Why You Need an Insulation Remover

Insulation is an important home improvement investment that helps reduce energy costs, prevents mold growth and pest infestation, and improves indoor air quality. However, old or damaged insulation can be a health and safety risk and needs to be removed for proper inspection and replacement.

Most professional insulation removal companies use a machine that vacuums the blown-in insulation for faster, easier, and safer removal than by hand. Click Here to learn more.

insulation removal

If your attic insulation contains hazardous materials like asbestos or fiberglass, you will need professional removal services. This will ensure that your home is safe and that the contaminated material is properly removed and disposed of.

Insulation can be a breeding ground for mold, which causes a musty smell and can cause health problems. Mold spores can be inhaled and exacerbate allergies and respiratory issues. Mold can also deteriorate insulation, making it less effective.

Old insulation is a rodents’ favorite place to hide. They burrow through it, which can lead to serious problems in your home’s structural integrity and indoor air quality. Removing old insulation can prevent this from happening and reduce the risk of pest infestations.

Smoke damage is another reason you might need insulation removal. It can weaken the insulation, which may affect its effectiveness and increase your heating and cooling costs. It can also contaminate the underlying structure of your home and cause smoke damage in other areas.

If you have an older home, there’s a good chance that your insulation contains asbestos or other toxic materials. This is especially true if your renovation or remodel reveals older blown in insulation that looks like small pebbles (called vermicular)—it’s likely to contain asbestos.

Asbestos is a known carcinogen that’s very dangerous to your health. If you have vermiculite insulation, there’s a good chance that it too contains a harmful toxin known as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). While PCBs were banned in the 1970s, they can still be found in older building materials including insulation.

These toxic chemicals can be difficult to remove without proper training and equipment. This is why you should always hire a certified, licensed and insured abatement contractor to handle removing old insulation in your home. They will use a custom designed industrial grade, high powered vacuum to efficiently collect the old insulation and any other debris. This is much faster and safer than trying to do the job yourself. This will save you time and money as well as protect your health.

Many people spend a lot of time inside their homes with family and friends, so a home’s indoor air quality is often a major concern. Poor ventilation and a lack of control of sources of pollution can lead to a variety of health problems, including allergies, asthma, respiratory infections, and other issues. Replacing old insulation is one of the quickest and easiest ways to improve the air quality in your home. Old insulation can become a home for contaminants, such as urine and feces from rodents, which affects the overall indoor air quality. It can also easily become moldy, which produces a musty smell and poses a significant health risk. If the mold spores are inhaled, it can lead to serious respiratory issues and even death.

If you do decide to remove your insulation, it is recommended that you hire a professional to ensure your safety and the integrity of your home. Removing batt insulation from attics is not an easy task, and without proper equipment it can be dangerous. Insulation companies can help you prepare your attic for the job by covering any areas where there are electrical wires. They can also provide you with the correct type of vacuum to ensure that no moisture is released during the process.

Once the job is completed, the professionals will dispose of the insulation bags in a safe manner. It is important to remember that removing your insulation can cause a lot of dust to make its way into living spaces. This is especially true of cellulose, which is typically made from recycled newspaper. It is helpful to cover everything with plastic or a drop cloth to protect your possessions from the dust.

Having old or damaged insulation in your home can lead to structural damage and a host of other problems, so it is important to keep up with maintenance on this important home component. Replacing your old insulation can help you save energy, improve your home’s indoor air quality, and reduce pest infestations and other problems that may arise. 

Mold in insulation can be extremely dangerous to health, especially for those with allergies or respiratory conditions. When mold in insulation is allowed to continue growing, it will eventually become airborne and be inhaled by those living in the home. This will then cause a host of negative symptoms, including sinus irritation, headaches, and eye and nose sensitivity. Mold spores are also known to trigger respiratory issues such as asthma and chronic coughing. The best way to prevent the growth of mold in insulation is by performing a thorough inspection and replacing any that may be found with mold-resistant material.

Home insulation plays a major role in the temperature and moisture management inside a home. Insulation helps to keep indoor temperatures in a comfortable range while also controlling moisture levels that can cause damage to drywall and other building materials. However, if a home’s existing insulation is compromised by water damage or a roof leak, it can provide an ideal breeding ground for mold to grow. Mold in insulation will quickly spread to other areas of the house if not addressed in a timely manner.

