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Home Improvement: SIMPLE CHANGES TO PREPARE YOUR HOUSE FOR THE FUTURE

October 21, 2015 Leading Edge Homes - Home Remodeling Specialists Home Improvement, Home Safety

HOME IMPROVEMENT IDEAS – SIMPLE, TECHNOLOGY-FREE IDEAS TO MAKE YOUR HOME EASIER TO NAVIGATE

There is so much talk about home technology, especially since today is October 21, 2015. For those of you who don’t remember the importance of today, it is when Marty McFly traveled to October 21, 2015, to save his children who were yet to be born, in the film “Back to the Future Part II.”

Of course, adding technology to your home can be great, but for aging in place there are some simple design things you can implement to make it easier for you and your loved ones. It’s the little things that make a difference:

Cabinet Handles

A Leading Edge Homes, Inc. kitchen – with a hidden spice rack.

D-Shaped handles are much easier to grasp than round knobs. They don’t have to look utilitarian… There are many pretty designs to give your kitchen or bathroom a new look. If you already have knobs, you may need to add a backer plate to the doors to hide the old holes or mount the handle lower to reuse the existing hole.

Door Handles

Image result for door lever styles

Use lever handles, not knobs, because they are easier to push and grab on to.

Faucet Handles

Bathroom Remodeling - Leading Edge Homes, Inc. - Home Remodeler

A modern look for your bathroom.

Change your faucets to lever, touch, or sensor style faucets. Again, the shape of the handle makes it easier to use.

If you have been inspired by something you have seen or want to determine if it can be duplicated in your home, contact Leading Edge Homes, Inc. at 561-795-2551. We will be happy to help you.

Other Thoughts

Place your microwave at counter top level because it is easier to reach.

Use a hand-held shower head that gets attached to a holster on an adjustable bar because it can be used when standing or sitting.

Modern conveniences and technology are great… but simple changes make aging in place easier.

Want to see some of our work? Visit our website or view our online book.

Todd Perry, a State of Florida Certified Building Contractor and president of Leading Edge Homes, Inc., provided this information.

If you have questions about a home improvement project, call Leading Edge Homes at 561-795-2551 or email Todd at: todd@leadingedgehomes.com and he’ll be happy to share his knowledge with you.

Leading Edge Homes, Inc. specializes in improving your lifestyle through room additions, bathroom renovations, kitchen updates, hurricane-resistant screen enclosures, and more! In business since 1991, they demolish your stress by building your trust.

Visit the Leading Edge Home’s website or call 561-795-2551 to discover how they can help you with your next home remodeling project in Palm Beach County.

home improvement, home remodeling, home safety, simpler home living

HOME SAFETY: Fire Safety Tips

October 5, 2015 Leading Edge Homes - Home Remodeling Specialists Home Improvement, Home Maintenance/Repairs, Home Safety

Home Fire Safety Tips

Jack-o-lanterns, turkey fryers, Christmas lights and trees – oh My!

Today, it officially feels like Fall in South Florida and it is a signal that the upcoming months pose many fire hazards.

Did you know that if a fire starts in your home, you may have just two minutes to escape?

According to the Red Cross, 60 percent of house fire deaths occur in homes with no working smoke alarms. During a home fire, working smoke alarms and a fire escape plan that has been practiced regularly can save lives.

Before the merriment and frenzy of the holiday season begins…

Now’s a great time to dust off your home fire safety plan: test (or install!) smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers and review your family’s fire evacuation plan.

Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors:

Replace the batteries and test by pressing the test button or holding a smoke source (like a blown-out candle) near the unit.

Fire extinguishers:

Make sure it’s rated for all fire types (look for an A-B-C rating). Review the indicator on the pressure gauge to make sure the extinguisher is charged. Ensure that the lock pin is firmly in place and that the discharge nozzle is not clogged. Fire extinguishers should be replaced every six years.

Also, make sure nothing is blocking the fire extinguisher and you can access it easily.

Fire evacuation plan:

Determine an exit path for every bedroom, and make provisions (rope ladders, etc.) for bedrooms that are not on the main floor of the home. Establish a location away from the house where everyone should meet. Having a family’s fire evacuation plan could save your life!

Now that you are safe… let the fun begin.

We hope that you never need us to help restore your home after a disaster, but Leading Edge Homes, Inc. has done it many times. If you need help after a disaster or if you have questions about how to improve the safety of your home, call Leading Edge Homes at 561-795-2551 or email Todd at: todd@leadingedgehomes.com and he’ll be happy to share his knowledge with you.