Building for Now and the Future

Keith Sawlor, October 2, 2013 | Posted in Build; Tagged Design Considerations

More time, thought, and effort is put into today’s home designs than ever before. Builders and designers have to ensure that homes will not only work for their clients’ current requirements, but for future years as well.

It’s very important to have a floor plan with rooms and spaces that are flexible and can be easily converted to other uses as your family changes. For instance, a main floor den can also be used as a home office or a craft room, while a lower-level play room can later become a home theatre. 

The days of hiding the washer and dryer in a basement room or a closet are long past, as laundry rooms are becoming work areas with serious style. Here, you’ll see a picture of a custom-built laundry room that has been added to more than 6,000 Houzz.com user’s Idea Books! (View photo on Houzz)

Homes designed to accommodate us as we age or give us options in case of injury or illness should also be considered. 

The before-mentioned den that became an office may need to become a bedroom for someone no longer able to climb the stairs. Lever handles are much easier to operate if you have arthritis. Bathrooms can be designed for the future installation of grab bars and the use of walkers and wheelchairs, and hallways should be made wider for the same purpose.

When building a new home, it’s important to give some thought to both your present and your future needs. Ask your builder about flexible floor plans and design ideas that might work for your home. With today’s busy lifestyles and the higher cost of homes, you’ll want to live in and enjoy your new custom home for as long as possible!

Keith Sawlor

Keith Sawlor is the second generation Owner of Sawlor Built Homes. With more than 35 years experience building custom homes in Nova Scotia, Keith has built a team that mirrors his professional knowledge and values.

Keith is a Certified Residential Builder who is also certified with many leading industry organizations. He is a Passive House Institute US (PHIUS) Certified Builder, a Net Zero Energy (NZE) Certified Builder, a Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) R-2000 Certified Builder, and a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS).

Keith is a Board Member of the Atlantic Home Warranty Program as well as the Canadian Home Builders' Association Nova Scotia. He is involved in many other industry programs and associations, such as the Canadian Home Builders’ Association National, Safety Services Nova Scotia and Better Business Bureau.