What do you think of when you hear “retirement planning?” Are you thinking about what your home looks like, too? If not, you’ll want to consider designing a retirement home to make your future space every bit as perfect as it is today. As more than 21,000 retirees shift into senior living units each year, we believe in planning for a retirement that allows you to “age in place.”

When designing a retirement home, we begin with those important age-in-place features that allow you to live comfortably in a home throughout your golden years. Think it doesn’t sound exciting or might be overwhelming? That’s why we’re here to help.

Here are 4 tips that will help you get started on designing your perfect forever home.

Understand Universal Design for Retirement

Universal design is defined by the National Association of Home Builders as, “the design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design.”

The great thing about universal design is that it meets the needs of virtually anyone, and it creates flexibility, even as needs and abilities change. That means down the road, you won’t need to make expensive renovations to your house.

Keep in mind universal design benefits many types of people. For example, certain sidewalks, designed with curb cuts for wheelchair accessibility are also great for kids on skateboards, baby strollers, and delivery staff who use rolling cards. Extra-wide hallways can be great for moving furniture, or for wheelchair usage. Start by being aware of what your home can do if you have the goal of aging in place.

designing a retirement home - Olenyn kitchen

Set Your Budget

Whether you’re designing a retirement home now or thinking about it further down the road, make sure to plan and begin budgeting for it now. It’s impossible to know what you’ll need to expect when you’re young, which is why we recommend working directly with your financial advisor. Along with your advisor, set a realistic budget and plan your monthly expenses and retirement income to identify any areas with which you might want to better prepare.

Find A Builder You Trust

Retirement might be a long way away but designing a retirement home can be done today as you think about that future. You’ll want to choose the right builder who knows the ins and outs of building a home suitable for both now and tomorrow. They’ll be able to answer your questions and provide you with the expert advice you need to build the home that lasts you well into retirement.

Talk to Your Builder about Common Universal Design Features

There are several features in universal design that can apply whether you’re designing a retirement home or not. For example, single-story living keeps mobility in mind with a kitchen, full bath, and bedroom on the first floor. Next, keep in mind that a no-step entrance is a great way to accommodate anyone with a wheelchair or walker, or even aging pets and young children.

Consider the following, or talk to your builder as you make your decisions, too:

  • An open floor plan can keep your home spacious and easily maneuverable
  • Flush thresholds allow for ease of movement
  • Non-slip flooring will be safe with kids around, or as you age
  • Building reinforced bathroom walls with grab bars right away is more efficient than tearing out and rebuilding an old wall
  • Electrical outlets could be raised or lowered with future needs in mind
  • Pull-out shelving and accessible storage spaces can keep your clutter at bay and your things easily within reach
  • Bright lighting will help you stay clear
  • Lever-handled doorknobs and rocker-style electrical switches give you ease of use regardless of where you are in life

In short, you’ll save time, money, and stress if you plan for your future needs. It’s possible to have your dream home of both today and tomorrow.

designing a retirement home - Olenyn livingroom

Let’s Build the Retirement Home of Your Dreams

Are you ready to build your dream home? Then start by designing a retirement home you’ll love both today and tomorrow.

Do you want a high-end gourmet kitchen? A home designed for aging in place will be designed with that in mind. Dreaming of an incredible outdoor living space with a kitchen and pool? You’ll be able to build those things in such a way it perfectly suits you well into retirement.

In other words, if aging in place is important to you, you’ll be able to build a comfortable and beautiful home that suits you well into retirement. The right design will be yours to enjoy for years to come.

If you plan on building a house, one of the key considerations is whether to build a single- or two-story home. Depending upon your needs and where you’re at in life, there are both pros and cons to each layout. And while there’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing, you’ll want to consider your family’s needs before making a final decision.

After all, if you have young kids at home and plan on living in your custom home until they are out of college, you may want to build a two-story home to give them space and privacy. Are you nearing retirement and wanting a low-maintenance home all on one level? Are you looking for a modest home or something stately with a higher budget? These are all questions you’ll want to ask yourself before you make a final decision.

No matter what you choose, Total Quality Home Builders will help you design the perfect house, customized for your needs. Consider the following before you begin building your house.

