More seniors are choosing to age in place than ever before. This trend is driven in part by the rising costs of long-term care, coupled with the rapidly growing senior population as the Baby Boomer generation ages – a generation that’s enjoying a more active, vibrant lifestyle than previous generations.  Technology and wider availability of services, such as home meal delivery services, are making it easier for older adults to remain in their own homes independently, as well.

While it may not be possible for an older adult to live independently forever, there are many changes that can be made to a home to make it safer and more functional for them to remain in their own homes longer. By implementing home modifications that support aging in place, today’s seniors are able to maintain their independence, and in the long run, may save a substantial amount of money on senior living.  

Below, you’ll find 10 top tips on home modifications that support aging in place that ensure the safety of the home for older adults. Some are simple adjustments, while others are larger scale projects – but all will make a home more accommodating as a person ages.

1. Pay attention to aging needs and difficulties, particularly if an aging parent lives alone. In this situation other family members may not be aware of the struggles their loved one is having. When visiting, make it a point to observe how they are getting around the house. If you have concerns, it is probably time to consider an assessment. Look for a contractor who specializes in home modification and who will coordinate with their health care team.
   
2. While seemingly small, clearing the excess in your home can make a big difference. Any unnecessary furniture or rugs should be removed. The more space you allow in each of your rooms, the better. Make sure there are clear pathways and plenty of space to walk in without bumping into anything, especially in the rooms you spend a lot of time in.
3. Create at least one 'no-step' entry into your home. Outside, you’ll probably want a covered entry to protect you from the elements. And you need good drainage since the doorway will be level with the walking surface just outside the door. Once inside, you’ll need space for maneuvering.
4. Combine your essential rooms onto the first floor. You may not want to move out of your two-story home, but you may want to consider rearranging the room configuration. Moving downstairs helps to make a home as easy as possible to navigate. Consider moving the master bedroom downstairs. When possible, opt for open spaces over small rooms and narrow hallways.
5. Consider a universal design. Universal design has been defined as building environments that are accessible by anyone regardless of their physical limitations or disabilities. Much of the universal design concept has been codified in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.  In practice, most universal designs involve retrofitting an existing space with all of its limitations rather than constructing a new space. Universal design is also a good investment for future resale of your home.
6. By age 75, most people require twice as much light as the normal recommended standard, and nearly four times as much as a 20-year-old, to see satisfactorily (Dementia Services Development Center – The Importance of Lighting). This is especially true for people with dementia. Dark spots or areas in a room can appear ominous and confusing to the brain. Providing nice, bright spaces will help ease the mind and provide a clearer understanding of surroundings.
7. Go low maintenance. When it comes time to replace exterior materials, choose products that require little or no maintenance, such as vinyl siding, metal roofing, and composite decking. These products will offer dual benefits of good looks and lasting performance. You can reduce landscape maintenance, too, by choosing native plants and installing a time-activated sprinkler system.
8. Prep a bathroom to be wheelchair ready. Install roll-in showers with multiple shower heads which are fixed, height adjustable and hand held. Make sure that the curtain is not held up by a tension rod, since grabbing it for support may result in a fall and install grab bars. Also, place rubber mats inside and outside the shower to avoid slipping and falling.
   
9. Replace kitchen cabinets with drawers and pullout shelves. Drawers and pullouts in kitchens are popular with homeowners of all ages because they make it easier to see and retrieve items without bending down and peering into a dark cabinet. These changes bring the contents of the cabinet out into the light rather than you getting into the cabinet. Glass doors on upper cabinets help you remember what is in them, too. When choosing knobs and pulls, move away from the small round knobs and choose something that's easier to grab.
10. Consider refinancing. If you have substantial equity in your home, you have multiple ways to pay for improvements, such as a cash-out refinance of your mortgage, a home-equity loan or line of credit, or a reverse mortgage. There are also several grants and rebates available that may help make your remodel affordable.

Fort Rock Construction, Inc. serves homeowners throughout the Eugene and Springfield areas and we can help remodel your home to safely accommodate aging in place. Give us a call today at 541-767-1611.