The first step in preventing mold in insulation is to perform a comprehensive home inspection performed by a professional. These inspections should include crawl spaces, which are often overlooked and can be a perfect place for mold to take hold and spread.

If a home has old insulation in the attic, it is essential to replace this material as soon as possible. This is because attic insulation can trap contaminated air between the ceiling and the drywall, where it will then move to cold air return vents and be recirculated throughout the home. This contaminated air is full of mold and other contaminants, including urine and feces from rodents, which can negatively affect indoor air quality.

The safest way to remove moldy insulation is by using a specialized insulation removal vacuum that will create suction to extract the contaminated material. This equipment can be purchased from many different home improvement stores and is typically operated by a trained professional. Before using this tool, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure that all components are properly connected and plugged in. It is also important to wear protective gear such as a face mask, rubber gloves, and goggles in order to minimize exposure to airborne mold particles.

Some situations demand the removal of old insulation from attic spaces or walls. This can be the result of severe storm damage, a rodent infestation, or deterioration from mold and mildew. Removing the contaminated insulation prevents structural damage to your home and protects from pest infestations, diseases, poor indoor air quality, respiratory illnesses and wood rot.

Some types of insulation are not easily removed. Batt or roll insulation can be rolled up and taken away but other types such as blown in foam, cellulose or vermiculite are more difficult. This is why it is recommended to hire a professional for insulation removal. They will use a custom designed high powered vacuum to suck up the insulation leaving a clean slate for new insulation to be installed.

In addition, professional insulation removal can prevent the risk of damaging electrical systems in the attic. Insulation can often come into contact with live wires, which can cause electric shocks and fires if not properly handled. During the removal process, electricians will disconnect power to prevent this from happening and provide a safer working environment.

When you remove old insulation, you can replace it with better, more efficient insulation, which will reduce energy costs and promote a greener lifestyle. It can also improve your living space by eliminating odors, reducing sound, and making your home more comfortable and healthier to live in.

Another reason for removing insulation is to prevent moisture buildup. Moisture damage in insulation can lead to black mold growth, which then spreads throughout the house through the HVAC system and causes respiratory illnesses. It can also cause moisture in the rafters, which can lead to wood rot and weaken the structure of your home.

It is essential to check your home regularly for any signs that your insulation needs replacing. These signs include visible discoloration, holes and bare spots. If you notice any of these issues, it is important to have the insulation replaced immediately. In addition, you should always replace old insulation with newer insulation, which is more effective and has better safety features.

The Benefits of Home Remodeling

Home Remodeling Tacoma WA involves improving a current house by adding new features and updating old ones. The benefits of Home Improvement are many, including increasing a house’s value and making it more comfortable to live in.

Home Remodeling

A remodel can also make your home more energy efficient, which will save you money on your electric bill. Read on to learn more about the many benefits of Home Remodeling.

Remodeling your home can improve its resale value, especially if you choose the right projects. But it’s important to consider what your neighborhood needs and buyers want before making any major decisions. An experienced design-build remodeling company can help you find the best improvements that will add value to your home.

For example, bathroom upgrades are always popular with buyers, but an upscale primary bath remodel can cost you more than $350,000 and only return about 59% of the initial investment. A whole-house remodel is even more costly and will require careful planning and budgeting to maximize resale value.

As interest rates rise, more homeowners are choosing to stay put and make renovations instead of selling and moving to a new home. But many homeowners are finding that their remodeling projects are not providing the high ROI they used to, according to a recent report by Remodeling Magazine.

The reason for this decline may be due to rising materials costs and a general slowdown in the housing market. But there are still some projects that can significantly boost your home’s resale value, including a minor kitchen update and installing new windows. Adding curb appeal with fresh paint and updated landscaping is also an easy way to increase your home’s value. When it comes time to refinance your home, appraisers take into account any recent renovations when calculating a property’s value. A higher home value can also help you avoid private mortgage insurance payments and qualify for a lower loan-to-value ratio.

Make Your Home More Energy Efficient

Having an energy efficient home not only makes you feel good about your environmental impact but it also saves you money on utility bills. There are many ways to make your home more energy efficient including replacing old appliances with new ones that use less energy, installing insulation, and sealing air leaks. You can even replace hard tiled floors with carpeted or softer bamboo flooring to improve your physical comfort by reducing ankle, knee, and hip pain caused by standing and walking on hard surfaces.

