcelain to natural stone and glass, but it is also easy to clean. The creative possibilities are endless!

Open Up Your Kitchen

The kitchen is the central point of your home, where the family congregates after a long day, eats, cooks, entertains, and does homework. By combining the kitchen and family room (or other living space) into a single great room, you can create an ideal space for relaxed entertaining and informal gatherings. From an abundance of natural light to the convenience of entertaining, the benefits of an open floor plan are endless. It will maximize your space and provide excellent flow from room to room. It is also still a large and growing trend in kitchen remodeling.

What About the Kitchen Table?

Many clients who have separate dining rooms are choosing to remove their kitchen tables entirely. By eliminating the kitchen table, it makes way for a larger, more functional kitchen.  Depending on the size and width, clients can add an island with extra counter space, additional seating, add coveted storage space, elongate a galley style kitchen, and add extra pantry space.

Coffee, Tea or Something Stronger

With small changes to the kitchen, you’ll minimize those frequent, expensive trips to the local coffee shop. A popular design trend involves adding a designated coffee station into your kitchen. For adult drinks and spirits, there is also a variety of dry or wet bar options to choose from.

Floors for Appearance and Performance

Kitchen luxury vinyl flooring has been a choice among homeowners in years past and predicted to be the popular choice in 2020, particularly due to its durability and easy care. With luxury vinyl you can also achieve a wide range of high-end looks, mimicking tile or even a wood-look appearance.

Remove Your Soffits

2020 may be the year to remove your kitchen soffits. Sometimes referred to as a “bulkhead,” soffits are the part of the ceiling that is lower than the area around it. Soffits tend to make kitchens look outdated, and they take up valuable room. Homeowners are generally advised to remove soffits to gain valuable space. Because soffits usually disguise ductwork, plumbing, or wiring, it would be advised to consult a reputable contractor or design-build firm to explore your options. But, the results will be amazing!

Read 4 careful considerations in removing your kitchen soffit. 

Transform Your Kitchen to Reflect 2020 Design Trends With the Help of Our Experts

Homeowners can’t expect to stay informed about all emerging kitchen design trends. So, it makes sense to partner with remodeling design professionals who do.

Begin by acquainting yourself with a free seminar on home remodeling. To gain inspiration for your upcoming kitchen project, feel free to explore ideas in our online remodeling portfolio. We invite you to subscribe to our newsletter for useful design trends.

When you are ready to begin working on the kitchen remodel, schedule a conversation about your home remodeling ideas with one of our designers. For details, connect with Riverside Construction or call 765.838.1644 today.

5 Tips to Ensure Your Home Addition Blends Seamlessly With Your Home

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While naturally adding square feet, room additions are a wonderful investment that allows you to prolong the enjoyment of your home (and your neighborhood) for years to come. But, integrating your addition into your home’s existing architecture isn’t easy. It often involves hiring a design professional to get it right.

Whether you’re building outwards or upwards, home additions are complex projects. Consider these five essential tips when planning your new space. The result? An intelligently-designed home addition that blends beautifully and seamlessly with your home’s original architecture and style.

1. Start with the Foundation

Behind every home addition is a strong foundation and it’s critical to match the floor and roof lines or elevations. It’s also important to make sure the foundation is deep enough to go below the “frost depth” in your geographic area. The depth requirements vary from region to region depending on the local weather. Building above the frost depth will cause the addition to shift over time independently of the main structure as the ground freezes and thaws, potentially causing foundation problems. Moreover, you need to make sure the type of foundation is appropriate for the soil type in your area. Again, failing to do so may cause shifting problems in the long run for your new addition.

For most home additions, it is also best to match the type of foundation used in the existing structure. So, if your existing home is built on a slab foundation, the addition should also be built on a slab foundation. If your original foundation is a crawlspace foundation, then the addition should also have a crawlspace foundation. This way, the addition is strong, level and seamless from the ground up.

2. Match the Exterior Finishes

Start with the roof and move your way down. Your room addition should match every detail on the original home, including trim, windows, siding, doors, hardware and paint colors. If you have a historical home, matching exact finishes can be more challenging, especially if some of the features are no longer in production. Home additions don’t have to match exactly, but the design should always be complementary in these aspects:

  • The roof—The roof on your addition should closely match the rooflines on your existing home. This means mimicking the pitch, soffit style, overhang, eave depth, rafter size, and spacing. It also means you may need to consider an entirely new roof. Older shingles on the existing home may be faded making it hard to match shingle shades on a room addition, for example. If your roof is starting to show its age, this may be a good time to simply update the entire roof.
  • The siding and other exterior finishes—Watch out for siding colors as well. If your existing siding has faded, it won’t match the new siding on the home addition.  Having the same color and style of trim can also go a long way towards tying the two structures together. If you have brick or stone exteriors, these materials can be harder to replace, but there are also creative ways to mix and match finishes that still look beautiful and blend well together. The key is to choose colors and finishes that complement each other.
  • Windows and Doors—These days, it’s becoming easier to find custom windows and doors that meet current Energy Star ratings and building codes, while also coming in historical dimensions and designs that might match those on your existing home. At the same time, exact matches are not always easy to find, so consider designs that work in harmony with the existing style. You can also replace older products with newer replacements to keep the design style consistent.

