2022.Bathroom-Accessibility-Modifications

Interested in Living in Place?

Lenton Company Hosts Seminar to Address Living in PlaceHome Modifications for Accessibility

Lenton Company will host a seminar to explore the possibilities of adjusting living spaces to be accessible as owners grow older. The complimentary seminar will be held on Saturday, June 18, 2022, starting at 10 a.m. at the Lenton Company Design Studio located at 530 Commerce Ave., Suite C in Palmdale.

According to the National Association of Realtors, 35% of people aged 65 or above upsized their homes by purchasing a 3,000-square-foot or larger home in 2020, compared with only 23% in 2017. Others choose to make modifications to stay in their current home surrounded by neighbors and family and to avoid the prohibitive cost of senior living communities.

“Living in place home modifications often focus on the bathroom, including options to replace a traditional bathtub with a barrier-free shower and to design the overall space to allow for easier access of walkers and wheelchairs if necessary,” said co-owner Rob Lenton. “Design details like stylish handrails strategically placed to provide stability can make a home more aging-friendly.”

“My mother has lived with us for more than 20 years and we’ve made adaptations along the way,” said Evelyn Lenton. “We recently completed a single-story addition to our home with the concept of our own future accessibility needs in mind.”

For property owners interested in exploring the feasibility of living in place in their existing home, the upcoming seminar led by Rob Lenton will provide information on accessibility issues including getting in and out of the home, moving around in the home, bathroom challenges, and kitchen considerations.

Seating is limited; call 661.273.9179 or email carrie@lentoncompany.com to reserve a space.

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Is an ADU Right for You?

Before considering the construction of an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) on your property or a Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU) conversion, here are some things to consider. As with any construction project – large or small – contact Lenton Company for a team of licensed professionals to move your project forward.

California ADUs Defined

As defined, an ADU is a unit with complete independent living facilities for one or more persons and has a few variations. The unit may be detached and separated from the primary structure, or it could be attached to the primary structure. It could also be a converted existing space – a master bedroom, attached garage, storage area, or similar use, or an accessory structure – on the lot of the primary residence that is converted into an independent living unit. A JADU is a specific type of conversion of existing space that is contained entirely within a current or proposed single-family residence.

ADUs with Benefits

According to the California Department of Housing and Community Development, benefits of ADUs include an affordable type of home to construct in California since they do not require paying for land, major new infrastructure, structured parking, or elevators. They can also be built with cost-effective wood frame construction, which is significantly less costly than homes in new multifamily infill buildings. ADUs allow extended families to be near one another while maintaining privacy and give homeowners the flexibility to share independent living areas with family members and others, allowing seniors to age in place as they require more care. ADUs can also provide a source of income for homeowners.

Current Laws Covering ADUs

Recent changes in Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) laws in California that became effective January 1, 2021, have reduced barriers, better streamlined approval processes, and expanded capacity to accommodate the development of ADUs. With the passage of SB 13 in 2019 and AB 3182 in 2020, California now requires local jurisdictions to lift restrictions and allow ADUs to be built on almost any property with a single-family residence. Could more restrictive laws come back into place? It’s always a possibility.

Next Steps

For property owners interested in exploring the feasibility of constructing or converting a unit, the Lenton Company team of professionals can provide information on allowable ADU uses, types, setback requirements, parking, utilities, plans and submittals, along with realistic timelines and budgets.

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Toys for Tots

Toys for Tots is the Marine Corps non-profit that organizes donations of toys to millions of less fortunate children across the US each Christmas.

It all started in 1947, when Major Bill Hendricks was prompted by his wife to give a few handmade toys to children in hopes of spreading Christmas joy. Unable to find an organization that would distribute the toys, Hendricks formed what would become Toys for Tots with his reserve unit. Over the years, the organization has gone from giving away 5,000 toys in 1947, to 18 million each year, making sure that as many children as possible can have presents under their Christmas tree.

Using the resources of the Marine Corp reserve, Toys for Tots’ community coordinators manage donations across the United States. Local business, like ourselves, host collection boxes, making it easy for anyone to donate a toy.

We appreciate everyone who was able to donate toys this year at Lenton Company, we are always proud of our community and their generosity.

Please feel free to look at the Toys for Tot’s website to find out more.

whole home remodeling services

Home Addition or Whole Home Renovation: Which is Right For Me?

