Utah Spaces Magazine - 2020 Fall

UPPING YOUR HOME'S IQ Page 34

The big ideas behind small houses Downsizing to a tiny home may work for some looking to cut extra space | Page 14

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Get the most bang for your buck with outdoor projects Top projects promising the highest ROI | Page 18 Plus: "Universal Design for All" and "Stay Put or Move On?"

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September 2020

Contents Your downsize clock is ticking

SEPTEMBER 2020

©2020 All rights reserved

How to know when it’s time to step down to a smaller home.................................. 6

Stay put of move on?

Addressing the age-old real estate question.............................................................. 9

Published by

Scale back without regrets Avoid these mistakes when downsizing..................................................................... 12

The big ideas behind small houses Downsizing to a tiny house may work for some looking to cut extra space.......... 14

Get the most bang for yoru buck with outdoor projects

4770 South 5600 West West Valley City, UT 84118 editor@utahmediagroup.com www.utahmediagroup.com 801-204-6300

Top projects promising the highest ROI.................................................................... 18

Upgrading your getaway place Vacation home remodeling projects to consider...................................................... 21

Get a floor with more When it's time to remodel, think with your feet first................................................ 24

Universal design for all

President & CEO Brent Low

Publication Manager Megan Donio

Universal design benefits for people of all ages and abilities.................................. 27

Future-proof your home for your golden years Consider implementing these universal design features.......................................... 31

Upping your home's IQ Looking to automate your house? Start small with basic smart home devices..... 34

Keyless peace of mind

Sr. VP of Advertising Sally Steed Unless otherwise noted, photos are provided by Getty Images & CTW Features

Why it's time to consider a smart lock...................................................................... 36

Touchless tech to the rescue How smart home devices can make you and your family safer...................................... 38

5 Smart apps to make your life a litte easier Check out these apps if you're considering automation in your home.........................40

6 Ways to make your kitchen smarter You don't need to be a tecno-geek to use these appliances and gadgets.................. 42

Alfresco A.I. Outdoor automation you can add to your yard and exterior.......................................... 44

September 2020

Spaces Magazine is a publication of Utah Media Group. Copyright © September 2020. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any format without consent of Utah Media Group. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication and assume no liability for errors, inaccuracies or omissions.

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Your downsize clock is ticking HOW TO KNOW WHEN IT’S TIME TO STEP DOWN TO A SMALLER HOME

BY ERIK J. MARTIN, CTW FEATURES

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September 2020

S

hhh, hear that? It’s the quiet countdown to a blaring alarm set to go off at some point in the future. But if you don’t wake up now to the reality of the situation, you may find yourself sleeping through some serious contemplations that should have been made previously. Hitting snooze on this matter could leave you unprepared and forced to play catch up.

We’re talking here about a crucial consideration many homeowners face eventually: Knowing when it’s time to downsize to a smaller home or “rightsize” to a more manageable dwelling.

Experts say it can be easier than you think to overlook or ignore the telltale signs.

“Take a moment to ask yourself several important questions,” says Michael Hitz, a broker in Portland, Maine and a designated Senior Real Estate Specialist with the National Association of Realtors.

“Is your location no longer convenient to stores or family? Are you paying too much for heating and cooling of spaces you never use? Are the stairs becoming a discomfort? Do your current surroundings satisfy your potential need to live in a neighborhood, association, and supportive community of like-minded folks? And are you tired of maintaining a larger home and yard?”

If the answer to any of these questions is "yes", it’s probably time to explore options for a more convenient lifestyle by selling your home and downsizing to another one.

Caleb Liu, the owner of Orange, California-based House Simply Sold, says good candidates for downsizing also meet other common criteria.

“Maybe you’ve experienced major life events like the children moving out, retirement, or the passing of a spouse. Perhaps debt or living expenses continue to creep up with income failing to keep pace, creating financial stress. And it’s possible that several rooms in the house remain empty or filled with unused junk you wouldn’t miss if tossed out,” notes Liu. Michael Menn, an architect and Certified Aging in Place Specialist in Northbrook, Illinois, says other candidates include those who may increasingly suffer from physical limitations.

“Many people don’t want to give up their current home, but circumstances like the use of

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a walker make it harder to access the home, which can’t accommodate their changing needs,” explains Menn.

Hesitant to consider downsizing?

Ponder the possible pros of this decision.

“The biggest benefit is often reduced monthly expenses.

Moving to a smaller house means smaller costs spent on housing, including potentially lower property taxes, insurance premiums, and utility bills,” Liu says.