Whether you have a person living in your home who uses a wheelchair or if you are needing modifications because you plan to age in place, there are a handful of key things to keep in mind for an accessible bathroom remodel.

Before you start drawing up plans, you want to take careful consideration of the following questions:

1. With which activities will the person require assistance?
2. Does the person require medical supplies in the bathroom? If so, where do they need to be placed?
3. For bathing, does the person prefer a shower or a tub?
4. What activities can the person do independently and are grab bars needed in those locations?
5. How will the person's condition deteriorate over time and are there other needs to keep in mind for the future?

Once you have some answers to these questions, it's time to start planning. Items requiring plumbing should be tackled first because these are often the most difficult and costly items to change. You'll want to make sure to get these right before you settle on all of the other accessibility details.

Accessible bathing items:

• If a shower is preferred, make sure to include seating, grab bars and a handheld showerhead. A curbless shower is best for those using a wheelchair, walker, or for someone who is prone to falling.
• If a tub is preferred, look at walk-in tubs for easier access. Like with a shower, grab bars are essential for safety.
• For both bathing choices, non-slip flooring is helpful for preventing slips. Nice options include textured tile or even slatted wood. Knobs for turning the water on/off and for adjusting the temperature should be replaced with levers so they are easier to manage. Last, plan ahead for any shelving or rack needs so that items like shampoo and conditioner or towels are within easy reach.

Accessible sink and vanity items:

• For the most versatility, consider sink/counter options that can be mounted to the wall without cabinetry below. Wall-mounted options will allow for wheelchair users to easily access the sink and faucet handles.
• For faucets, your best bet is to choose either a hands-free option or a single-lever design.
• For mirrors and furniture, choose options that accommodate a person who needs to use them at lower heights. Furniture should be sturdy in case it is needed for balance or support.
• Storage options should have easy push/pull lever operation and be located at slightly lower heights so the items inside are easy to see and reach.

Accessible toilet items:

• When selecting a toilet, look for one with a height in the 17" to 19" range as this has been shown to be the most comfortable height for most users. If replacing your toilet is not an option, you can opt to install thicker toilet seats.
• If you are able to replace the toilet, you have several options. Popular choices include wall mounted toilets that can be placed at custom heights or even bidets that can help those who find managing toilet paper difficult.
• Once your toilet is figured out, adjust everything else around it to be within easy reach. Toilet paper rolls and other required items should be accessible while seated without too much twisting. And, make sure you have at least one grab bar to assist with seating and getting up.

Accessible lighting items:

• Like any other room in your house, lighting is important if you want to be able to see what you're doing. Make sure light switches are lowered and convert switches to large toggles or install a motion detector. Dimmers are also helpful so that the brightness can be adjusted for users.

General accessibility safety items:

• Make sure your bathroom has enough room to accommodate mobility devices. This means a minimum of 30" to 48" in front of each plumbing fixture so that a wheelchair can turn around. If an attendant is needed, you may require additional space so that two people can maneuver near each plumbing fixture.
• You may need to widen doorways. A minimum width should be 34" for wheelchair users. Along with a wider doorway, you will want to either convert the door to a sliding door or make it swing out instead of in to give the most room.
• Remove loose bathmats as these can be tripping hazards.
• If possible, lower the maximum water temperatures to avoid the risk of scalding users.

When it comes to accessibility bathroom remodels, Fort Rock Construction is the company to call. We are certified aging in place exerts and have extensive accessibility remodeling experience for both residential and commercial spaces throughout the Eugene-Springfield area. Give us a call today to discuss your project at 541-767-1611.

Guest Blog by Kent Elliot

​How we set up our bedrooms is important. After all, we spend a third of our day in this area, so it deserves some attention. A big mistake many people make is adding too much to the room when the space should be free of clutter and distractions. The bedroom should be a sanctuary of rest where you can leave the stresses of the day at the door.

