SVA Construction Corp: The Experts in Repurposing Your Home

For over 40 years we have been redesigning, repurposing and rebuilding homes to meet a new lifestyle. The SVA Construction Corp team evaluates your existing home, use of space, and your future needs to seamlessly add or reconfigure space customized for in-law multigenerational living. Then our experienced professionals work with you every step of the way to implement your vision.

According to Barron’s, sometimes the modifications you make can also be covered by long-term care insurance.

The need for privacy

SVA Construction Corp can create a plan to provide both open shared spaces for family and social gatherings and separate private spaces for family members. Full living in law suites can also be adapted for needs as families evolve. While privacy matters, there are some other benefits to in-law multigenerational living like shared expenses. A family under one roof pays one set of bills for local town taxes, internet, water, sewer, electricity and other utilities.

Creating Your Private Bathroom

Having a private suite with a personal bathroom is a must. It produces the felt-sense of privacy within your home. Although you may not want to start with grab bars, the room should have the necessary supports in the walls for easy installation of handles and safety bars at a later time. Pedestal sinks are easier for wheelchair users, but they are still attractive. Another option is adjustable height vanities. Choose tubs that are wide enough to handle special lift seats in the future, and there should also be dedicated outlets that can power a lift chair or other safety equipment. You can also eliminate the tub completely and choose curb-less showers that are easy for people with limited mobility to use.

Kitchen Considerations

One of the great things SVA Construction Corp enjoys about creating in-law suites is customizing the space for those living within it. A kitchenette or kitchen area is another key factor. When designing the space, choose raised cabinets with additional kick space underneath. Look for multi-level, pullout counters that can be used by people in walkers or wheelchairs. Faucets with motion sensors are also a smart investment. Induction cooktops are easy to use and safer. Look for wall ovens that can be mounted at a height that’s comfortable for people in wheelchairs. Choose base cabinets featuring drawers that pull out rather than cavernous cabinet spaces. All of these additions make the kitchen more functional for aging family members.

Plan, Design and Create In-Law Multigenerational Living Today!

SVA Construction Corp| Design Remodel Build, the leading group for home design and remodeling, provides customers in Washington, DC, Northern Virginia and the Maryland area with everything they need to create in-law multigenerational living. With the young unable to afford to leave home and seniors facing the high cost assisted living and the risk of isolation, more families are opting to live together.

Many families have called on us to start the process. We are the right choice. We know what matters to you. After all, we’ve been remodeling outstanding homes and communities for over 40 years. We utilize both our experience, design and local knowledge to help you make the best choices. For all of your building, renovations and remodeling needs, SVA Construction Corp|Design Remodel Build is the right choice. If you’d like to discuss a new project with one of our knowledgeable consultants, you can contact us via our site or at one of the phone numbers below:

Maryland: (301) 444-4663
Virginia: (703) 832-8159
Washington, DC: (202) 792-7320

Could you use more space in your home? You may not need to look any further than your lower level. This Gaithersburg, MD home is a perfect example of how to dramatically increase a home’s living space without touching the existing footprint.

The homeowners, empty nesters with children and grandchildren that visit often, wanted to obtain more usable living space and did just that by creating an elegant yet relaxing basement that boasts an expansive living area with comfortable and beautiful furniture that is great for everyday living as well as for entertaining guests. The gorgeous vinyl plank flooring complements the overall feel of the room while providing warmth. Columns and beams were strategically integrated into the design to provide both function and visual interest. A calming Benjamin Moore Tundra paint was selected for the walls. Recessed lighting was meticulously placed throughout the space. A gorgeous and intricate wine rack finishes the look and serves as the perfect focal point for the room.

The full bathroom in the basement features: Encore White Matte Crystal Cabinets, Steel Grey Granite Countertops and Aristocrat Grey Natural Finish Field Tile and Glazed Mosaics White Matte Ceramic Tile, blending perfectly with the designer feel of the rest of the basement.

The homeowners could not be more thrilled with how this space has changed their home and look forward to enjoying it for many years to come!

When I meet with a new client about their home remodel, I can feel the excitement in the air. After all, our homes are our oasis and personalizing them to fit our needs only enhances our enjoyment. When thinking about a remodel, I always encourage homeowners to consider not only today’s needs but also what their needs may be ten years from now and twenty years from now. Remodeling is a big investment and you want it to work for you for the long haul. So how do you do that: By incorporating adaptable spaces and components into the design.

Some adaptable design features can be enjoyed by anyone at any time, such as pull out sliding cabinet drawers or right height toilets. Others can be there “just in case” such as adding tile behind a bathroom vanity should the cabinets need to be removed to allow for a wheelchair at some point.  Incorporating these into your current remodel saves the hassle of having to make costly changes down the road. With some careful planning, you can have a remodel that not only works for you now, but for many years to come.

The Difficulty: Poor Balance and Coordination

Solutions:

• Walk-in shower with a seat
• Rounded counter edges
• Grab bars near the bath and toilet
• Stairway handrails

The Difficulty: Hearing Impairment

Solutions:

• Quiet dishwasher to reduce background noise
• Increased volume on phones
• Smoke detectors with strobe lights

The Difficulty: Limited Reach

Solutions:

• Closet rods pulled down to a reasonable level
• Handheld shower
• Front-loading washing machine and dryer
• Lazy Susan to reach items stored on deep shelves
• Pull-out shelves in the kitchen

 The Difficulty: Limited Vision

Solutions:

• Edge of counters a different color from the top
• Edge of each step is a color that stands out
• Increased wattage of light bulbs
• Lights in every closet
• Outside walkways, and entrances are all well-lit.
• Under-the-cabinet lights are over the kitchen counter.

