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DETROIT

ﬁne
art
APPRAISALS

A walk-in tub, pedestal sink and raised-height
toilet are key bathroom safety features.

Home Design Tips
For Baby Boomers

DetroitFAA.com 248.672.3207

Terri Stearn, senior appraiser and owner has over 20 years as an art historian, gallery
director, curator, and avid art collector. She is certified in the USPAP government standards
for appraising personal property and member of The American Society of Appraisers.

Detroit’s premier independent
ﬁne art appraisal services

2030870



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2078180

Downtown Birmingham

StatePoint

T

here are about 76.4 million baby
boomers in the U.S., accord-
ing to the Population Reference
Bureau. As this population ages, it will
become important that features on their
houses promote safety, are easy-to-main-
tain and last a long time.
Whether building from the ground
up or remodeling a current home, take
“aging-in-place” into consideration every
step of the way. Here are some great proj-
ects to consider with strong payback.

A BETTER BASEMENT
When building a new home, choose your
foundation carefully. Not only is an unin-
sulated basement a major source of heat
loss, but it’s throwing away potential space
that can enhance your life. A “liveable
basement” can be designated as a “grand-
kid zone,” an at-home office or crafting
workshop.
You can use a pre-cast insulated con-
crete foundation system, such those
from Superior Walls, to create an energy-
efficient damp-proof basement. This
foundation will help reduce utility bills for
long-term savings. Reinforced concrete
walls create a permanent barrier against
water, and pre-engineered access for wir-
ing or plumbing features are a key element
to whatever vision you have for this sub-
terranean space.

FIRSTFLOOR PRIVACY
Many seniors opt to spend more of their
time at home on the easy-to-navigate
ground floor. But don’t compromise pri-
vacy in pursuit of accessibility.
Privacy windows can alleviate concerns
you have about neighbors seeing you go
about your business. For example, those
from Hy-Lite are offered in numerous
styles and designs, including opaque
decorative glass, acrylic block and true
glass block windows. Silkscreen glass

40 March 24 • 2016

designs can complement the overall style
of the home. From your master suite to
your bathroom to the main rooms of your
home, avoid prying eyes with this crucial
component of stylish first-floor living.

SAFE, COMFORTABLE
BATHROOMS
As mobility and coordination decline,
slips and falls can make a bathroom a
hazardous place. Think of the years ahead
by seeking out bathroom features that are
ADA-compliant.
“Taller toilets that are easier to rise
from, pedestal sinks that allow wheel-
chairs and walkers access, and walk-in
tubs that promote easy entries and exits,
are all bathroom features people may need
as they age,” says Jean Dimeo, a certified
aging-in-place specialist.
Brands like Mansfield Plumbing are
accommodating the boomer population
by offering selections of SmartHeight
toilets, pedestal, under-counter and
wall-mounted sinks. A popular product,
Restore walk-in tubs, come with whirl-
pool and inline heater options to soothe
aching muscles and joints. With many
high-design fixtures and fittings available,
a safe bathroom does not need to be just a
utilitarian one.

DURABLE ROOF
When choosing a roof for over your home,
seek out long-term durability without
compromising beauty. Slate and shake
polymer roof products from brands like
DaVinci Roofscapes are low-maintenance,
offer lifetime limited warranties and come
in a variety of color options that have
the authentic look of natural materials.
Impact- and fire-resistant, these hard-
working roofs offer boomers both peace of
mind and long-term value.
By upgrading key home features dur-
ing construction and remodeling efforts,
aging-in-place is not only possible, it can
be preferable.

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