Step Up to One Level Living

Posted by carmenz on

Every Day Living on One Level

As a builder, I have always emphasized to my customers who are enjoying the ‘empty nest’ years the importance of designing a home that encourages ‘one level living’.  A comfortable home that promotes living safely and independently all on one level.

Designing for Accessibility and Flexibility

A good home design will result in a safe and secure environment that is accessible and flexible.  Spaces within the home include room for social entertaining, active grandchildren, and ample storage.  A level entry at the main entrance and minimal steps from the garage into the home.  Master bedroom and laundry room on the main level.  Consider a design that allows everyday living to take place all on one level, yet still has comfortable spaces for visiting grandchildren, overnight guests, and lively evenings watching the game.

As we age, our mobility needs change.  It’s something we may not think about much in our forties and fifties, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t plan for the possibility when designing a home.  36” doorways as opposed to 30” will allow plenty of space for moving furniture and wheelchair access.  Wider hallways, 43” or more, will feel wider and are less confining.  A specific closet designed with a future elevator shaft in mind will allow for longer term mobility within the home.

A Safer Home

A well lit home is a safer home.  Motion lights conveniently installed into stair steps will ensure lighting is always present in stairwells.  Lights in closets and within cabinetry will enhance work spaces and walkways.

The list goes on.  A well designed home will be attractive, accommodating, and adaptable to all stages of life.  If you are thinking about a new home, consider a design that allows you to do all your every day living on one level.

After all, there is no place like home.

Interested?  Please download our ‘Sonbuilt Aging in Place’ brochure!  And don’t forget to contact us today!

Main Level Living in a Rancher

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Designing a home for main level living makes practical sense as we transition into the empty nest years.  A well designed rancher will accommodate many years of comfort and ensures a safe living environment in the event mobility needs change.

Why Build a Rancher?

We are frequently asked to build ranchers – homes in which every day living can take place all on the main level.  Our homes typically include generous kitchen spaces for entertaining guests, a master bedroom and spacious ensuite, and a well-equipped laundry room with lots of storage.  These rooms are often all on one level along with other spaces usually found on a main level.  All of your everyday living can be done without needing to use stairs.

My Story

Ranchers became uniquely special to me as I watched my father-in-law transition in his later years from a strong, vibrant individual, to someone who struggled to walk and care for himself adequately.  He desperately wished to live at home.  I am fortunate that he was able to spend his final year of life in his home that did have the space and design necessary to support his changing his mobility needs.  The experience of assisting my aging father reinforced in my mind the importance of designing homes to suit current and future needs.

If you are considering a rancher, a beautiful, well designed home that supports one level living and an active lifestyle at the same time, give us a call at (604) 626-4688 or contact us through our website.

Be sure to check out Our Portfolio page to see some of the ranchers we have designed and built.  And finally, visit our Aging in Place webpage!

Thanks for reading!

Sonbuilt Home in Langley

A Happy Customer

Posted by carmenz on

The best moments in the life of a custom home builder often take place when the keys are handed over to an excited, happy customer.  We had one of those moments this week.

We met our client over two years ago.  A fire had resulted in the loss of a home and a life.  Six weeks after this tragic event our client contacted us for the first time.  At our initial meeting we listened.  We listened a lot. It was difficult for us to comprehend the sadness our client was facing.   At times we really didn’t know what to say.  Sometimes saying “I’m really sorry” seems so inadequate.

Our client was determined to move forward.  Working through the insurance process wasn’t always easy and at times it was frustrating.  So many decisions to make.  Moving on can be a difficult road when a variety of emotions are tangled in the process.

Keeping busy, thinking about designing and building, and considering what a new home could look like proved to be a healer in this case.  And finally, almost a year and a half after starting the process, construction began!

It was a pleasure to build for this client!  The goal was to achieve an energy efficient rancher, complete with a finished walk out basement suite.   During the design phase we ensured many “aging-in-place” features were incorporated into the layout allowing our client to remain in this new home for many years to come.    This R-2000 custom home in Langley is ideally designed for anyone in the “empty nester” years who wish to remain busy entertaining friends, family, and active grandchildren.

To our client – you have been a joy to work for.  We admire your determination and perseverance.  Thank you for choosing Sonbuilt Custom Homes!  If you don’t mind, we’ll be stopping by sometimes to visit!

Welcome home!