A home remodel is a great opportunity to address these issues and incorporate new technologies into your home to make it more energy efficient. With advances in technology, it is now possible for interior designers and architects to design and visualize their renovation ideas in a 3D environment before any work has been done. This allows them to show clients exactly what their finished product will look like and gives the client a better understanding of what is involved in the project.

When planning your home remodel, consider how you can incorporate energy efficiency goals into the plan. It’s important to keep in mind that you may need to change your lifestyle to meet your energy efficiency goals, so be sure to discuss them with your home remodeling contractor and find a solution that works for you. Changing your habits can be as simple as turning off lights when you leave the room or unplugging appliances that aren’t in use.

Add Value to Your Home

Home remodeling can increase your house’s value and make it more attractive to potential buyers. But it’s important to choose your project carefully to maximize resale value. For example, adding a new bathroom might make the house more appealing to buyers, but moving plumbing and electrical systems could lower resale value.

You should also be careful not to over-embellish your home. If your home is significantly more expensive than other houses in the area, it may be difficult for a buyer to secure a loan or even find the money to buy your home. It’s best to consult a professional before making any major changes to your home.

A full home remodel will not only add value to your house but will also help you save on energy costs. Installing new windows, for example, will not only boost your home’s appearance but will also improve its energy efficiency.

Another benefit of home remodeling is that it can increase your comfort level. A remodeled kitchen, for example, will allow you to cook more efficiently and safely. It can also give you more space for entertaining family and friends.

Make Your Home More Comfortable

Home remodeling can make your home more comfortable by updating features and improving functionality. For example, upgrading old windows for energy efficiency or adding insulation can improve your comfort while also saving money on your utility bills. Another way to make your home more comfortable is to install softer flooring. This can reduce knee, hip and back pain that can occur from standing or walking on hard tile.

Having a comfortable home can also improve your mental health. Studies have shown that people who feel proud of their homes are happier and more satisfied with life. Home remodeling can help you turn your house into a dream home where you can relax and enjoy time with family and friends.

Remodeling your home can also help you save money on maintenance. When you upgrade your home’s systems, they will last longer and require less maintenance. This can reduce your stress and anxiety about the cost of maintaining your home.

When you are looking to remodel your home, be sure to choose a team of experienced contractors who take pride in their work and will listen to your needs. Smart Remodeling LLC can help you transform your home into a beautiful living space that you will be proud to show off to friends and family. Contact us today to learn more about our services or schedule a consultation. We look forward to helping you make your home dreams come true!

Add More Space for Entertaining

Many homeowners avoid inviting family and friends over because they don’t believe their home can comfortably accommodate a large number of people. However, advances in technology and smart home remodel ideas can transform even the smallest homes into entertaining havens.

The key is to incorporate flexible seating options and design layouts that allow for different types of gatherings and activities. For example, you can create a cozy conversation area by placing sofas and armchairs around a fireplace or large window. Or you can design a seating zone with multiple sectionals that provides ample space for everyone to sit together and watch tv or play games.

Also, consider incorporating areas that connect your indoor and outdoor spaces. For example, if your dining room and living rooms are separated by walls you can add sliding doors to open up these spaces and make it easy for guests to flow from one room to the other. You can also use smart home technology to sync the music playing throughout your house so that it’s consistent and accessible from all areas.

Finally, you can also consider adding a centralized area for storing coats and hats and a place to set out games or snacks. This will help keep the rest of your home from getting cluttered during a party and give your guests a place to put down their things so they can relax and enjoy the company of others.

Create a Space That Feels Like Home

Home remodeling can help create a space that feels like home. This is especially important if you’re moving into a new house or apartment where it doesn’t immediately feel like your own. You can make your home feel like yours by adding personal touches and making small changes that add up to a space that feels truly authentically you.

If you aren’t able to do major home renovations, there are plenty of smaller changes you can make that will help your house feel more like home. For example, you can add rugs to your floors for warmth and visual appeal. You can also incorporate personal touches into your home by hanging family photos and displaying mementos that mean something to you. You can even take inspiration from places that are designed to make people feel relaxed and at home, like spas. Aromatherapy diffusers, soft lighting, and trickling fountains can all be used to create a cozy atmosphere in your home.

It’s also important to remember that remodeling your home doesn’t always have to involve buying new furniture and decor. You can use items that you already have, such as a vintage dresser or a family photo frame, to give your home a personalized feel. This is a great way to make your house feel more like home without spending a fortune. Lastly, don’t forget to include details in your home that you love from the places you visit most, like a reading nook filled with your favorite books or a comfortable lounge chair by the fireplace.