3. Blend the Interior Addition Design

The new room addition should also feel seamless from the inside. So, as you walk from the older part of the home and into the new space you should not feel a jarring sense of incompatible styles. It will be important to match elements like paint colors, window casings, crown molding and light fixture styles between the older and newer parts of the home.

4. Understand Local Building Codes and Zoning Laws

In every town, including here in West Lafayette, there are local building codes and zoning laws that dictate whether or not you can build a home addition on your property. Before getting too deep into your project, you will need to identify any restrictions that might be on your property. For example, some lot restrictions prevent certain types of home additions; and building codes (or the existing foundation on your original home) may prevent you from building up. A remodeling contractor can help you determine what the restrictions are, and then help you plan from there.

5. Don’t Forget Landscaping

Many homeowners are so excited about the home addition itself that they forget all about the landscaping—particularly the cost of new landscaping. Most contractors in West Lafayette will do some basic seeding around the home addition. Beyond that, homeowners will need to factor other landscape aspects into their home remodeling budget and plan.

If you’re considering a home addition, contact Riverside Construction today for a design consultation, or sign up for one of our home remodeling seminars to discuss your ideas with our design-build team and other homeowners in the area. You can also peruse our home addition portfolio for more ideas. If you’re still researching your next remodeling project, sign up for our newsletter to get new ideas every month. We’re always happy to talk with you, so call us at 765.838.1644.

Choosing Kitchen Faucet Finishes and Types

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Whether you have a broken faucet that needs replacing or you’ve decided that it’s time for an upgrade to improve your kitchen’s appearance, it’s a good idea to carefully examine your options so you can make a well-informed decision. Of course, the design team you work with can provide insight into selecting the perfect faucets during a remodeling project.

Before you get together with your design experts, you can take a moment to become familiar with what’s available today. To help you with the decision-making process, we’ve compiled a comprehensive look at kitchen faucet types and styles:

Kitchen Faucet Types

 

Faucets also come in numerous types, including gooseneck, high and low arc, wall mount, and bridge. “Touchless” faucets introduce sensor technology, giving you yet another option to consider. Let’s take a quick look at each to help you select the one best suited for your kitchen look and needs.

High arc or Gooseneck faucets are designed as their name suggests, with thin and tall stems that are sleek and elegant. Metallic finishes accentuate their brilliance, and their dimensions leave plenty of room in the sink and make pot-filling a breeze. A popular choice among Lafayette homeowners is high arc pull-down faucets.

Low arc faucets are available in various designs and arrangements. Choose stem height and finish based on your usage and aesthetic needs, great choices that offer an ideal balance between form and function. Many also come with a pull-out sprayer.

Wall mount faucets are not super common, but when used tastefully give home kitchens an interesting commercial look and feel. Completely freeing-up the sink area has its own numerous benefits.

Bridge faucets are distinctive designs where the hot and cold handles, levers, and controls are physically connected to the main faucet stem, literally creating a “bridge”. The look is traditional and not for everyone, but when appropriate can powerfully complement similar design features throughout the kitchen.

Touchless faucets now seem like the rage, adding high tech to any design and finish you choose. They might not be worth all the hype, but they offer convenient features that free your hands for doing other tasks. A simple hand wave turns these faucets on or off thanks to a movement sensor. 

Kitchen Faucet Finishes

 

Once you’ve got a good idea of what type of kitchen faucet to install, the next step is to select a finish. Kitchen faucets serve a utilitarian purpose, but they can still look good while you use them. 

You have several finishes to consider, including brass, bronze, chrome, nickel, stainless steel, matt black, and the newest exotic finish, ombre. 

Brass faucets will bring a traditional look and feel to your home. They can pair nicely with white kitchen finishes to add warmth and work equally as well with a modern-looking kitchen sink. Matte or brushed brass fixtures are quite versatile and appealing. The “Champagne Bronze” listed in the picture above is Delta’s version of the brushed brass finish.

Bronze that is treated by rubbing it with oil gives the metal a darker look. Oil-rubbed bronze is one of your pricier options, but you can’t beat it for the traditional look it provides, giving your kitchen a bold and classic appearance. The “Venetian Bronze” listed in the picture above is Delta’s version of the oil-rubbed bronze finish.