Additionally, assuming you move to a property with a smaller footprint and yard, that may equate to less upkeep.

“And if you opt to move into a condo or certain HOA communities, some expenses like lawn care and exterior maintenance are already

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included in your HOA dues,” adds Liu. Miami Lakes, Florida-based interior designer Kate Diaz says paring down to a smaller property with fewer household chores needed can also result in having more free time to devote to hobbies and pastimes.

Plus, if your next home is more compact and lacks stairs—say a smaller ranch—it will be easier to access.

“You may also feel catharsis in moving and getting rid of past junk,” Menn says.

As far as an ideal size for your next abode, Diaz recommends opting for a home with around 1,200 square feet.

“This may seem like not enough space, but it can provide you with one or two bedrooms

and possibly a spare room for an office or guest quarters.

And if it’s designed as an open floor plan, you’ll have plenty of space for you and your visitors,” suggests Diaz.

Aim for a minimum of 650 to 800 square feet, says Liu. Before settling on a next home, Hitz advises asking another set of questions.

“Will any stairs or transitions present limit your mobility? Is there a bedroom and a full bath on the main level? Will your existing furniture accommodate your needs, or will you need new furnishings? Will you be able to maintain your property yourself or will you have the means to hire help?” he asks. © CTW FEATURES

September 2020

Stay put or move on?

ADDRESSING THE AGE-OLD REAL ESTATE QUESTION

BY ERIK J. MARTIN, CTW FEATURES

A

t some point, every homeowner has to answer an important query: Should I downsize to a different and more manageable home or remain in place after making age-amenable modifications?

September 2020

The answer may not be as obvious and clear-cut as you think. That’s because health and mobility issues, affordability, and family matters can complicate things. Despite a desire to age in place gracefully, moving on may be

a better decision. Conversely, saying goodbye to the home you love could lead to seller’s remorse.

The experts agree on: Don’t wait too long to consider this decision and its ramifications.

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“People should be thinking about this as retirement approaches and after any children have moved out,” suggests Mary Lynch, interior designer and owner of Aging Graceful at Home, Inc., in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Gerard Splendore, an associate broker at New York City-based Warburg Realty, says it’s never too early to discuss, plan ahead, investigate options, and be prepared to act.

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“We were traditionally taught that the final deciding factor was the point at which the homeowner could no longer physically take care of themselves. Unfortunately, this stage may be too late,” he says.

Indeed, it’s constructive to weigh the pros and cons of aging in place versus moving on/downsizing long before any changes need to be made.

“The advantages of staying put may include remaining close to

friends, family, and community services and amenities you already enjoy. The chances are that your mortgage is paid off, too—a clear financial benefit,” explains Rachel Adelson, author of “Staying Power: AgeProof Your Home for Comfort, Safety and Style” (Sage Tree Publishing, 2013).

Lynch adds that it’s easier to be comfortable and confident remaining in a home you love and are familiar with—provided September 2020

“As homes age, things break down. Plus, a home with more space than you need means wasted space and higher costs to heat and cool it. You also have to worry about yard and exterior maintenance,” notes Tiffany Heathman, Realtor with Proctor Real Estate in Houston.

Additionally, it may be costlier than you expect to upgrade your home with universal design features like wider doorways, grab bars in the bathroom, and no-slip floors. The floorplan could be challenging to modify. And if no bedroom and accompanying bathroom exist on the main level, you may eventually have trouble getting upstairs.

“Also, seniors who choose to remain in their homes need to be watched carefully, as the opportunity for mishaps and injuries as they get older is substantial,” Splendore cautioned.

you’re willing to implement universal design improvements that can ease your transition into your older years and make your existing home safer and more accessible for future needs, like a walker or wheelchair. With this option, if your home’s design is amenable, you can personalize your living space exactly as you desire.

On the other hand, remaining tethered to an older home has its downsides.

September 2020

For these and other reasons, many advise selling and downsizing to a more practical home—perhaps in an active adult or assisted-living property or within a condo or townhome community with a homeowners association where standard maintenance is covered.

“With this option, you don’t have to worry about the continual upkeep required with owning a single-family home,” says Bill Samuel, owner of Elmhurst, Illinois-headquartered Blue Ladder Development.

Adelson points out that moving provides a fresh start, “in which you may have more control over the accessibility features and accommodations in your next home.”

As a bonus, it’s possible that downsizing to one of these choices could free up more time for hobbies, allow you to make new friends, and provide easier access to your favorite destinations, Heathman says.

Your adult children will have better peace of mind knowing that you’re in a safer and simpler residence.