Doing even a minor remodel on the bedroom can be particularly rewarding when the time comes to sell your house. Not only does a bedroom upgrade boost your home’s aesthetic appeal so it stands out in the market to potential buyers, you can also expect a 40 to 80 percent return on investment for the project. The difference between that 40 and 80 percent has a lot to do with how much you can save when completing the project.

Rip Up Carpet

Out of all the rooms in the house, carpet makes the most sense to have in the bedroom. However, carpet looks outdated and may even be making you sick. Believe it or not, carpet can accumulate as much as 40 pounds of dirt and dust over the short span of a single year. Nasty dust mites live off that dirt, making their homes in your bedroom. Furthermore, the fibers of carpet provide more surface area and crevices to collect harmful bacteria and viruses.

Removing carpet in the bedroom is also a job you can do yourself. It takes minimal equipment—many of the tools you need are ones you probably have on hand already—and a weekend or so to complete, depending on the size of your room. After the carpet is ripped up, you have to decide what to do with the subfloor.

Consider the following:

• Plywood subfloors need to be re-covered with a more sturdy and attractive option, such as hardwood, laminates, or bamboo.
• If you have hardwood floors under there, clean and refinish them yourself. Putting carpet over them in the first place was a home-design sin.
• Staining concrete floors lends a cool, modern feel to the room. Add warmth with an area rug strategically placed beneath your bed so it’s the first thing your feet hit when you get up in the morning.

Add Storage

Clutter is a direct contributor to anxiety and can keep you up at night. Remove any furniture that has to do with work or activity—no desks or exercise equipment in the bedroom. Remove televisions and computers while you’re at it. These electronics emit excessive amounts of blue light that disrupt sleep. Once these items are moved out, you can focus on cutting back on the remaining clutter.

Reducing clutter in the bedroom isn’t just about adding storage—you likely need to go through your belongings and get rid of items that have served their purpose. However, some extra storage solutions can keep things out of sight so you don’t have to deal with so much visual noise.

• A wardrobe wall can be an attractive accent that hides clutter with discretion.
• Consider investing in a platform bed that has drawers for clothing or books.
• Double-duty furniture is your friend; try using small dressers as nightstands or an ottoman that opens up to hold blankets.
• Maximize your existing closet’s potential by taking advantage of vertical space.

​A bedroom remodel adds a breath of fresh air in an area where we conduct one of our most important healthy habits: sleep. If your bedroom has carpet, rip it up and replace with a more modern hard floor option. Clutter causes anxiety and can prevent you from being able to fall asleep. And while cleaning out belongings is a big part of reducing clutter, installing creative storage solutions can help ensure things stay organized—and be an appealing feature for potential buyers if you ever decide to sell your home.

For assistance with a bedroom remodel, please contact Fort Rock Construction at 541-767-1611. We've been helping Eugene and Springfield homeowners fall in love with their homes since 2001.

When you work from home, having a space that allows you to concentrate and be productive is essential. Sometimes that means taking over an extra bedroom or the dining area in your home. If your workspace is less than ideal, i.e., you've taken over the kitchen table or living room, this blog is for you. It's time to create a space in your home that is both functional and reflective of who you are so you can do your best work. Here are some tips for accomplishing a great work-from-home space.

First, let's consider the nature of your work. Do you participate in a lot of conference calls? Do you need to meet with clients? Do you need space to spread out large documents or other materials? Thinking first about what it is you actually do in the act of performing your job will help in planning out the ideal space for your home office. If you are on lots of phone calls, having a quiet area apart from the hustle and bustle of your family can be helpful. Same goes with if you need to meet with clients, you would probably benefit from a larger space located close to your home's entrance.

Second, consider your desk, shelves, storage, and seating needs. Your furniture should support the work you do, not create the need for you to work around it. For example, think about your workflow and which items you need at your fingertips on a regular basis. If you need to use a large monitor and have a phone, printer, and other objects nearby, that cute little desk probably isn't going to be sufficient. Same holds true if you need to have files or other supplies within reach, you will want a desk option with drawers to accommodate these items. When selecting furniture, your best bet for long-term satisfaction are collections with lots of configuration options and expansion pieces. Maybe the budget doesn't allow you to get everything at once, but when you're ready, coordinating pieces will be available.