Here Are Some Great Ways To Improve Your Home

Have you really given any seriuos thought to whether or not you’re qualified to make those home repairs? Even if it’s only replacing a wall socket or a wax ring on a toilet, touching the wrong wire or leaving a loose screw can open up a can of worms that you don’t want opened. Be sure to continue to educate yourself on home improvement. The following tips and facts might prove to be very useful one day.

 

Get really good references for contractors you use on your home improvements. It is far too easy for a con artist to take your money and run, leaving you with a wreck of a home and no more money to fix it. Don’t trust just anyone. Make sure you have plenty of excellent references, from people you really trust.

 

You need to improve your home in visible ways. Whoever looks at your house is going to go off of what they see, so the last thing you want to present to them is peeling paint or some untrimmed hedges, which can cause them to not buy the house. You have to impress them.

 

Update the lighting in your home to add brightness. Changes in lighting fixtures and adding additional wall lighting can bring a entirely new look to your home. Buy energy saving bulbs to reduce your overall energy costs and consider investing in a smart lighting system that will automatically turn off lights when not in use.

 

If you act without knowing what you’re doing, it’s not good for you or your home. The tips you just read obviously do not cover every type of home improvement repair and/or idea, but you never know when they might come in useful. Hopefully you’ve picked up one or two ideas for your next project.

 

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Bath Remodels Most Popular Home Project, Study Finds

Bath Remodels Most Popular Home Project, Study Finds

SEATTLE, WA — Bathroom remodels are the most popular project for homeowners to tackle, with consumers seemingly willing to pay a premium for “spa-inspired” bathroom features, a major new research study has found.

According to the study, conducted by the real estate website Zillow, more than half of the homeowners surveyed would consider a bathroom renovation in 2022. Buyers also are willing to pay a premium for spa-inspired bathroom features such as curb-less showers (3.6% price premium), heated floors (3.2%) and free-standing bathtubs (2.6%), Zillow said.

Kitchen remodels are also widely popular, with Zillow’s research finding that 46% of homeowners would consider that project in 2022.

“Luxury kitchen amenities were must-haves over the past year, and that will likely continue as people spend more time cooking and eating at home,” Zillow said, adding that 72% of the homeowners surveyed will consider at least one home improvement project in the coming year.

“Most homeowners say they plan to stay in their current home for at least the next three years, and while uncertainty, pandemic precautions and affordability concerns keep many homeowners in place, most are willing to consider improving their current home,” said Manny Garcia, a population scientist at the Seattle-based Zillow. “From adding a backyard cottage to improving a bathroom or renovating the kitchen, most homeowners say they would consider at least one home improvement,” Garcia observed.

Creating more livable space is a consideration for many homeowners, Zillow survey data shows. Projects that are highest on their wish lists for 2022 include adding or improving an office space (31%), finishing a basement or attic (23%), and adding an accessory dwelling unit or guest house (21%), company researchers said.

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KBIS Plans Proceeding Amidst Strict Virus Protocols

KBIS Plans Proceeding Amidst Strict Virus Protocols

HACKETTSTOWN, NJ — The National Kitchen & Bath Association and its partners for February’s Design & Construction Week continue to consult with Epistemix, a third-party modeling system that predicts the progression of disease outbreaks, as plans proceed to stage the 2022 Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) and concurrent International Builders Show (IBS) as live events in February, show organizers said.

The NKBA and its trade show partners, Emerald and the National Association of Home Builders, announced that, based on the latest data modeling from Epistemix and current DCW Health & Safety protocols, “we feel confident we are creating a safe environment to conduct business” at the annual event, scheduled for Feb. 8-10 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL. The 2021 KBIS and IBS were converted to digital events in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The countdown to KBIS 2022 and Design & Construction Week in is on, and we are looking forward to hosting over 60,000 residential design and construction professionals for a fantastic in-person event,” said Brian Pagel, executive v.p., and Jason McGraw, group v.p. for Emerald. “As the event is quickly approaching, the safety and wellbeing of our attendees, partners, exhibitors, site workers and staff remains our top priority.” Pagel and McGraw said that show organizers will continue to monitor health and safety recommendations through additional Epistemix modeling in early January. The KBIS show team will host a webinar in mid-January to outline their findings and detail the health and safety protocols.