However, downsizing could be cost-prohibitive if your next home costs more to buy and/ or the monthly or annual charge for included amenities are expensive.

There’s always the risk, too, that it may be more challenging to adjust emotionally and physically to your next abode. You could miss the people, places, and things you left behind more than you anticipate. And that could lead to a reduced quality of life.

“Aging in place is often perceived as easier, as there is no uprooting, moving, resettling into a new home, need to find new doctors and places of worship, and adapting to new weather conditions. But once your home becomes unmanageable or falls into disrepair, downsizing becomes attractive,” says Splendore. “The deciding factor often comes down to the proximity of adult children and their families.”

The bottom line? Have a talk about this with your family and significant others, explore your various options, evaluate your finances carefully, and forecast future health issues. That way, you can make a more informed choice about your next address. © CTW FEATURES

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Scale back without regrets AVOID THESE MISTAKES WHEN DOWNSIZING

BY ERIK J. MARTIN, CTW FEATURES

T

he kids have moved out. The yardwork is making your joints ache. And you’re tired of heating, cooling, furnishing, maintaining, and paying for a larger home than you need.

It sounds like you’re an ideal candidate for curtailing your real estate footprint.

But before you go gung ho into downsize mode and list your existing home for sale, heed some cautionary tales from the experts, who say it’s easy to make mistakes

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before and during this lifestyle transition.

“Homeownership often follows a predictable pattern,” notes Atlanta-based Realtor, real estate investor, and property attorney Bruce Ailion.

“Typically, people begin with a starter home. As their income and household grow, more space is needed, so their home size grows again.

Many experience success and want their home to reflect their greater prosperity, so they buy a bigger home in a

better neighborhood. Then, their household size begins to shrink, their income plateaus or declines, and they realize they have more house than they need. So they move on to a smaller home, condo, or attached residence. It becomes a circle-of-life kind of pattern.”

The problem is many downsizers suffer movers' remorse because they failed to anticipate future needs correctly and plan appropriately.

September 2020

J. Keith Baker, a mortgage banking professor at Dallas College in Irving, Texas, says many folks realize too late how impactful the choice to move is and second-guess that decision.

“They misjudge how much they’ll miss being closer to family, friends, and neighbors.

They misjudge the monetary and emotional costs of selling, downsizing possessions, purchasing another home, and making the move, which can also drain some of the perceived equity that many retirees were banking on,” says Baker. “They also regret not being able to do some of the same things they did previously, like host holiday parties or have grandchildren sleep over.”

Another common mistake is over or underestimating how much space you require versus desire.

“They often begin the downsize process realizing they have too much space but then move into a smaller home that’s still too large or small for their actual needs,” says Nathaniel Hovsepian, owner of The Expert Home Buyers in Augusta, Georgia.

housing costs and real estate taxes first and foremost. They give short shrift to the lifestyle they should be hoping to achieve and how they will meet people, socialize, and spend their days,” cautions Alison Bernstein, founder and president of Suburban Jungle, a national real estate advisory and tech platform with a burgeoning “ReSizers” division.

Fast-tracking the entire process can be another big misstep.

“For example, you may throw things away that you don’t think you’ll need only to realize later you wish you had those things back,” adds Hovsepian.

It’s common and understandable to make some of these mistakes. After all, selling a familiar home and buying another one is an emotional process that can sometimes cloud your best judgment. It’s easy to assume that the grass will be greener on the other side of this real estate transition only to later learn that things aren’t as ideal as you had hoped. And we’re human beings—prone to making errors and overlooking

factors that should be carefully evaluated before making a major commitment.

So to sidestep these and other mistakes, count on doing more due diligence.

“Consider the decision based on your long-term plans, and evaluate several options,” recommends Ailion. “Be sure that it’s a mutual decision that all stakeholders—including your partner and impacted adult children—can agree upon.”

Take plenty of time to reach your decision, too. If an opportunity seems too good to be true, it probably is. And if anyone tries to rush or pressure you into a decision, resist and do your homework.

Lastly, once you’ve decided to move, “spend time carefully evaluating your belongings.

Decide what you need and use regularly versus what you can live without. Properly sorting through your possessions to determine what’s truly worth keeping can make a big difference,” Hovsepian suggests. © CTW FEATURES

Ailion seconds those thoughts.

“People commonly focus on ‘downsizing’ instead of ‘rightsizing.’ The latter involves finding a place you’ll be comfortable in for 10 or more years and that is mutually agreed upon by all occupants and affected family members,” says Ailion.

