Resources

Aging-In-Place is is not having to move from one's present residence in response to changing needs as one gets older. It may also involve moving a loved one into your home to avoid placement in a facility. McKay Building Company has Certified Aging-In-Place Specialists (CAPS) with Remodelor/Contractor and Health Care designations. We have an RN on staff with experience in geriatrics and rehabilitation nursing. We will be happy to assist you in making changes to your home that will accomodate your changing needs and make your life easier..

These changes sometimes include things such as:

• Creating a more open & accessible floor plan
• Converting existing entry level space into living quarters for a family member 
• Improving bathroom access, safety, & useability 
• Adapting kitchen space to conserve energy & improve access 
• Adapting the home to live on one level 
• Creating entryways without steps

Remodeling your home can be a stressful experience, as it involves many decisions and some disruptions to your home and daily routines.  But there are several key steps to help minimize that stress.

Assessment Phase

• Determine the reason for change and what goals you hope to achieve.  These may include making room for a growing family, improving the utilization of space, or upgrading existing features.
• Determine budget  limits and evaluate the return on your investment.  You must consider the intangible value of the increased enjoyment of your home plus the effect on the resale value of your home.   Anything that brings your home up to the level of other homes in your neighborhood is a worthwhile investment. A recent survey conducted by Remodeling magazine showed that kitchen remodels, bathroom additions or remodels, family room additions, and master bedroom conversions came out on top in terms of the percentage of return on investment recouped if the house sold within one year.

Planning Phase

• Collect ideas on the way you would like your completed project to appear.  Visit open houses, look through magazines and cut out pictures, make sketches of proposed space layouts, etc.
• Obtain a copy of your plot plan.
• Check with your zoning board to determine any restrictions and obtain variance if necessary.
• Select a qualified remodeler.
• Contact the local Homebuilders Association for a list of qualified remodelers.
• Contact past customers for references.
• Schedule an appointment to meet with a sales representative.  Have a list of questions prepared, as well as your budget and any pictures or drawings you have collected. The more thorough your planning process has been, the greater your potential for completing the project on time and within budget!

Implementation Phase - Pre-construction

• Review homeowner's policy with insurance agent and increase coverage if indicated for addition.
• Review schedule/time frames with contractor.
• Remove all items from work area and store in protected area to prevent possible damage and soiling.
• Prepare an area for storage of tools and supplies needed for the project.
• Determine means of entry to house by workers; indicate areas off-limits, access to bathroom and water supply, etc.
• Make provisions for children, other family members and pets during work hours.
• Make list of phone numbers for contractor where you can be reached during the day.
• Review billing and payment schedule and procedures.
• Complete the selection of paint colors, wallpaper, fixtures and appliances.  Meet with the decorator as needed.

During Construction

• Make arrangments for regular meetings with the contractor or designated employee(s) to discus progress, problems, changes, etc.
• Maintain open lines of communication; discuss any issues as soon as identified to prevent re-work resulting in added time and expense.
• When nearing completion of the project, prepare a list of any items needing further attention, and schedule a walk-through to asssure completion of the project in an effective and timely manner.

"What a pleasant surprise to work with your company, which seems to make good communication and making the client happy a priority. ....From initial estimate to contract to change orders--you lived up to your word and got things right.  And if anything wasn't right, you were quick to admit it and do your best to satisfy us.  Our contact with all of you--even those we only met by phone--was a good experience.  All of you worked together to make us feel it was a team effort."

"Thank you for the most pleasant construction crew and experience we have ever had at our home.  We have truly been blessed by the porch enclosure and our family loves the new eating space."

"Thanks to the employees at McKay Building Company for the work they did on our home.  Everything was first class in construction and there was never any mess to clean up.  If I ever need anything again in the future, McKay Building Company will be the first ones called, and I won't hesitate to recommend you to our friends."

"We are writing to give special commendation to your company's employees during a recently completed construction job in our home.  Without a doubt, we can truthfully say that working with McKay Building has been one of the most professional associations we have experienced in our twenty-three years in our home.   Our children's bedrooms are now much more functional and enjoyable, thanks to your creative efforts.  We will look forward to many more associations with your company in the future, and we would be happy to give our enthusiastic recommendation to anyone concerning your company."

"We would like to thank you for doing an excellent job remodeling our kitchen and dining room.  We are very pleased with the outcome.   We would also like to say that the fact everyone associated with your company was always on time for your appointments left us with an excellent impression of your group.   Overall, we feel that our interactions with you and your employees during the project were very positive."
In conclusion, we would not hesitate to recommend your company to our friends if they were considering a remodeling project."

References Available Upon Request

Choosing a contractor/remodeler can be a little like shopping for a car; sometimes you get a good deal; other times you drive off the lot with a lemon.   But if you do your homework, you can find the right contractor for the job.

A contractor's skill, experience and business practices can vary widely.  So, too, can their prices, service and reputation.  To avoid contractor nightmares such as workers who don't show up on time or at all, work that's not performed to your standards, poor quality materials, or a contractor whose estimates are so low they're too good to be true, homeowners should take the time to carefully screen each contractor carefully.  After all, the average remodeling job can cost thousands or hard-earned dollars.

Before you select a contractor on price alone, consider these 10 questions:

• Does he or she carry all the necessary licensing for your state and insurance that will protect you from claims arising from property or job site injury?
• Does the contractor have a working knowledge of the many types and ages of homes in your area?
• Does he understand what products and materials are the most appropriate for your home and budget?
• Does the contractor offer numerous options, demonstrating experience with a variety of materials, products, and techniques?
• Will the contractor arrange for the building permit?
• Is the contractor offering a warranty? If so, for what and how long?
• Will he agree to start and finish the job as close as possible to your budget and timeline?
• Does the contractor maintain a permanent mailing address, phone number and a pager or answering machine?
• What kind of reputation does the contractor have among other contractors, such as electricians and plumbers, and building materials suppliers?
• Will the contractor offer a list of references that will give you the opportunity to see the completed work?