Chrome is one of the original finishes for plumbing fixtures, giving them a very classic look. Chrome is durable, easy to maintain, and great for minimalist kitchens. With a bold, shiny finish, chrome faucets are favored by many home renovators. Look for quality chrome, which resists tarnishing while being long-lasting and easy on your budget.

Nickel faucets are available in various finishes, including brushed and polished. Brushed nickel is a slightly warmer version of stainless steel, and polished nickel is a slightly warmer version of chrome.  Brushed nickel is also becoming the “new chrome,” and is used very frequently in all kitchen styles. Some manufacturers have even been able to engineer this finish to offer a “Spot Resistant Brushed Nickel”. Also known as pewter, brushed nickel works nicely to bring soft tones and warmth. Remember that the beauty of nickel faucets requires some maintenance. Periodic polishing of nickel faucets keeps them looking beautiful. Brushed nickel resists tarnishing better than polished, so keep that in mind when weighing your options.

Stainless steel is ideal for kitchen faucets thanks to the finish being easy to clean and maintain — especially useful when you have young kids since it possesses antimicrobial properties. Shiny like chrome, stainless steel is more expensive but gives your kitchen a more sophisticated look. So, for a more luxurious looking kitchen with sturdy, enduring faucets, stainless steel may be your preferred option.

Matte Black is a newer finish that has gained popularity in more modern and contemporary kitchens. In striking contrast to the metallic finishes, matte black is sleek and minimalist. The simplicity and purity of the aesthetic contrast well with nearly any kitchen style, making it very versatile and appealing. 

Ombre is a new finish for kitchen faucets developed by Kohler. Taking its name from the French word for “shadow” or “shade,” ombre melds two vibrant metal finishes together to create an interesting transition from light to dark. Ombre currently comes in two variations: vibrant rose gold and polished nickel. 

Selecting Faucets for Your Upgrade

After considering the various choices for kitchen faucets in your upcoming kitchen remodel project, you are bound to have some questions. Start by visiting our Kitchen Portfolio for ideas and then sign up for our free home remodeling seminars, which will give you more insight into preparing your own home to look magazine-cover worthy. Have fun browsing — your Riverside Interior Design Team is here to help. 

To learn more about selecting kitchen faucets or to consult with a designer, contact Riverside Construction today at 765.838.1644.

What to Include in a Successful Aging-In-Place Bathroom Remodel

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When you first purchased your home, you may not have given much thought to how future lifestyle changes may necessitate a home remodel. As a matter of comfort and safety, it’s important to keep in mind universal design features that can accommodate everyone’s needs and/or requirements, regardless of age or ability.

Whether you build a new home or remodel your current home, incorporating universal design features may minimize injuries for you or a loved one such as slipping and falling in the bathroom and prolong the stay in your home.

Here are a few aging-in-place bathroom design elements that will provide maximum convenience and livability in your home:

Bathtub/Shower

To minimize the chance of falling when getting into the tub or shower, consider installing a new walk-in tub. Instead of climbing over the edge, you simply open the door. When closed, it’s watertight.

Homeowners who prefer to keep their conventional tub and shower in place can opt for a glass door to replace the shower curtain, which is beneficial for the added stability it provides. And since you’re doing upgrades, a flexible, hand-held shower, grab bars and a stool to sit on when bathing will make for a much safer and comfortable experience.

Cabinets

The cabinets where you store toiletries, as well as first aid supplies and medicine, should be easy for anyone to access. And if you or someone else in your family will be using a wheelchair, it’s helpful to lower the cabinets so they can still be reached from a sitting position. As people age, they often take more medications and use other health remedies, so make sure to install cabinets with ample size for better organization and easier access.

Floors

Slippery bathroom floors are particularly dangerous for people who experience difficulties with mobility, balance, or vision. While bathroom tiles are often preferred for their ease of cleaning, some can be quite slippery and hard, although, in recent years, slip resistance has improved for many tile choices. Rubber flooring is an excellent non-slip option, while Vinyl is ideal for creating a softer surface. For best results, consider adding additional thin rubber bath mats wherever water might accumulate, such as near the sink and shower/tub to help prevent falls.

Grab Bars

Whatever a person’s age, it makes sense to proceed with caution in a wet and slippery environment, especially when moving about in the bathroom. This is where grab bars can make a difference for your aging-in-place bathroom remodel. Install grab bars to assist you when you get up and down from the toilet and get in and out of the shower and/or bathtub. Adding grab bars doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice appearances, though. Unlike stark, institutional metal bars that you see installed in bathrooms at medical facilities, you can find home grab bars in a range of colors and styles to nicely compliment your bathroom design.