Another no-no? Basing your decision mostly on money.

“Many downsizers think about the dollars they’ll save on September 2020

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The big ideas behind small houses

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September 2020

DOWNSIZING TO A TINY HOUSE MAY WORK FOR SOME LOOKING TO CUT EXTRA SPACE

BY PAUL ROGERS CTW FEATURES

F

ive words you never thought you'd hear from a homeowner: I need a smaller house. Yet the concept of downsizing a home - or doing more with less - has been gaining favor since the publication of architect Sarah Susanka's "The Not So Big House" (Taunton, 1998).

Susanka espouses the belief that when smaller-scale homes are done right, they are more livable, enjoyable and socially responsible than the ever-expanding floor plans of today's developments.

(The size of the average site-built home grew 8 percent from 1998 to 2004, rising to nearly 2,350 square feet, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce.)

Tiny houses offer socially conscious living by using less building materials, land and energy. Image courtesy Tumbleweed Tiny House Co. September 2020

Jay Shafer has been a longtime small-house devotee. Shafer, owner of Tumbleweed Tiny House Co., Sebastopol, Calif., has been building and living in houses ranging from 50 to 750 square feet since 1997. He lived in the original 100-square-foot Tumbleweed model for seven years before switching to the smaller 70-square-foot XS House in 2004. The homes, he says, not only suit a pared-down lifestyle, they're affordable, ecologically responsible and simply easier to care for.

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"For me personally, my biggest reason for living in a tiny house is that I haven't got the time or patience to paint or maintain a larger house," he says.

A strong mix of practicality and idealism lies behind the drive toward smaller homes. Indeed, Shafer says about half of the houses he builds are for people who intend to live in them full time as their primary structure.

But half the buyers purchase the structures to supplement their current homes.

People buy them as inexpensive vacation cabins or put them in their backyards and use them as art studios, writer's garrets, home offices, guest rooms or close-but16

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independent living quarters for a college-age child or an aging parent. Tiny House Co., Buena Vista, Virginia, built one home for a day nurse to have a private spot to stay overnight, and another for a mother who wanted her handicapped son to have his own place but still live nearby.

On the idealistic side, they truly do afford more socially conscious living, using less building materials, less land, less energy. Fully insulated, tiny houses are easy and inexpensive to heat and cool, and they're relatively inexpensive to buy. Shafer's models range from about $23,000 to $42,000. A typical 20-foot by 24-foot model from

Tiny House Co. runs about $39,000. (Those prices are for materials and construction only, not for land.)

The drawbacks of a tiny house are obvious: It's tiny - "great personally, but not as good for guests," Shafer says.

That being said, many of the structures sound smaller than they feel. Opening the center of the houses, using a lot of windows and maintaining unobstructed throughways for traffic, means they maintain a sense of spaciousness. The structures maximize every square foot through a variety of design tricks, like turning otherwise unusable space under stairways into storage.

September 2020

"The secret to a great tiny house is knowing what's necessary and eliminating all the rest‌necessary for happiness, because all those extras get in the way," Shafer says. "A sense of space has much more to do with the quality of a place than with the quantity. A well-designed little house can feel roomy and a poorly designed mansion can feel crowded."

And if the space does get too cramped, both Tumbleweed and Tiny House models are designed to be expanded easily.

The only real problems Shafer has encountered in building tiny houses are zoning September 2020

restrictions and building codes that sometimes set minimum size limits. Many of the structures, however, are sold on wheels, which oftentimes puts them outside the jurisdiction of local housing authorities.

To be sure, there likely isn't to be a rush of consumers looking to ditch their bungalows and ranches for the square-footage equivalent of a modern master bathroom. But Shafer, who handcrafts all his structures, has seen a significant increase in his business. Tumbleweed builds about five homes per year, up from one per year when he started the company. And he sees more potential in the future because of their versatility.

One Tumbleweed home was erected on a city rooftop, and they easily could be used as infill on small lots or clustered on a roof.

"I figured at some point somebody out there would want smaller houses and it seems like that's the case," Shafer says. "When I built the first one, it seemed novel, but now there are a lot of books out there on the subject and a lot of people interested in small houses." Š CTW FEATURES

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Get the most bang for your buck with outdoor projects ERIK J. MARTIN, CTW FEATURES

A

n updated kitchen would be heavenly.

A bathroom redo is probably long overdue.

And installing new wood floors would add instant class to your interiors. Problem is, these and other indoor remodeling projects don’t always offer the best return on your investment these days—particularly if you plan to sell your home soon.

