Design and Build an In-Law Suite Addition or Renovation for Loved Ones

Design Build contractors are seeing a trend where consumers are considering In-Law Suites or whole house renovations for their aging loved ones. It is estimated that over 10,000 baby boomers are retiring every day. Our nation is experiencing a large increase of elderly who are becoming dependent on varying degrees of care. 

In Massachusetts, towns like Wellesley, Newton, Hopkinton, Westborough and Southborough there are many large homes that require yearly maintaining. Seniors face the prospects of this upkeep as they age with mixed emotions.

As our seniors transition to a stage where it is increasingly difficult for them to maintain and function safely in their homes many are turning to their adult children for help. Quite often seniors may be able to extend their stay in their home with some minor modifications if they are healthy enough.

However some concerns expressed by seniors who are considering living with family:

• ·        Decreased mobility
• ·        Loss of a spouse who use to handle the affairs and maintenance of the home
• ·        Higher utility costs
• ·        Higher taxes significantly depleting savings
• ·        Fear of getting hurt and no one is there to help
• ·        Fear of being hurt and placed in a nursing home

These are just some of the reasons compelling families to consider In-Law Suite additions or remodeling for their senior parents.

An In-Law Suite offers peace of mind to both the parent and the adult son or daughter. It also removes a senior’s fear that they will get hurt while being alone. It removes the concern of being thrown into a nursing home where patients rarely receive the care they deserve or need.

The separation that comes with a designated In-Law Suite addition or remodel ensures that each party can maintain their independence. Neither senior parent nor adult son/daughter likes to be told what to do by the other. The defined quarters allow each to be close while retaining personal safety and independence. Some families share the existing kitchen or build a separate in the new area.

Some families renovate the basement area creating an oasis for their loved ones. 

Here we created a quaint entertainment area with new shelving and cabinetry in a basement.

In-Law Suite additions or interior home remodeling can save a homeowners and seniors a ton of money. Yes there is an initial cost to remodeling but it is pale in comparison to senior care facilities. Nursing Home costs are on the rise and it is estimated that the average yearly cost is over $70.000.00. The average stay is approximately 2 ½ years bringing the total cost up towards $200,000. By adding an In-Law Suite you are adding value to the property. If the project is designed and built strategically it can serve those who remain as a family room area, suite, studio, office or other use after the senior loved one has moved on. 

The Design Build Process: working with a remodeling contractor who utilizes the designbuild approach ensures that your project will be strategically designed incorporating the needs of the senior loved one and the host family. A design build contractor will also guide everyone involved in selecting the right products and methods so everyone is crystal clear on what will be done before the project starts. The design build remodeler makes sure that the project is designed to blend in with the current home within target budget range established by the homeowner.

In-Law Suites are a great solution and way for younger generations to take care of the ones who took care of them years ago. Contact us today to explore the possibilities.

Peter Allain
Allain Construction Inc

Should homeowners book remodeling contractors before next spring?

Homeowners in Mass may want to consider booking their remodeling contractor before next spring. In a recent article from Harvard Housing it was reported that there will be a double digit increase in remodeling activity in the first half of 2013.

Check out these relevant trends and factors to consider booking a contractor before spring of 2013:

• Remodelers in the greater Boston, Mass metropolitan area are reporting that they are currently booked into the spring of 2013. In towns like Wellesley, Natick, Needham, Weston, Wayland, Sudbury, Natick, Sherborn and Hopkinton permits are up and there seems to be a contractors truck on every street. In Needham for example the building department said this is the strongest year since 2005.
• The housing market is rebounding significantly and many people who have held off remodeling due to the economy are gaining more confidence.
• The election is over and people are getting back to their pre-election routines.
• Homeowners who have held off on projects since 2008 are now ready to do something.
• Interest rates are still at historic lows and will stay that way for the foreseeable future.
• Massachusetts is experiencing a lower unemployment rate than most of the country
• The economic downturn has caused many contractors to leave the industry.
• Many contractors are looking for qualified construction workers and are reporting a lack of qualified candidates.
• Those who wait until the spring may find they have a long wait to get a contractor to come out to their house. The good contractors will be very busy leaving the homeowners to deal with the rest.

Projects in High Demand        

As usual the number one project is kitchen remodeling followed by bathrooms.

Other notable trends is the desire for projects that reduce maintenance and increase energy efficiency. Requests for additions and lower level rooms are also increasing.

Massachusetts adopts more stringent building code in 2011. Many contractors are still trying to catch up on the new requirements.

In 2011, Massachusetts instituted a new stronger building code adopting stricter energy requirements. This is on the heels of the recent stretch energy code which can vary from town to town. Many contractors and building inspectors are struggling with the numerous changes due to lack of training.. Established firms tend to be more educated on these fronts and will be in high demand by educated consumers seeking the most current energy approaches. It is likely that the demand for contractors trained and proficient in energy retrofit protocol will exhaust the stable of available qualified contractors.

At Allain Construction we are consistently staying abreast of the many changes and trends so that we can provide our customers with the best and most current methods to remodel their home. Our comprehensive Design Build-Scope Develop-Build Process helps you get exactly what you want.

Our designers' 3 D design program will help you take the concept in your mind and develop a project you can only imagine.

Thanks for reading.

Peter Allain

Allain Construction, Inc

508-435-4652