All attendees and exhibitors at the three-day event will be required to provide a negative test OR proof of vaccination to access the convention hall. Masks will also be required in the Orange County Convention Center, as well as on official shuttle buses, show organizers said.

“We look forward to welcoming everyone back to Orlando for an incredible show experience,” Pagel and McGraw said.

Current health and safety protocols for Design & Construction Week can be accessed at the NKBA’s web site, www.nkba.org.

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Domestic Cabinet Sales Termed ‘Healthy’ Through November

Domestic Cabinet Sales Termed ‘Healthy’ Through November

RESTON, VA — Major domestic kitchen cabinet/vanity manufacturers continued to report “healthy” sales through November of 2021, according to the latest in a series of monthly surveys conducted by the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association.

The KCMA’s latest “Trend of Business Survey” reflected a year-to-date sales increase among participating cabinet manufacturers of 14.6% through November, compared to the same 11-month period in 2020. Custom cabinet sales through the first 11 months of 2021 were reported up 20.1% over the same period the previous year, while semi-custom sales rose 10.8% and sales of stock cabinets gained 16.2%, the Reston, VA-based KCMA said.

Survey participants include stock, semi-custom and custom companies whose combined sales represent approximately 75% of the U.S. kitchen cabinet and bath vanity market, according to the KCMA.

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Collaboration Transforms Kitchen

Collaboration Transforms Kitchen

Rowayton, CT ­— Karen Berkemeyer and Leslie Dunn often work together to create their clients’ dream kitchens and baths, with the former focusing on kitchen/bath design skills and the latter incorporating interior design touches for their respective companies of Karen Berkemeyer Home in Westport, CT, and Dunn Designs in Norwalk, CT. This kitchen, along with the master bath and a guest bath, was no exception…however, this time the resultant collaboration was showcased in Dunn’s personal residence.

“We work really well together,” says Berkemeyer, noting a mutual respect for each other’s talents, which makes for great collaborations. “As a kitchen and bath designer, I focus on making sure these spaces technically and functionally work correctly. Partnering with another professional, such as an interior designer, gives clients the best of two worlds since multiple people are working on the same project. I love working with Leslie because she is so creative and has great taste. She is especially talented and creative with paint.”

Contrasting color

Paint, at opposite ends of the color spectrum, is a focus of Dunn’s kitchen, where the bright white island is contrasted with dark black perimeter cabinets.

“The use of color – combined with very simple cabinet door styles, which are a great choice for today’s kitchens – makes this design stand out,” says Berkemeyer.

Black perimeter cabinets served as the starting point for color. “She really wanted to do black cabinets,” Berkemeyer indicates.

As a contrast, the island was designed to look like a table that Dunn found, notes the designer. “Island and perimeter cabinets don’t necessarily have to match in cabinet style or color,” she says. “In fact, when done well, like in this kitchen, having them not match shows a lot of creativity and makes for an interesting design.”

Keeping cabinet styles simple is the key to making a ‘mismatch’ work, says the designer in reference to the flat-panel, flush-inset Wood-Mode perimeter cabinets and full-overlay, shallow-cut, Shaker-style Signature Custom Cabinetry cabinets on the island. Both are sheathed with custom colors selected by Dunn.

“You would never do this perimeter with oak raised-panel doors on the island,” she says. “This perimeter features a very simple door style, as does the island. They play off of each other well. This entire kitchen has created so much interest from people. They see things they would have never thought of doing…and they like the result.”

The designers also kept the cabinet hardware unpretentious. Pulls on the perimeter cabinets bring to mind cleats used to anchor boats to a dock, giving the space a bit of a nautical vibe that pays homage to the water just beyond the kitchen windows. For the island, they incorporated drawer pulls that resemble those found on a filing cabinet. Berkemeyer also designed the island with seating for four, positioning stools at a right angle to facilitate conversation between guests. The designer also added custom brushed steel accents at each leg base.

“They add another texture to the space and make the island more interesting,” she says.

To continue the contrast between light and dark, Berkemeyer topped the island with white marble, which she built up with a 2″ mitered edge. The perimeter features median-black, charcoal-colored quartz with a leathered finish for added texture.

White 3″x6″ subway tile covers the walls, extending from the countertop to the windows and beyond. Its undulated surface offers a rippled appearance while its stark light color juxtaposes against the blackness of the shallow-depth soffit on the ceiling.