Cost Differences between a One-Story and Two-Story Homes

This may come as a surprise, but a two-story home is a more affordable option. One-story homes are wide, while tall two-story homes have a smaller footprint, which takes up a smaller foundation space and requires less roof structure.

Furthermore, building a house that is two stories removes the need for plumbing and wiring that stretches across a wide space. In short, two-story homes offer construction cost savings that can truly pay off.

However, single-story homes have certain cost advantages as well. One example is with cooling and heating costs. Single-story homes typically need one HVAC unit, versus a two-story home, which is often equipped with two units. A one-story home tends to stay cooler in the summer heat, too.

Here’s another great tip: if you’re thinking about building a house now, but have a time in mind to consider selling, there’s a positive trend toward single-story homes. They resell easier and quicker because they are so popular with home buyers.

building a 2-story house

Think about the Design Aesthetic

U.S. home buyers and custom home builders love the appeal of the open floor plan that comes with a single-story home. It’s a favorite because its bright, spacious living area is alluring thanks to its ability to feel expansive and comfortable all in one.

It’s in single-floor homes you’ll find grand cathedral ceilings, sprawling master suites, and the luxury of quiet without noisy family members stomping around above your head. Single-story homes also make the best use of square footage since space isn’t wasted on stairs or HVAC systems.

Building a house with a second story has design benefits as well because you’re building up instead of out. If you’re planning to build on a smaller footprint, a second story can provide children with larger bedrooms to call their own.

There’s a lot of opportunity to plan for additional privacy with a two-story home, too. If you have a parent or older children living with you for a time, a two-story home is a great opportunity to create an owner’s retreat on the main floor with additional bedrooms upstairs. Or plan for your master suite on the second floor to create quiet and solitude away from the great room and kitchen.

building a house

Property and Expansion Possibilities are Endless

Have you begun to think beyond the inside when building a house? The yard and landscaping of your potential home are important to consider as well and may ultimately make the story decision for you.

Because a single-story home has a larger footprint, its construction requires a larger plot of land. If you know you’d like to add on to your home at some point—a sunroom or a mother-in-law suite, for example—single-story homes are easier to extend if you have the land space available.

In addition, single-story homes often are built with fewer bathrooms as space in an open ranch home is more communal. Furthermore, functional spaces like a laundry room and mudroom are frequently combined in a single-story home, which allows for living space where it matters most.

Keep in mind that two-story homes are great for a small plot of land or if you have the space but are considering extending your outdoor entertainment areas. For example, a large yard, a pool, or a sun deck might be your dream. If that’s the case, consider a two-story home to make use of your land in the way that best suits your needs. And best of all, if you’re building that dream lake home or have a property with an unforgettable view, a two-story home may just give you the kind of expansive view that will leave you breathless.

building a house

Accessibility is Important

When building a home, it’s incredibly important to think about accessibility and how a lack of it could affect those living in your home. Begin by taking into consideration who will be living in your home. Do you have young children who need safety features installed? Will your parents or in-laws be living or staying over regularly, and how mobile are they? Do you plan on living in this house for the long term, making it important for your home to have features that allow you to age gracefully at home? What about pets? They’ll need to be considered as well, particularly if they’ll have a hard time walking up and down a staircase.

A single-story home may be the right answer for families who have accessibility concerns. From pets to aging parents to toddlers, stairs can create a number of issues that should be considered. Single-story homes also provide peace of mind for safety issues, because they’re much easier to evacuate in an emergency than a home with a second story.

Keep in mind that the security of a second-story home is a great benefit as well. Keep those upstairs windows open during warm spring days or cool fall nights and enjoy a breeze and the soothing sounds of nature.

building a house

Take Maintenance into Consideration

There’s always maintenance to be done when building a house and owning a home. Cleaning the gutters and accessing the roof will be a chore no matter what. Just keep in mind that a single-floor ranch home is far easier to maintain because they’re easier to reach.

As you can see, there’s no right answer when it comes to choosing a single- or two-story home. The best choice is to make an informed decision after weighing the pros and cons of the features your family is looking for. Total Quality Home Builders is here for you, whatever you’re thinking, to guide you through this important decision and help you build your dream home.