Third, your ideal workspace should reflect who you are and keep you motivated. This is where color and decoration play a significant role in your home office renovation. For instance, forget the standard "office beige" and instead paint your walls a color that you enjoy. Don't worry about what is "on trend" as paint is one of the easiest things to change and it's more important that you're happy in your space. If you don't like the color of your office, you're less likely to do your work there. And, be sure to fill your space with decor that makes you happy — everything from plants to artwork to pictures and more help to create a unique and welcoming space.

Fourth, lighting is a huge factor for creating a functional and enjoyable workspace. Whether your light comes from a natural source (a bright window) or from ceiling/floor lamps, make sure you have plenty to meet your needs. But don't settle for boring lighting options. There are great pendant and chandelier options that can really transform a room from "meh" to "ooh la la" without much fuss.

Fifth, be the ruler of your office and conquer every square foot available to you for storage and general organization. Think vertically and horizontally. Floating shelves can offer storage solutions for smaller items, and custom built-in shelving and bookcases can accommodate larger or heavier items. Built-in storage options are also great if you are one who likes everything to be accessible but not necessarily seen until needed and there are many versatile options available to meet your exact specifications.

Last, but not least, make sure your home office is wired to meet your technology needs. Does the office have enough outlets and, more importantly, in the places where you need them? Do you have adequate plugs for wired internet connections? Are your outlets surge protected so your computer equipment won't be damaged when the power fluctuates or goes out?

At Fort Rock Construction, we have helped many homeowners in the Eugene and Springfield area with home renovations and home remodels so they can work from home. This has included bedroom conversions, living room conversions, garage conversions, home additions, and reclaiming unused attic and basement space to create livable and workable areas. If you are interested in learning more about the options for your home, please give us a call at 541-767-1611. We would be happy to help with your home office renovation.

With the holidays upon us, you might find yourself looking at your home with a mix of feelings — Is my home ready for company? Can I accommodate all of my guests? Is it finally time to tackle that renovation we've been talking about? And, when we think about the kitchen — the center of almost all holiday gathering — that's when we start to fret if everything is how we want it.

Looking around your kitchen, how do you feel? If you have been delaying a kitchen remodel until the time is “just right”, the holidays often provide the motivation for taking action. Imagine how much easier and more festive your holiday season could be with a beautiful new kitchen designed to be more efficient, energy-conscious and welcoming.

While it's a tad too late for this holiday season, it is the perfect time to think about and plan for next year. You can go into this holiday season with a purpose, however — observe and note what works in your kitchen and what would you like to see done differently. Sometimes being aware "in the moment" makes us realize the details we might overlook at other times of the year.

Here are some ideas for how the holidays can inspire your kitchen remodel:

Storage and Organization
An organized kitchen makes all the difference when it comes to preparing meals for larger groups which we tend to have over during the holiday season. Imagine what new storage, innovative drawer systems, and slide out or stand alone pantries could do in your kitchen to cut down on the time it takes to find the right tool while you’re cooking and the right serving ware and dinnerware when you’re ready to set the holiday table.

State-of-the-Art Appliances
Today’s appliances offer a combination of sleek built-in design and innovative energy-efficiency. Both trends mean you can have that extra large refrigerator or stove you’ve been dreaming about without detracting from your overall room design or adding significantly to your energy bill. Beyond the fridge, stove and dishwasher, consider appliances that make entertaining a breeze and everyday life a little more luxurious, such as a built-in espresso machine or wine cooler.

A Gathering Place
Perhaps most important for a kitchen remodel design, especially during the holidays, is that the room provides a warm and welcoming atmosphere that encourages people to gather together. Space planning is essential when it comes to this aspect of designing your new kitchen, as well as thinking about the lighting for any gathering or working spaces in your kitchen. Having lights specific to different purposes and places can enhance the atmosphere and make your guests feel comfortable.