“I thought the kitchen stopped too abruptly in the corner,” notes Berkemeyer in reference to the soffit. “I suggested that we add the soffit, extending it to the refrigerator on one wall and across the length of the windows on the other. It really helps pull the whole kitchen together.”

Additional dark-hued accents include the deep blue paint that adorns the window trim. “She really likes to include the unexpected!” she says.

Overcoming storage challenges

To make better use of the kitchen’s footprint and gain a few extra feet of space, the designers removed walls between the living room and kitchen, eliminating a hallway in the process. To provide visual differentiation between the two spaces without adding a physical barrier, they added reclaimed antique beams in the ceiling, extending them into the living room.

“Previously, her home had an enclosed little kitchen with separate living room,” says Berkemeyer. “Now, the kitchen is more open and looks so much larger. Taking down the wall also made it possible to include the island.”

Even with the additional space gained by removing the hall, storage was a challenge for the relatively petite kitchen. “When spaces are smaller, like in this kitchen, the biggest design challenge is usually storage,” she says. “It’s important to make the most of whatever space you have, and to make everything accessible, especially focusing on corners. Taking cabinets up to the ceiling maximizes the space. It’s important, too, to pay attention to clearances, ensuring that walkways are technically correct and easy to maneuver.”

To overcome storage concerns in Dunn’s kitchen, Berkemeyer included specialized corner organization accessories, recycling bins, pull-out drawers and several large drawers to make contents easy to access.

Glass panels in the wall cabinets provide a brief glimpse of their contents and keep the space visually ‘light.’ “Like the rest of the kitchen, the glass is kept clean, without any mullions, to maintain the desired look for the space,” she concludes.
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Gains in Single-Family Housing Expected to Increase in 2022

Gains in Single-Family Housing Expected to Increase in 2022

WASHINGTON, DC — Breaking an eight-year trend, there have been more single-family homes under construction in recent months than multifamily units, according to the National Association of Home Builders, which predicted additional gains in single-family construction in 2022.

Despite some cooling earlier this year, the continued strength of single-family construction in 2021 means that there are now 28% more single-family homes under construction than a year ago, said Robert Dietz, chief economist for the Washington, DC-based NAHB.

“These gains mean single-family completions will increase in 2022, bringing more inventory to market despite a 19% year-over-year rise in construction material costs and longer construction times,” Dietz said.

Ongoing single-family and multifamily housing production accelerated in November, due to strong demand, with overall housing starts increasing 11.8% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.68 million units, according to U.S. government figures.

Despite inflation concerns and ongoing production bottlenecks, builder confidence in the market for newly built single-family homes also edged higher for the fourth consecutive month on strong consumer demand and limited existing inventory, the NAHB added.

“While demand remains strong, finding workers, predicting pricing and dealing with material delays remains a challenge,” said Dietz. “Building has increased but the industry faces constraints, namely cost/availability of materials, labor and lots. And while 2021 single-family starts are expected to end the year 24% higher than the pre-COVID 2019 level, we expect that higher interest rates in 2022 will put a damper on housing affordability.”

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Demand Seen Strong for Aging-in-Place Remodeling Projects

Demand Seen Strong for Aging-in-Place Remodeling Projects

FOSTER CITY, CA — A significant percentage of American homeowners across multiple home-improvement trades plan to explore aging-in-place projects for themselves or a loved one in the coming year, a newly released survey reveals.

According to the survey’s findings, some 63% of the homeowners polled report that they will explore aging-in-place home improvement projects for themselves within the next 12 months, while another 6% plan to do so for a loved one.

The November survey, which involved some 2,110 respondents in the U.S., was conducted by Modernize Home Services, a Foster City, CA-based online firm that connects homeowners with contractors and other home-services professionals. The company operates in more than 15 home segments, including bathrooms and kitchens.

Among the primary projects to be considered, researchers said, are bath remodels that feature walk-in tubs and seats within a shower. Other aging-in-place products in high demand include medical alerts, non-slip flooring, stair lifts, grab bars and wider hallways.

“There are a few projects that offer more safety and security – such as installing brighter lightbulbs – that can be done by any homeowner, but more complex projects like walk-in tubs and concurrent bath and kitchen upgrades require professionals,” said Modernize V.P. Gregg Hicks. “This study shows an opportunity for contractors to capitalize on the increased demand for aging-in-place home improvement projects in the coming years.”