Lights

There are two primary considerations to keep in mind for lighting when upgrading your bathroom. Lighting must be abundant and adequate so you can see clearly, avoiding accidents; this is especially important since our eyesight tends to worsen with age. The lights must also be easy to access when it comes time to change them. Ideally, you’ll want multiple light sources, so if one bulb goes out, you’ll still have plenty of light until you change it. Another suggestion is to switch to eco-friendly LED bulbs that can last for years before burning out.

You also may want to consider adding lights powered by batteries, avoiding the hassle of rewiring the bathroom and giving you a great deal of flexibility for where you place them. Want a light right next to the toilet, or above a towel rack? No problem! Individuals with mobility issues can make the bathroom even safer by installing some motion sensors to switch lights on and off automatically when you enter and leave.

Sink

Whether you are recovering from an injury or are experiencing aches and pains such as from arthritis, it makes sense to switch out clunky, uncomfortable knobs to handles, which are much easier to manage. You can also install a foot-operated faucet, allowing hands-free control. As is the case with bathroom cabinets, you may need to lower the bathroom sink to accommodate a person sitting in a wheelchair. You can reduce the chance of injury from hot water by installing scald-prevention devices at the shower/tub and sink.

Every aspect of the bathroom should be evaluated for potential slip and fall problems. For example, choose rounded edges for the bathroom counter, to lessen the chances of injuries caused by falls.

Toilet

To make it easier to use the toilet, it’s a good idea to replace the original with a new, higher unit that is easier to sit on and stand up from. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of installing a taller seat. People with mobility issues can add a bidet, making personal hygiene all the more convenient.

Upgrading Your Home With Universal Design for Aging-in-Place

There are some important considerations to keep in mind when preparing a bathroom remodel for homeowners who want to harness the principles of universal design to accommodate issues such as disability and aging-in-place. An excellent way to start is by signing up for a free home remodeling seminar. Homeowners can stay on top of the latest design ideas by checking out our remodeling portfolio. And once you have a better idea of what you need for your bathroom remodel, you’ll want to speak with one of our expert designers. Give us a call at 765.838.1644 today.

 

Five Benefits to Downsizing Your Home and Simplifying Your Life

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Photo Courtesy of Laurey W. Glenn

Are you considering downsizing your home? It’s not uncommon for homeowners to move into a smaller house after their children have grown and moved out, leaving them with too much-unused space. Or, the charms of living in a big home no longer seem to be worth all of the extra time, effort, and expense in the cleaning or upkeep.

Deciding to downsize has the potential to improve your quality of life considerably. It could also turn out to be a financially wise decision for you and your family. Here are just a few advantages that make downsizing a popular option:

Save Money

Owning a smaller home can provide several financial benefits: 1) It can potentially reduce your mortgage payment; 2) Lower your monthly utility bills, as you will need less energy to heat and cool a tinier space; 3) Lower your property insurance since the home will cost less to replace or fix than a much larger structure; and 4) Decrease property taxes, given the smaller footprint of your home.

Additionally, the savings that result from downsizing can be reserved to provide financial security and flexible lifestyle choices—such as travel options, vehicle or home upgrades, etc.

Clean Less & Minimize Upkeep

While some people enjoy cleaning, it’s safe to say most homeowners don’t want to spend their free time dusting, sweeping, mopping and vacuuming. And, the smaller the home, the less effort it takes to clean it. The less time you spend on the upkeep of cleaning your home, the more time you have with friends and family, and on activities that bring you joy and fulfillment. If you rely on a cleaning service, your cleaning bills should also reduce with less square footage to clean.

A smaller home requires less upkeep too. From mowing the lawn and cleaning out rain gutters to painting the interior and exterior and replacing light bulbs, you’ll spend much less time on basic maintenance. The result? You’ll spend more hours in the day pursuing the things in life that truly matter to you.

Take Advantage of Multi-Purpose Rooms

Chances are there is at least one room in your existing home that doesn’t get much use. Maybe a dining room, home office, or an unused bedroom? In a smaller house, there isn’t room for unused space. Instead of having a formal dining room separate from a breakfast nook, a downsized home might combine the functionality of both eating and entertaining in one space. A home office might serve as a comfortable guest room for overnight guests. A living room might double as a media room for playing games, watching TV or listening to music.

Lower Your Family’s Carbon Footprint

A smaller home means you are using less energy to run the heater and air conditioning. As a result, you will wind up lowering your family’s carbon footprint, which helps you do your part to conserve natural resources and protect the planet. Going green also saves money, of course. It takes less water to clean a smaller home as well as to keep the lawn and other vegetation healthy.

Simplify Your Life with Less Clutter

Another significant benefit of downsizing your home is that it helps you to simplify your life. Because space is limited, you have less space to decorate or fill it with material items. By bringing less into your home, you simply declutter your life. When it comes to purchasing items for your smaller home, they will be items that are absolutely necessary.

Questions about downsizing your current or future home? Connect with Riverside Construction by calling 765.838.1644 today.

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