If you’re inspired to start planning your kitchen remodel for the holidays, now is the time to get started. Note all the ways your kitchen design and appliances are working for you and make a list of what could be improved, moved, or removed. Then, give us a call and let's start planning. If you live in the Eugene-Springfield, Oregon area, the team at Fort Rock Construction is here for your kitchen remodel! 541-767-1611

If you're looking to add extra living space to your home, converting your garage can be a good solution. Garages can be turned into playrooms, mother/father-in-law quarters, media rooms, extra bedrooms, and so much more. But, before you begin this type of home remodel, there are several things you'll want to consider to ensure the project goes smoothly.

1. Assess your garage for potential issues. Most garages are not designed with living space in mind. Because of this, you may need to take a look at the electrical, insulation, egress to and from the main house, as well as the walls and floors to make sure there are no structural issues like buckling, leaks or cracks, subsidence, or sloping.

2. Make sure you are allowed to have a garage conversion. It's not uncommon for homes within homeowners associations to have rules within their CC&Rs that prohibit certain home modifications. Avoid a headache and look into this ahead of time if your home is part of an HOA. Aside from HOA governance, your home might also be subject to certain zoning restrictions. Checking with your city or county's planning department can help you determine if a garage conversion is permissible and if permits are required.

3. Plan out how you will want to use the converted garage. Because of the time, expense, and often permits that are involved with a garage conversion, it's important to plan out how you are going to use the space. This will mean hiring an architect or contractor to draw up floor plans that can be submitted with permit applications. Also, knowing what the space can be used for will be helpful when you go to sell your home. For instance, planning ahead for a bedroom can add more value in the eyes of a buyer than perhaps a man cave or other general use space.

4. Have a realistic budget. Most homeowners don't generally have a sense of the expense involved with a garage conversion. Typically budgets are underestimated since the garage is an already existing structure. However, there are still items that can significantly impact your budget if you don't plan for them up front. These expenses include items like waterproofing, insulation, laying a new floor, running electrical or plumbing, adding windows, and then the finishing touches like cabinetry, fixtures, wall finishing, hardwood or carpet, etc.

Many homeowners choose to tackle a garage conversion on their own. However, it is a good idea to involve a general contractor who has experience in this type of project and who knows the current building codes.

If you choose to hire a contractor, look for someone who routinely performs the type of work you want to have done. A handyman might have relevant construction skills, but might not be aware of the required building codes or have the labor force to get the garage conversion done in a timely manner.

Lastly, depending on your garage conversion, you may also need to hire an engineer. Working with a general contractor will make sure the proper professionals are involved with the project so everything is built properly and to code.

If you live in the Eugene-Springfield area, please give the team at Fort Rock Construction a call at 541-767-1611. Our general contractor team has been helping homeowners with new construction and home remodels since 2001.

Eugene's Peace Presbyterian was in need of a new kitchen and workspace. We removed the old, dated kitchen and flooring and installed the new kitchen counters, cabinets and flooring, creating a more modern and functional space.

If you have a kitchen in need of renovating, be in a residential or commercial space, give us a call. We can help. 541-767-1611

If you're thinking about where you want to live as you get older, consider the benefits of adding on to your existing home. When you live in a neighborhood that you already like, and if you have a plot of land large enough for a one-two room expansion, this can often be a great solution.

Adding a ground-level room (or two) to your home can make aging in place more feasible as single story access to your kitchen, living room, etc. is more comfortable without the need of stairs. The upstairs portion of your home can be used by those living with you, whether that's younger family members or live-in care providers.

If an addition is not possible, you can also consider converting your garage into ground-level living space. Many things can be done with a garage to make it into a grand master suite or even a mother-in-law unit.

At Fort Rock Construction, we have many years of experience helping homeowners add valuable living space to their homes with additions and garage conversions. Give us a call today at 541-767-1611 to discuss your needs and explore options.

When it comes to renovating your home, the one room that makes the most significant impact is your kitchen. The kitchen is where we gather every single day for meals, connect with other family members, and relax. Because of its high usage, the kitchen is an area where most people want to keep up to date, or at least have some feelings about what they would change if they ever "redid the kitchen."