If you are struggling with the decision of whether to do a renovation or an addition to your home, there’s one question you should ask yourself: “Which one will increase the value of my home?” There’s no straight answer to this question. This is because the answer depends on the state that your home is in. Read on to find out more about making the decision of whether to renovate or do an addition.

What Fits Your Projected Budget

Budget is a significant contributing factor when it comes to deciding whether you should make an addition or completely renovate your home. So, before you make your decision, consult whole home remodeling services to find out what you will likely have to pay for a whole home renovation or an addition.

If you are planning to sell your house, you must take a different approach. Instead of just looking at how much each of the two options costs, you must also look at which one of the two will give you the most return on your investment. It only makes sense that whatever route you take ends up giving you your money back—and then some.

Get a Home Inspection

Whether you are remodeling for a sale or bettering your living conditions, you must first get a home inspection. This will allow you to be proactive and identify the most important issues that must be dealt with. A home inspector will identify issues that could come up later to cause you trouble. If you notice that there are issues that need fixing, it would be better to first address those issues before you do a home addition. It doesn’t make much sense to increase the amount of space in your home then find out that you have a major problem. Therefore, you must first find out if there is anything wrong with the current structure before you make additions. To get a complete inspection of your home, you can consult whole home remodeling services.

first floor remodeling services

Common Signs You’re Ready for a First-Floor Remodel

You may have been putting off remodeling your first floor for a number of reasons, possibly because you’re unsure if it’s the right time to do it. Read on to see four signs that should alert you that this is the right time to seek first floor remodeling services.

The Paint Is Chipping

If you can see the paint on the walls chipping or if it simply looks dingy, that’s a sure sign that you’re due for a remodel. Find a color that closely matches what you had before if you want an easy job, or change it to another shade. Consider choosing a neutral color, so that you don’t end up having a first floor that looks disconnected from the rest of the house.

The Floor Is Worn Out

Whether you have a wooden floor, vinyl floor, or any other type of floor, it has a life span. When it nears the end of its specific one, you will start to see signs like cracks, chips, and faded spots that are not easy to revive with a coat of varnish. If your flooring has any of these signs, it’s time to replace it with the help of first-floor remodeling services.

It Feels Outdated

If you feel like you’ve taken a step backward in time whenever you’re on the first floor of your home, it’s good to get it updated. Things like the finishes, the appliances, and even decor may be based on trends of a time long since gone. For a more contemporary look, shop for minimalist pieces when you do your remodel to make sure you can keep them for a long time to come.

It Feels Crowded

Finally, if you feel like you’re suffocating whenever you’re on your home’s first floor, it’s time to call in first-floor remodeling services. Depending on your home’s design and specific needs, you can knock down a wall or two and introduce vertical storage to maximize the space you have. Use colors and decor like mirrors to create the feeling of a more open space, and you will enjoy the new space a lot.

In June, there was an annual increase of 58% in project leads for home professionals according to the online home remodeling platform, Houzz. With so many people renovating their homes, this may be the final sign that yours is up for a remodel!

kitchen remodeling company

How To Design A Kitchen Perfect for Entertaining

As the holidays approach, many people are getting ready to host family and friends in their homes. To have a successful holiday gathering, you need enough space for everyone to eat comfortably and enjoy themselves. You don’t want anyone feeling cramped or uncomfortable when they visit your home. But not everyone has a large kitchen suitable for entertaining guests. If this sounds like you, take a look at these five tips on how to design a kitchen perfect for entertaining.

1. Create a Seating Area

There are several ways to create a seating area, but here are three that you can try.

The first way is by using an island. If you have space, then placing furniture around the perimeter of your island is a great choice for adding more seating. Depending on how many people you’re planning on hosting at one time, you could opt for a bar stool or even a bench.

The second option is to use a breakfast bar. If you have room, using a breakfast bar for extra seating is another great choice. These are perfect because they are already set up with stools, so no need to bring them in from other rooms.

The third option is to use your current kitchen table. If you have a large enough space in your kitchen, then moving the chairs from around the dining room table into the kitchen is another great idea for extra seating.