Designing a Multi-Purpose Garage

Designing a multi-purpose garage – in a modern home, multi-purpose spaces are a must-have for how we work and live. New construction design focuses on creating open concept homes where spaces have a seamless flow. For example, living rooms have become more than just a space to relax; they’re media rooms, entertainment venues, and family hangout spots, too. Likewise, kitchens have evolved into a spot for cooking, eating, and entertaining.

But what about the garage? In the past, the garage wasn’t much more than storage for your car and dusty holiday décor. Yet today’s garages have new, more practical spaces that make them more livable. If you’re ready to expand your space in more functional and enticing ways, consider one of these 7 ideas for designing a multi-purpose garage you’ll love.

Design a workshop in your garage

One of the most classic uses of garage spaces is the workshop. Thanks to the garage’s accessibility and defined separation from the house, a workshop in the garage is a smart location for undertaking DIY projects without letting noise and debris inside. Workshops are a natural addition to what already exists in your garage, and they take minimal effort to create. When designing a multi-purpose garage and workshop, make sure you plan for a top-of-the-line workbench. You’ll also want to upgrade your lighting to ensure you can see clearly when working on detailed projects.

Design a workshop in your garage

Create a space for your boat or ATV

Love big toys? Then you should have the space for them inside of your garage, especially if you’re building a lake home. If you’re planning on having a boat, ATV, or any other outdoor toy, you may want to build in storage space in your new garage. Be sure to talk to your contractor in advance, because you may need to adjust the design in order to accommodate the height of a boat or trailer. All it takes is a little planning.

Build in storage space for your boat in your new garage

Build a garage that entertains

Does your home or potential home have a large multi-car garage, but you don’t have the cars to fill it? No problem! Use a portion of this space to build the kind of garage you’ll never want to leave. By converting some of the garage into a media room, it can be the perfect spot for watching football or racing. Make it a more creative space by searching for vintage car seats you can repurpose as movie theater seating. Don’t forget to add a little carpeting to make it feel homey. Make sure to plan for a fridge, too, so you can grab a frosty mug out of the freezer, tap the keg, and pour a cold one. After all, the addition of a kegerator—complete with two sixth-sized kegs to give you the ultimate combo to satiate the tastebuds—just takes a simple conversation with your contractor.

Build a garage that entertains

Make the ultimate teenage hangout

Why not begin designing a multi-purpose garage with your teenager in mind, particularly if that teen is musically inclined? Garage bands have long been part of the teenage experience, and if you’d love to keep the noise out of your home, give your teen a dedicated space for jamming with their friends. With a little planning, a comfortable couch, and space for a drum kit, your kids can be out of the house, but still close enough for adult supervision. Don’t forget to talk to your contractor about soundproofing the space just enough to keep your neighbors happy, too.

the ultimate teenage hangout in the garage

Craft the perfect art studio

Are you more of a creative type than a mechanic? Consider converting a part of your garage into an artist’s space. It takes room to practice your craft, especially if you have supplies or finished projects to safely store. Give yourself the square footage to meet the demands of your artistic process, especially if it involves accidentally dropping paint or other chemicals on the floor. There’s no better place to get into the messy middle of your creative work than a garage studio.

Craft the perfect art studio in the garage

Make a haven for the grandkids

Your grandkids already love spending time with you. But when designing a multi-purpose garage with them in mind, they may never want to leave. Create a welcoming fun zone for the little ones with a kid-friendly garage designed especially for them. Install easy-to-clean seating for messy projects and crafting or a comfy spot for playing games. Talk to your contractor about using a vibrant color scheme full of yellows, oranges, or greens to brighten up your garage and make it truly unforgettable for the kids.

Make a haven for the grandkids

Go green in the garage

Who says gardening season must end? Designing a multi-purpose garage for a year-round gardening oasis means you’ll never have to pack away your tools. If your garage plan is lacking sunlight or running water, talk to your contractor about adding in the proper tools to ensure you can take advantage of the space that’s there. You may want to consider brightly painted shelving units with extra lighting for housing trays of plants that can grow without the sun. Or, set up rows of cups or pots on a bench for a little extra beauty. You could even create a raised bed along the wall of the garage with the right plan in place. Do you like collecting seeds and bulbs? Add a large planter pot nearby, and make sure to add a pegboard for hanging tools and supplies. With a little extra lighting or sheeting, a bit of tool storage, and even some simple table coverings, your garage can offer a beautiful—and fruitful—atmosphere all year long.

