Month: October 2019

A large amount of the Florida population is over 60 years of age, having relocated to the south to enjoy their retirement. Retiring in Florida becomes a decades-long commitment during which time an individual’s body may change, but without some planning, their home will not. If you’re looking to live out your golden years in one home, a remodel may be necessary from a safety and quality-of-life standpoint. The contractor you choose for this task should fully understand the importance of creating a home that will enhance your quality of life. Whether you’re looking to remodel a home or a condo, here are three recommendations on how you can age more comfortably in your own home.

Work with a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS)

Although seniors have other options for where to live as they get older, an overwhelming number would prefer to stay in their homes. This is where a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) comes in. This certification program teaches the technical, business management and customer service skills that are essential to older adults, remodeling your home into a safe, yet stimulating environment that allows you to maintain your independence as you age. This certification provides CAPS contractors with the skills necessary to help clients make choices that will help them stay in their homes safely and securely. Working with a CAPS contractor will ensure that your best interests and your future is in mind.

Select the right accommodations

There is an expansive list of accommodations and features a Certified Aging-in-Place specialist can add to your home in order to make it more comfortable as you grow older. The full list can be found here. Some of the most notable and common remodels that can be completed for your whole-house or condo remodel include changes to the overall floor plan, wider hallways and doors for wheelchair access, non-slip flooring, additional windows for natural light, handrails, easy-to-read controls on appliances, fold-down shower seats, high-tech security/intercom systems and a residential elevator or lift.

Make your home more visitable

Additionally, a CAPS contractor can help make a client’s home more “visitable”. As a homeowner today, you may not be at an age where ramps and grab bars are useful or even necessary for you. But over time, this may be a giant relief for aging parents or other visitors.

If you live in Southwest Florida and are looking for a company that takes your future into consideration when completing a condo or whole-house remodeling project, contact Varian Construction at (239) 514-0103. Bill Varian, the company’s owner and president, is a Certified Aging in Place Specialist with your best interests, safety and future in mind. Varian Construction has been doing business and making homes more comfortable for Southwest Florida residents for over 30 years.

Remodeling a home can seem like a daunting task. However, if you select the right contractor to complete your whole-house remodel, the process will be well worth its reward. If you’ve outgrown your current home but love the location too much to move, here are five reasons to remodel your home:

It truly makes the home your own

When you first bought your home, you may have done so because it met your basic needs. It had the right number of bathrooms; was the type of house you were looking for and it was in the perfect neighborhood. Additionally, you may have bought the house because it was in your budget at the time and was less expensive than one with modern finishes. Since then, aspects of your life have changed. By remodeling, you’re able to truly make a house your own. Maybe it’s by opening up the space, remodeling an old bathroom or upgrading your kitchen.

It increases the value of your home

One of the biggest advantages to remodeling your home is it increases its value. Whether it’s adding modern finishes in the kitchen to appeal to a younger market or if you upgrade your siding to add more curb appeal, after these upgrades are completed the value of your home will increase significantly. Since it’s all about location, location, location and if your home is already in a desirable neighborhood, it may be more financially feasible to renovate, staying right where you are and adding upgrades, as opposed to trying to build a new home.

You can take advantage of energy saving options

If you have an older home, you most likely don’t have high-efficiency windows, new insulation, solar panels or hurricane impact glass. Adding these features to your home will not only help increase its value but save you some money on your energy bills each month. Hurricane impact glass will also be beneficial to your personal safety if you’re in a state prone to hurricanes. Additionally, it will save you some time when preparing for a storm because you no longer have to board up your windows and they’re energy efficient. Not to mention, if you do opt for greener, energy-saving appliances you’re also reducing your carbon footprint. It’s a win-win.

More room for less money

If your family has grown over the years but your house has stayed the same, splitting a large bedroom into two, finishing your basement or turning your attic into a spare bedroom can create more space in your home for guests or a live-in family member. Renovating your home in this fashion is much more cost effective than building. Plus, you won’t have to move for more space.

You’re left with a sense of accomplishment

It’s no secret that renovating your home can be a time-consuming, expensive process. But, it’s completely worth it in the end. Once your home remodel is finished, you’ll be left with a sense of accomplishment. And the gorgeous home that perfectly fits your family’s needs and better fits your vision you created may come with a much lower price tag than buying new.

When remodeling your home, it’s imperative to select the right contractor who will work with your family, vision and budget in mind. Varian Construction is a 30-year-old, owner-operated company that takes pride in their projects all while alleviating the stress on the homeowner. If you live in the Southwest Florida area and have been inspired to begin your home remodeling project, contact Varian Construction at (239) 514-0103.