People have different reasons for wanting to update their kitchen. Some only want to renovate or remodel their kitchen to increase resale value, while others look to improve the flow so day-to-day use is easier or to bring the look into this century.

Whatever your reason, know that remodeling your kitchen gives you one of the best returns on investment for your home.

Here are a few reasons people choose to renovate their home:

1. Building a Dream Kitchen: For those who love to cook and spend time in the kitchen, it's natural to want to be surrounded by what you love... the layout, materials, and appliances all picked out for a custom finish instead of that which came with the house. When you renovate, each choice becomes yours.
   
   
2. Staying Current with Trends: Year after year we're introduced to new kitchen trends, and while some trends come and go, there are generally good takeaways that can be adapted for long-lasting functionality and beauty. Functional innovations, such as under-counter refrigerators that allow children to serve themselves and kitchen islands with prep stations, will enhance your kitchen experience.
   
   
3. New Appliances: Designer brands at a variety of price points release new appliances every year to help make your cooking experience more comfortable. From how they function, the amount of energy used, how they clean up, and the colors they come in, your choices for new appliances are endless. No matter what you choose, new appliances will give your kitchen a fresh feel.
   
   
4. Enhancing Functionality: Updating your kitchen layout by introducing a practical island for prepping, sitting or placing groceries can drastically improve your kitchen’s functionality. Likewise, added countertops or smart home connectivity can make day-to-day usage more comfortable and more enjoyable.
   
   
5. Improve Your Quality of Life: Over everything else, perhaps the most important thing to consider before you undergo a complete kitchen renovation is whether or not your current kitchen suits your family's lifestyle. Maybe your kitchen doesn't have a breakfast bar for informal dining, or the previous owner’s kitchen layout no longer serves its purpose. Renovating your kitchen to suit your family’s needs may be your biggest motivator.

If you decide a kitchen renovation is in your future, give the team at Fort Rock Construction a call. We've been working with homeowners throughout Eugene, Springfield, Cottage Grove and the surrounding areas since 2001. Give us a call today to schedule a free consultation at 541-767-1611.

Planning your kitchen remodel is no meager task. Depending on the extent to which you want to change your home's kitchen, a remodel can be simple or complex. Regardless of your route, there are five key things you'll want to take into consideration for your kitchen remodel.

Flow / Workspaces
Before you start picking out the finish of your cabinets, take the first step to evaluate the flow of your kitchen. Does the current arrangement of major features work for how you use the space? Does it accommodate social gathering? Is it strictly functional for galley-style cooking? Do you have to walk extra steps between the sink, stove, and refrigerator? Could you benefit from having something shifted slightly to allow for more functional workspaces?

Appliances
After you've evaluated and determined the best footprint for your kitchen remodel, the next step is to look at the appliances you will want to incorporate. Do you love your stove but dream of a new built-in refrigerator? Working with your designer or general contractor, you can select the appliances for your kitchen.

Storage
Without fail, it seems there is never enough storage in any space, let alone a kitchen. Working with your designer or general contractor, look at how you can maximize storage in your design, accommodating the workspaces and appliances you've selected. Today's cabinetry has more options than ever before for creatively using each space and maximizing every inch for storage.

Lighting
Lighting your kitchen doesn't need to be a complex matter, but it is layered.  You'll want to combine different types of lighting that will work best in each area. The most common mistake people make is trying to light their entire kitchen with one fixture centered in the ceiling. You're better off with a blended solution.

Finishes
Once your basics are in place, you can have fun selecting the finishes for each aspect of your kitchen remodel: cabinetry colors/materials, appliance colors, paint, tile, flooring, etc.

If you'd like help, Fort Rock Construction has been helping homeowners in the Eugene-Springfield area with kitchen remodels since 2001. We're experts when it comes to remodels and would be happy to share our expertise with you so your kitchen becomes the room of your dreams. Give us a call today. 541-767-1611