Go green in the garage

Summer is just beginning and so is the fun in South Carolina! If you’re ready to welcome 2021 into full swing, there are so many events around Lake Keowee that will get you celebrating the season in unforgettable ways. The following events are the can’t-miss opportunities for you to make this summer the best one yet.

Independence Fest in Walhalla

Normally a one-day celebration, Walhalla’s Independence Eve is a full-blown festival this year. From now until July 4, this charming southern town has some of the most kid-friendly events around Lake Keowee. Enjoy carnival rides, food vendors, and music every day, plus visit Main Street beforehand to shop, eat, and play to your heart’s content. The brilliant downtown fireworks display begins at 9:15 on Saturday. You won’t want to miss it.

events around Lake Keowee

Independence Celebration in Seneca

The cozy town of Seneca offers another fantastic chance to enjoy activities for the entire family while celebrating America. If you’ve spent the morning out on Lake Keowee, you can finish the day out with even more fun at Gignilliat Field for Seneca’s annual Independence Day celebration. Festivities begin at 2 p.m. and it’s filled with free family fun, including live music featuring The Tams, incredible food and drink options, games for the kids, and more. Seneca puts on an award-willing fireworks show, which starts at sunset. Bring your chairs and blankets to enjoy the show in comfort!

TD Saturday Market

One of the favorite events around Lake Keowee is Greenville’s TD Saturday Market. Each Saturday from May through October, you’ll discover how two blocks of downtown Greenville are converted into a farmers’ market. Shop for fresh, locally sourced produce, handcrafted pastas and cheeses, crafts, and baked goods from more than 70 different vendors. Enjoy live local music and cooking demonstrations, too. The market is held from 8 a.m. to noon.

TD Saturday Market

Sounds of Summer Music Series in Fountain Inn

Fountain Inn, one of the communities found in the outskirts of Greenville, offers great opportunities for music lovers to kick back and enjoy summer. Every Friday through August 27, a new band performs at Commerce Park at 110 Depot St. in Fountain Inn. This event takes place from 7 to 9:30 p.m. and is a great chance to discover a new favorite artist.

Jazz on the Alley Series

Jazz lovers, this series is especially for you. Every Thursday evening through October, enjoy live jazz music from 7 to 9 p.m. Stroll down Ram Cat Alley for Jazz on the Alley, which features a party atmosphere unlike any other. Dance, mingle, or just pause for a listen as incredible musicians liven up the night.

Jazz on the Alley Series events around Lake Keowee

Fishing Clinic at South Cove County Park

Are you or the kids ready to start trying your hand at fishing? This is one of the events at Lake Keowee you’ll want to check out! On Saturday, August 7 from 9 a.m. to noon at South Cove County Park in Seneca, this free family finishing clinic provides you with an introduction to fishing. Learn to tie fishing knots, rig a rod and reel, cast, and maybe even start a new, life-long passion. Kids ages 4 through adults are welcome!

Greenville Heritage Main Street Fridays Presented by Pepsi

Now through September 25 at NOMA Square in Greenville are Heritage Main Street Fridays Presented by Pepsi, where you’ll stay entertained with some of the best musical entertainment in the area. This free weekly music series, which opens at 5:30 p.m., presents two bands, one at 5:50 p.m. and the second at 7:40 p.m. Bring your own comfortable chair because NOMA Square chairs fill up fast. It’s a fun way to spend your Friday evenings.

events around Lake Keowee

Run2Overcome 5k & 10k

One of the most positive events around Lake Keowee is Run2Overcome, a 5K, 10K, and children’s fun run. The run is a benefit for the Julie Valentine Center, a nonprofit organization that provides free, confidential services for sexual assault and child abuse survivors and their families. The event takes place Saturday, August 7 starting at 7:30 a.m. at 150 Cleveland Park Drive in Greenville. Do good for your community while also doing good for your heart. You can register for the event, which offers both in-person and virtual running options, here.