 

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Wellness Features Termed a ‘Necessity’ for Today’s Homes

Wellness Features Termed a ‘Necessity’ for Today’s Homes

INDIANAPOLIS — Well­ness fea­tures, impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and an elevated awareness of indoor envi­ron­ments’ impact on phys­i­cal and men­tal health, are no longer a lux­u­ry, but rather a necessity in today’s homes, a leading wellness expert contends.

According to Dr. Jie Zhao, exec­. v.p. of Delos, a New York-based well­ness real estate and tech­nol­o­gy com­pa­ny, COVID-19 has literally reshaped the way homes – including kitchens and baths ­– will be designed, built, equipped and remodeled in years to come.

“Peo­ple are much more cog­nizant of the impor­tant role that homes play in our lives, and how these envi­ron­ments can have a pos­i­tive or neg­a­tive impact on the well­ness of their inhab­i­tants,” Jie said.

At the recent “Insights Sum­mit,” an annual event sponsored by the Home Improvement Research Institute (HIRI), Jie outlined four key wellness trends that he believes will have the greatest impact on home improve­ment in the post-pan­dem­ic world. Among them:

• Indoor Air Quality: Because virus­es spread through the air much eas­i­er than by sur­face con­tact, the pan­dem­ic shed light on the impor­tance of indoor air qual­i­ty, or IAQ, as a com­po­nent of a healthy home, Jie said.

“Air fil­tra­tion is vital to the reduc­tion of par­ti­cle trans­mis­sion,” he observed. “Not only can air-clean­ing tech­nolo­gies improve peace of mind when it comes to invis­i­ble health threats like COVID-19, they also tack­le vis­i­ble parti­cles in the air such as smoke and oth­er harm­ful particles.”

Jie said that ven­ti­la­tion and/​or ion­iza­tion tech­nol­o­gy will be at the fore­front of the fight against con­t­a­m­i­nat­ed air in home spaces. ​“For this rea­son, IAQ may be the biggest well­ness trend to have emerged from the pan­dem­ic,” he noted.

• Mental Wellness: Men­tal well­ness issues per­sist­ed long before the emer­gence of the coro­n­avirus, but the amount of atten­tion devot­ed to the top­ic increased sig­nif­i­cant­ly after­ward, Jie said, noting that men­tal health came to the fore­front of con­ver­sa­tion due to iso­la­tion dur­ing stay-at-home orders.

Jie observed that one result of this for the home-improvement industry is the gen­er­al migra­tion away from con­gest­ed cities in favor of larg­er res­i­dences, more nature and less com­mut­ing time. Jie also point­ed to the effect of men­tal well­ness on increased demand in cer­tain prod­uct cat­e­gories, including home enter­tain­ment, artists’ sup­plies, sports equip­ment and pets.

• Home Offices: Anoth­er major change emerg­ing from the pan­dem­ic is the increased impor­tance of the home office.

“Many employ­ees have made invest­ments in their home offices and have got­ten used to work­ing from home,” Jie said, pointing to surveys which found that 80% of work­ers want to be able to work from home three days per week, and 92% want at least one remote work­day per week.

“There has been a rise in office fur­ni­ture and acces­sories that sup­port health and well­ness, such as the stand­ing desk or ergonom­ic key­board,” Jie said, adding that 20-25% of com­pa­nies are cur­rent­ly reim­burs­ing their employ­ees for well­ness-relat­ed home office sup­plies and fur­ni­ture, “hint­ing at the prospect that work-from-home may be around well into the com­ing years.”

• Fitness: While the spread of COVID-19 led to the tem­po­rary clo­sure of most gyms and ath­let­ic insti­tu­tions, it gave rise to new home fit­ness technolo­gies, as peo­ple sought to stay fit with­in the con­fines of their own homes, Jie pointed out.

“Com­pa­nies like Pelo­ton and MIRROR are chang­ing the way we think about fit­ness (and) com­bin­ing the phys­i­cal and vir­tu­al,” he said. “Con­sumers not only pur­chase a piece of gym equip­ment for their home, but they buy into an entire online social and con­tent expe­ri­ence.”

“I expect to see more inte­gra­tion with online fit­ness plat­forms and home décor,” he said. “Peo­ple want con­vert­ible spaces, so the eas­i­er their equipment blends with their home and lifestyle, the bet­ter.”

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