2. Add a Small Bar

Having a small bar in your kitchen is a nice feature to have during holiday entertaining! A kitchen remodeling company can help you design the perfect bar area. This is not only very functional, but it’s also stylish and aesthetically pleasing.

3. Add More Lighting

You want your guests to feel welcomed and comfortable, so you’ll definitely want to add plenty of lighting throughout the kitchen. If you already have overhead lights installed, then feel free to use those as well. However, if you don’t already have some or would like some extra lighting throughout the room, adding some pendant lights or other types of lamps to your kitchen is a great idea.

4. Install New Countertops

You can incorporate a sleek and modern look into your kitchen by adding new countertops. Popular choices for countertops during holiday entertaining include quartz, marble, and concrete. Keep in mind that if you’re not ready to invest in new countertops just yet, painting the cabinets is another great way to give your kitchen a facelift without breaking the bank.

5. Improve Your Storage

Kitchen design experts recommend having plenty of storage for holiday entertaining. You don’t want your guests to see boxes or clutter lying around the kitchen. So make sure you have enough cabinet space, pantry space, and drawers for all of your serving trays, plates, and silverware.

For the Best Results, Hire a Kitchen Remodeling Company

After a kitchen renovation, virtually all homeowners cook in their homes (94%). As a result, a third of people report leading healthier lifestyles. If you are looking to design your kitchen to be perfect for entertaining, talk to your kitchen remodeling company about how they can incorporate the ideas mentioned above.

bathroom remodeling contractors

What’s the Best Sink Style For My Guest Bathroom?

When Max Anderson, Porch.com’s chief economist, examined survey results, he found three out of four families completed at least one major home renovation project since the Covid-19 pandemic started. Deck construction, significant landscaping, and new fence installation led to the surge, while adding home offices, guest bathrooms, and mother-in-law quarters increased sharply. If you’re thinking about a guest bathroom renovation, it’s important to think about the style of your sink, and who will be using it.

Universal Design Principles

When renovating a guest bathroom, ask your bathroom remodeling contractors to use universal design principles. These principles ensure that everyone can use the bathroom without feeling stigmatized or segregated. Universal designs allow right or left-handed users to turn faucet handles easily, for example.

Space Requirements

Reachable, intuitive features such as deeper sink basins and dual faucet controls allow children and guests to use the bathroom safely. A universal design bathroom also has a five-foot turning radius with overlapping 30-inch by 48-inch clear floor spaces at each sink, tub, or toilet.

Ideal Sink Types

Countertops should measure 32 inches from the floor and have knee space below the counter 29 inches high. If the sink basin includes a cabinet, the doors should fold aside. Select deeper, wider basins to reduce cleanup. Additionally, folding, sliding or pocket cabinet doors allow differently-abled guests to remain seated while using the bathroom.

Safety Features

Young children need a single-step stool to reach water taps and hold their hands under the water. Wall-mounted sinks require pipe protection to prevent burns or injuries from sharp fixtures. Some pedestal basins may block guests from reaching the sink, so work with your bathroom remodeling contractors to select the right sink.

Choose sinks with bowls as close to the front as possible to accommodate small children and guests who use mobility or stability aids. Single-lever controls and pressure-balanced anti-scald valves make turning the water on and off easier and prevent burns. Additionally, integrated sinks provide the safest support for older guests and young children.

An integrated sink consists of a single molded piece that includes both the basin and the countertop. The one-piece construction combined with cabinetry and grab bars will not fail when a child climbs on it, for example.

Lastly, sit in a chair to get a child’s or elder’s-eye perspective. Try using the sink without getting wet or risking a fall. Can you reach the sink controls and hygiene supplies? Does the sink include secure grab bars? If not, include these features when you and your bathroom remodeling contractors select your new sinks.

kitchen remodeling services

How to Choose the Right Backsplash for Your Kitchen or Bath

Backsplashes can change the way a room looks and bring a design together with the help of bath or kitchen remodeling services. The right backsplash makes a huge difference, so how do you decide?

Look At Your Options

The first step is to look at all your options. There are thousands of different backsplash options out there. They come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and materials. You just need to find the right one that is waiting for you. After you get a basic idea of what you like, think about your price range. Take the time to figure out how much you have to spend so that you can find the option that you are going to be able to afford. You also have to consider which bath or kitchen remodeling services you will be needing.