 The Difficulty: Poor Hand and Arm Strength

Solutions:

• Smooth countertops so heavy pans can slide across them
• Automatic garage door opener
• Garbage disposal to reduce trash
• Special hardware to make drawers slide easily

The Difficulty: Trouble Bending

Solutions:

• Doors are wide enough for a walker to get through
• Countertop that can be used while sitting
• Sink no more than six inches deep

 The Difficulty: Trouble Walking and Climbing Stairs

Solutions:

• Floors are smooth and slip-resistant
• Knee space under the stove to allow sitting while cooking
• Ramp to front door with handrails on both sides

 The Difficulty: Uses a Wheelchair

Solutions:

• “Walk-in” closet wide enough for a wheelchair
• Appliances have controls at the front
• Doors and hallways are wide enough for a wheelchair
• Kitchen and closets have pull-down shelving
• Way to transfer into the tub
• Roll-in shower

If you have a question about Aging in Place, give us a call at one of our locations!

• MD: (301) 444-4663
• VA: (703) 832-8150
• DC: (202) 792-7320

The NEW face is home.

Due to a growing trend called “Aging in Place,” more people in retirement are staying in the comfort of their own homes by making important, personalized modifications – and at SVA Construction Corp Design Build (GDB), this is one of our specialties.

Recently, GDB completed a complex project for a couple in Virginia with a large, four-level home. The stairs were cumbersome, and the couple wanted to install an elevator.

Four other contractors were called, but could not find a good solution for the home.

GDB found a way, and a year later the couple were elated with their new elevator.

“The elevator was actually the smallest part of the effort,” said one of the homeowners. “This was a complex undertaking, and the elevator works perfectly. The end result was excellent.”

(The finished product from the inside)

(The elevator, with matching brick, perfectly blends in with the rest of the house. The team even added windows.)

Another “Aging in Place” project is currently in the works in Silver Spring:

The homeowners want to redesign the first level of their home so – if needed – they can one day live entirely on the first floor.

To achieve this, GDB is tearing down several walls to create more space, building a step-less entry and adding an extension for a future bedroom.

We’re currently in the phase of tearing down the walls … stay posted for a blog on the finished version!

Here is a rendering of the rear addition:

And the kitchen, and living spaces:

With a MYRIAD of options, planning for the future in your home can be practical and beautiful.

GBD’s “Aging in Place” modifications are extensive, and include:

• First floor master bedroom suites
• Expanding the width of hallways and doorways for wheelchairs
• Motion sensor lighting
• Slip resistant flooring
• Ramps built into landscaping or porches; and
• Vertical lifts
• ……. to name a few!

If you have a question about Aging in Place, give us a call at one of our locations!

• MD: (301) 444-4663
• VA: (703) 832-8150
• DC: (202) 792-7320

There are many options for finding space to incorporate an in-law suite into a single-family home. Some of the most popular are redoing the basement or lower level, building an addition or bump out or adding a separate structure. In addition to the convenience they can provide for your family, in-law suites can also be great in terms of resale value. Keeping accessibility in mind is key to building a functional space. Including features such as roll out drawers and task lighting in the kitchen, and curb-less showers and grab bars in the bathroom are important considerations. With the variety of options available today, accessible features not only provide functionality but beauty as well. 

First Floor Master Suite. A first floor master suite provides single floor living with a bedroom, bathroom, living room and kitchen all on one floor.

Elevator Rough-In. If you are planning on adding space to your home now, think about incorporating a rough-in for an elevator. It’s much easier to do as you are building than to add later.

Bathroom and Kitchen Features. Incorporating a curbless shower or grab bars in the bathroom or roll out drawers in the kitchen are great features to consider. Not only will they potentially be helpful down the road, but are nice features to have at any age.

]]> Wed, 30 Sep 2015 12:31:25 +0000 Ninety percent of older Americans would prefer to live in their own home as they age, according to AARP. The strong desire to remain in one’s own home can generally be attributed to place attachment, or a deep connection to home. Place attachment describes a special bond between people and specific places. Many older adults have spent years or decades in their current homes; some of their most memorable moments happened there with children, family, friends, and community. Contemplating the idea of packing up those memories and moving somewhere new can therefore pose a huge emotional hurdle.

Oftentimes staying in our homes as we age means modifications are necessary. And they do not have to always be very complicated or disruptive to do. Here are some things to consider as family members or even yourself think about modifications to your home.

Falls Prevention

• Steps: Install sturdy handrails on both sides; secure or remove carpeting.
• Bathroom: Install grab bars and grips; remove throw rugs here and elsewhere in the house.
• Lighting: Ensure proper lighting and light switches, particularly in hallways, entryways, and stairs; install soft path lighting for nighttime.

Ease of Movement

• Steps: Reduce the number of steps or step height; increase horizontal step depth for easy side-stepping.
• Pathways: Remove steps to the bedroom and bathroom; clear the pathway to these rooms.
• Furniture: Reposition furniture, entertainment systems, and other potential obstructions to movement.

Comfort

• Kitchen: Install multi-level or seated food prep areas.
• Bathroom: Install a heated sink, toilet assistance space, and a no-step shower or bath lift mechanism.
• Outdoors: Install sun and rain protection.
• Power sources: Ensure backup in case of a power outage.

For those who strive to live independently, good planning and a smart home design can set them up to realize their desire to age-in-place.