The House Plan Shop Blog

Last week, Great American Country (GAC) reported and posted heartwarming stories about two country music stars.

Singer Kellie Pickler shared her talents with ABC’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” in Beavercreek, OH. Not only did she perform a few hit songs at the home of a well-deserving family who will benefit from the rebuilding and remodeling of their home, but she also pitched in with the construction work. The episode is scheduled to air this fall.

Performer Sammy Kershaw was scheduled to play last Friday at a Habitat for Humanity build in Cambridge, OH. Sammy’s project was the building of a “Kershaw Kabin” which was expected to last all weekend.

Read more at GACTV.com.

Tags: home building

The nation’s baby boomers are reaching a point in their lives when it is time to downsize from their larger homes to something that is a bit smaller, comfortable, accommodating and requires less maintenance and upkeep. This group of potential home buyers is growing and these people are faced with changes in lifestyle that were not found in the generations before them. To accommodate these changes, “baby boomer trends” are popping up in new home construction now more than ever. This collective group covers a broad spectrum of people ranging in age from their late 40s to their mid to late 60s. They include singles, working couples, retired couples, and those who have lost a spouse. Most of these people have raised their children and are now finding themselves in a home far too big or extravagant for their needs. Furthermore, many are discovering that even though their children are gone, they still have someone in their care, aging parents or other relatives. Others have an eye on the future when they may have an aging relative living with them or they are considering their own futures, in regards to health and abilities in the years to come. Keeping these thoughts in mind, review the following list describing many of the most requested features baby boomers are looking for in their next house plan.

Less total living area – Face it, now is the time to be enjoying life. Who wants to spend time cleaning and maintaining rooms that are rarely or never used like the three extra bedrooms and finished basement you needed 20 years ago when you were raising your kids?

Low maintenance exteriors – While opting for less space to take care of inside, many baby boomers are opting for less to take care of outside as well. Low maintenance exteriors with a siding or brick façade and few decorative frills mean less time spent on the upkeep of the home’s exterior appearance.

Open floor plans – Barrier free living spaces with few dividing walls make it easy to move about the home. This makes it easier for those who use canes, walkers or wheelchairs to move about independently with having to maneuver around obstacles.

Single-level homes – Arranging living and sleeping areas all on one level allows accessibility for everyone, especially those who are challenged by stairs.

Fewer bedrooms and baths – Most baby boomers are asking for a nicely sized master bedroom with a deluxe, private bath and one extra bedroom or bath that can be used as a guest suite for visitors, sleepovers with the grandkids or accommodations for an older relative who is not able to live alone but does not wish to live in a retirement home, assisted care facility or the like.

Walk-in showers – Baby boomers caring for an aging relative are realizing now more than ever the need for walk-in showers. Stepping into the shower can be a great challenge. A walk-in shower offers a convenient and safe solution that is perfect for many people that face physical challenges and limitations. Not only is this nice feature a solution for those that baby boomers are caring for, but it may come in handy years from now when this generation is faced with the same challenges their parents and other family members are faced with now.

Home offices – Many baby boomers are still working full time but have opted for telecommuting requiring a home office that can accommodate a computer, phone lines and more. Others have retired from one job just to start up a business they have dreamed about for a long time.

Exercise areas – More than ever, the baby boomer generation is becoming aware of the need to practice good health habits. With that comes a desire to have a home gym, workout area, etc. Many are looking for homes that incorporate a dedicated space for working out such as an exercise area where they can practice yoga, pop in an aerobics video, walk on a treadmill or do some strength training with a home gym machine.

Spaces for relaxation and enjoyment – Baby boomers owe it to themselves to kick back and relax from time to time or spend time enjoying their favorite hobby. There is an uptick with this generation requesting features in their homes that promote relaxation and enjoyment. Weather is it is a hobby room, garage workshop, soaking tub in the master bath, state-of-the-art entertainment center, quite den or expansive deck, baby boomers are asking home builders for the things they enjoy most.

If you plan to build a new home and you are indeed part of the baby boomer generation, think about all of these features. Review and consider house plans that incorporate the elements that will be most beneficial to you. Chances are you will appreciate for these thoughtful features for many years to come.

Tags: baby boomers, house plans for baby boomers

There are many ways to add extra value to your new home. You will not have all the options to make the home improvements one might tackle when remodeling an older home such as adding new windows, redesigning the kitchen to be more user friendly and energy efficient or adding modern features, but there are plenty of ways to add value to a relatively new home.

Begin by considering your family’s needs and lifestyle and decide what type of addition will deliver the most benefit in terms of purpose, functionality and usable space. A few popular additions that will add value to your home are listed below. Each offers a specific purpose and increased functionality when it comes to everyday living.

Finished Basement – If your home is built on a basement foundation, consider finishing this space. You’ll have plenty of room for a family, recreation or hobby room, extra bedrooms for growing children (like your teenagers) or guests, an additional bathroom or two, a home office or whatever other special space your family may need. Furthermore, you can finish a portion of the space for the rooms your family needs and continue to use the remaining space for storage or finish the entire basement providing maximum livability.

Finished Bonus Room – Perhaps you have a bonus room on the second floor or above the garage that you did not finish when your home was built because you did not need it or did not have the funds to finish it at that time. Now, there may be a need for an office, exercise area, extra bedroom or guest suite. You might even consider finishing the bonus room to serve multiple purposes satisfying more than one need.

Deck – Do you have a backyard with a view? Do you love spending time outdoors? Consider adding a deck to the rear of your home. This space extends the living areas creating an outdoor living space great for relaxing, reading, visiting with neighbors, grilling your favorite meats, dining outdoors and holding summertime barbecues with family and friends. Finishing your deck with a gourmet grill, built-in bench seating or making it a screened-in porch provides further functionality and comfort. Adding a deck to your home increases property value and provides a great space for quiet time and entertaining.

Garden Shed – If you love being outdoors and take pride in your yard and flower or vegetable garden, you may have a need for a garden shed. Adding a garden shed to your backyard provides the ideal place for storing lawn and garden tools and supplies and keeps them handy, but out of sight.

Detached Garage – There are many reasons to add a detached garage to your backyard. Maybe you have a growing family fleet and need a place for your teenage drivers to store their cars. Perhaps you are a water sports enthusiast and need shelter for your boat, canoe, jet ski or fishing equipment. Crafters, woodworkers and owners of small home-based businesses might find that a detached garage makes the perfect workshop. Adding a garage to your new home offers flexibility for a variety of needs and purposes. Furthermore, detached garages come in a wide ranch of styles making it easy to find one to match your home. Also, they are available in a multitude of sizes and many offer special features ensuring you’ll find the right garage design to accommodate your needs, budget and lifestyle.

Whether your family needs extra living space in the basement, an outdoor place to enjoy Mother Nature or room to store an extra car or two, there are many ways to add value to your home and improve functionality in a practical way.

Tags: added value, backyard projects, bonus room, finished basement, home additions