Look At Your Space Limitations

You also want to consider the space itself. What is going to look good there, what limitations are there according to that space, what other materials are also used in the space. These are all factors that can help you make a choice. In some cases, the space itself is going to help you figure out what you can use.

There may be limitations that make it harder to use certain materials over others. Taking the time to really think about what you are going to choose before you choose your backsplash can make a huge difference in how happy you are with the overall result.

If you are thinking of a remodel, contact us today for bath and kitchen remodeling services!

whole home remodeling contractors

Common Mistakes When Hiring a Home Remodeling Company

Home renovations can be challenging, as things can go wrong even when you’re trying your best to create your picture-perfect home. The good news is, if you have an experienced and reputable home remodeling company on your side, things can go smoothly.

It all starts with choosing the right remodeling company. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when hiring a remodeling company.

Not Asking for a Detailed Quote

Before you hire a contractor, it’s vital that you get a quote. It’s recommended to get at least three quotes from top remodeling companies, so you can conduct a thorough comparison.

However, this is only effective if the quotations are as detailed as possible. Regardless of the project you have in mind, you must be able to accurately estimate the costs involved. For this reason, you should avoid getting estimates over the phone. That’s because a ballpark estimate almost always results in costly surprises down the line.

Choosing the Company With the Lowest Bid

It’s normal to want to go for the lowest bid when looking for home remodeling companies. After all, the promise of saving money can be tempting. Perhaps you’re looking for whole home remodeling contractors, but want to minimize the cost of your big project. However, if you get a suspiciously low bid, you might want to give it a pass. Remember, you get what you pay for.

Not Checking Out Their Previous Work

When looking at remodeling companies don’t just stop at quotes. Be sure to also ask for references. So, for instance, if you’re interested in whole home remodeling contractors, get references from clients who have had the same project done. You should also check out the before and after work done by the whole home remodeling contractors. This will give you more confidence when making a hiring decision.

Not Verifying Information Given

Always verify any information submitted by a contractor. Check that they are fully licensed and have the right kind of permits. Overall, the more professional the company, the more organized and legit it will be. Get references, and call them.

Home remodels are on the rise. Houzz, an online remodeling platform, reports it experienced a 58% annual increase in project leads for home professionals. If you’re looking to remodel, the tips above will keep you on the right track.

Kitchen remodeling company

Popular Kitchen Trends for 2021

Are you tired of walking to the same cramped kitchen layout every day? Do you need more storage? Are your kitchen cabinets aged and phased out?

Home improvement and remodeling are inevitable over time. Well, you are in the right place, as we will help you familiarize yourself with popular kitchen trends. Below are popular kitchen trends that the kitchen remodeling company you want to hire could use to transform the way you cook, live, and entertain.

Stone Countertops

Natural or engineered stone countertops will help enhance the aesthetic appeal of your kitchen by adding a hint of luxury. Granite or quartz will help you shake up your kitchen interior, as it adds elegance to your house. Most kitchen remodeling companies advise homeowners to use stone countertops because of the attention and attraction it will get your kitchen, especially if it is an open plan layout.

Double Islands

Modern houses come with larger kitchens which translates to larger spaces. The kitchen island is a common feature in such spaces. Kitchen remodeling company experts advocate for double island units for modern kitchens. This is because the kitchen island clearly defines space in an open-plan layout.

Pantries

Pantries help promote functionality in your kitchen, rather than having your food and small appliances scattered all over the place, you get to have them located in one convenient place. Kitchen remodeling company experts advise homeowners with a less spacious kitchen to include a pantry, as it declutters the kitchen because there will be no use for cabinets. The pantry provides adequate space for all your items.

White Kitchens

White kitchens have a calming effect. It enhances light at the same time promoting the minimalistic effect. White kitchens add that elegant luster to a room. White kitchens will also provide you with the smooth transition you require when switching to a brighter or bolder theme.

Floating shelves

Floating shelves provide you with a lot of practicality, especially in an open kitchen layout. They draw attention, you could leverage this and display attractive kitchen accessories, cookbooks, or collectibles. Kitchen remodeling company experts highly recommend the floating shelves, as they are affordable and can be tailored to meet your specifications.

Above are just but a few popular kitchen trends that you could use to completely transform the face of your kitchen and make it feel completely new.