This issue of the Dimension Design-Build-Remodel e-newsletter includes information on…

• Remodeling your home to age in place
• Options to finance your project
• Client Feedback
• Following Us on Facebook
• Grilled Eggplant Parmesan Recipe

We look forward to working with you on your next home building or renovation project.

Are you interested in staying in your home as you age? The purpose of aging-in-place home remodeling is to make modifications that allow seniors to live as independently as possible and maintain their quality of life in their own homes. This includes minimizing the risk of falling, improving safety for the vision and hearing impaired, creating a wheelchair and walker friendly living environment, and making necessary home tasks easier. Here is your guide to aging in place trends from Dimension Design-Build-Remodel, Inc.

Dimension’s president and CEO, David Kallie, is a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) through the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). He’s trained to understand the unique needs of seniors, and is knowledgeable about home modifications and solutions for aging in place.

Some universal design recommendations require major remodeling, such as increasing the width of doorways and hallways to accommodate a wheelchair. “Dimension can evaluate the overall floor plan to allow for 5-ft. x 5-ft. turning spaces and no steps between rooms on the same level,” David said. “We also recommend planning for a master bedroom on the main level.”

Some projects are more moderate in size, like replacing carpeting that is a trip hazard. “There are also bathroom modifications like installing a taller toilet that is easier to flush, replacing faucets with accessible levers, and installing a walk-in tub or curbless shower,” he said. “The outdoors should also be considered, with the installation of ramps, railings, and safety lights.”

There are also some simpler projects that homeowners can consider, including…

• Install sturdy handrails on both sides of stairs.
• Replace doorknobs with lever handles.
• Install grab bars and nonslip mats in bathrooms.
• Apply nonslip treads to outdoor and indoor steps.
• Place small appliances on counters where they can be reached easily.
• Remove rugs, which are a tripping hazard.
• Install automatic lights, and replace standard light switches with toggles.
• Make heavy pots and other kitchen items easier to access with slide-out shelving and properly mounted wall hooks.

Additional Aging in Place Trends That May Surprise You

• Replace a traditional cook top with an induction cook top to prevent burns.
• Elevate everything from bathroom vanities to dishwashers to make things easier to reach and reduce bending over.
• Raise electrical outlets.
• Add lights to closets.
• Install an elevator in the home.
• Use voice-controlled smart home devices to manage temperature, lighting, doorbells, and medication reminders.
• Update the home’s exterior with low-maintenance siding and landscaping.

“During the preliminary design phase of your home project, we’ll thoughtfully explore aging-in-place trends and solutions you may need in the years ahead, and compare them with your budget,” David said. “You can count on Dimension Design-Build-Remodel, Inc. to help you make the best choices for safely aging in your home.”

To arrange an appointment, call 262-402-6602 or complete our contact form to get started.

You’ve been thinking about remodeling your home or building new for some time. You have a good idea of what you want, and a general idea of what your project will cost. Now you’re ready to find a contractor. But how are you going to pay for the project? Several financing options are available.

Click here for the rest of the article.

Dave truly cares about building healthy homes and this is reflected in the quality of the materials used throughout his properties. As a Building Biologist, I have tested thousands of new homes for pollutants and Dave’s homes are far superior to anything I’ve tested from the standpoint of air quality and health-supporting environments.

Martine D., Indoor Environmental Air Testing Inc., Madison

We cannot even begin to tell you how impressed we were with Dimension Design-Build-Remodel.

We needed to remodel our existing cedar deck into something more durable and low maintenance. We met with six different contractors and Dimension really stood out due to their easy-going personalities as well as their attention to detail.

We ended up going with a composite material and once the weather cooperated, they were here every day rebuilding our deck. The end result is better than we ever expected!!

This is one of the first experiences with contractors where we actually looked forward to them coming over – they were fun to talk with, listened to what we wanted and did a superior job. We’re already plotting our next project for them. We will use Dimension Design-Build-Remodel again and strongly recommend them to anyone looking for any type of remodeling work.

Karen and Scott, Menomonee Falls

Stay current with Dimension Design-Build-Remodel and all that is happening in the new construction and remodeling and industries by “Liking” us on our Facebook page.

Ingredients

• One tablespoon olive oil
• One large onion, chopped
• One small carrot, halved
• One small celery rib, halved
• One fresh rosemary sprig
• One 35-ounce can Italian peeled tomatoes
• Salt and freshly ground pepper
• Three pounds Asian eggplants, ends trimmed, sliced lengthwise 1/3 inch thick
• Six-ounces part-skim mozzarella shredded (about 1 3/4 cups)
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Two tablespoons finely shredded fresh basil leaves

Directions

1. Heat two teaspoons of the oil in a medium nonreactive saucepan. Add the onion and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until wilted, about three minutes. Tie the carrot, celery and rosemary together with cotton string and add to the saucepan along with the tomatoes and their juices. Season with a pinch each of salt and pepper and simmer over low heat, stirring to break up the tomatoes, until the sauce is slightly reduced, about 25 minutes. Discard the vegetable bundle.


2. Pass the sauce through a food mill; alternatively, transfer the sauce to a food processor and process to a coarse puree. Season with salt and pepper.


3. Light a grill. Using a damp paper towel, coat the grill with the remaining one teaspoon of oil. Season the eggplants with salt and grill over a medium-low fire, turning once, until tender and golden brown, about 12 minutes.


4. Preheat the oven to 400°. Spread 1/2 cup of the tomato sauce in a nonreactive 11-by-8-inch baking dish. Arrange one-third of the grilled eggplant in the dish, cover with one-third of the mozzarella and sprinkle with one tablespoon of the Parmesan cheese. Make another layer, using one cup of the tomato sauce, one-third each of the eggplant and mozzarella and one tablespoon of Parmesan cheese. Top with the remaining 1/2 cup of tomato sauce, sliced eggplant, mozzarella and two tablespoons Parmesan cheese. Bake in the upper third of the oven for about 30 minutes, or until bubbling hot and lightly browned on top. Sprinkle with the shredded basil leaves and serve.