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Instead, consider emphasizing your exterior with upgrades that are more likely to recoup a bigger portion of your renovation dollars.

Based on Remodeling Magazine’s recent 2020 Cost vs. Value Report, homeowners reaped a greater ROI on select outdoor/exterior projects. In fact, among the 10 projects promising the highest

ROI, nine fit this criteria: manufactured stone veneer (95.6% of costs were recouped nationally, on average); garage door replacement (94.5%); fiber-cement siding replacement (77.6%); vinyl siding replacement (74.7%); vinyl window replacement (72.3%); wood deck addition (72.1%); wood window replacement (68.9%); steel entry door replacement September 2020

(68.8%); and composite deck addition (66.8%).

By contrast, an upscale kitchen remodel only recouped 53.9% of costs, while an upscale or midrange bath remodel recaptured around 54%.

Bill Tierney, Realtor with Coastal Countryside Properties in Cohasset, Massachusetts, says these findings make sense.

September 2020

“Many of these exterior projects help to make a strong first impression on buyers and visitors, and there’s nothing like making a good first impression.

It’s harder to sell a home that lacks in curb appeal because if a buyer is soured on the house before they set foot in it, the battle turns uphill,” he says.

Cristina Miguelez, remodeling specialist for Wilmington,

Delaware-based Fixr.com, says many of these projects fall into the increasingly popular “outdoor living” category.

“Outdoor living is the hottest trend right now, and most buyers are looking for properties with such a space. That’s why adding a deck or patio is a smart idea,” she notes. “Also, investing in low-maintenance and energyefficient materials for the rest of Spaces Magazine

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your exterior—like new siding and vinyl windows—can save you over the lifetime of the home and improve its look.”

Additionally, “depending on your home’s price range, updating its exterior also increases the appeal of your entire neighborhood. Remember that, as your neighbor’s home increases in value, so does yours,” adds Teris Pantazes, co-founder of Settle Rite Home Services, a Baltimoreand Washington-D.C.-located contractor.

Tierney is especially bullish on energy-efficient window replacements as a worthy exterior project.

“A leaky window leads to higher energy costs,” says Tierney, adding that older outdoor windows detract from your home’s appearance.

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Miguelez says the safest money bet is fiber-cement siding.

“This stuff will last 50 years, won’t require painting or a lot of maintenance, and looks fantastic, which can make a big difference at resale,” she says.

Outdoor living projects not mentioned in Remodeling Magazine’s report, but often talked about by home buyers and owners, include an outdoor kitchen/living area, aboveground pool, and pool house.

“An outdoor living space, complete with outdoor furniture, grill, and a fire pit or fire table, is hot today. It can often cost around $20,000 to start. But you’ll probably see an ROI in the 80 percent or higher range,” says Miguelez.

Pools, on the other hand, “are often viewed as a net-zero improvement, with perhaps only

half the value being recouped,” cautions Pantazes. “Some people love them, but it may turn off others to your home.”

A pool house can set you back “anywhere from $4,500 to $30,000, with installation. But I would expect the cost recoup on this to be low,” says Caleb Liu, owner of Orange, Californiabased House Simply Sold.

Before committing to any home improvement project, perform the necessary due diligence.

“Ask yourself,” suggests Pantazes, “does it add value in dollars or marketability? Does it preserve what you already have while protecting the value already in place? And is this something the market would broadly accept, or is it a niche product that you would like but most others would not?” © CTW FEATURES

September 2020

Upgrading your getaway place VACATION HOME REMODELING PROJECTS TO CONSIDER

BY ERIK J. MARTIN, CTW FEATURES

W

hen it comes to renovation projects, your primary residence comes first. But if you own a vacation property or second home, needed improvements shouldn’t necessarily take a back seat. Not keeping up with recommended remodeling there could cost you in the long run, the pros concur.

“Even if you don’t use your second home that often, I always recommend regular September 2020

upgrades, even if they’re minimal,” says Jamie Safier, a luxury real estate agent with Douglas Elliman in New York City. “For one, if you’re continuously making small improvements it will be less of a financial hit when you eventually go to sell that home since you will have been consistently bettering it and keeping up with maintenance and upgrades—as opposed to making large, expensive investments right before you sell.”

Secondly, he adds, you’ll be able to enjoy the vacation home more when you’re there.

And third, “you’ll potentially be able to rent it out for more money if you choose to do so using a short-term rental platform like Airbnb.”

Chicago-based Pam Holt, attorney and real estate broker who specializes in second home properties, seconds those thoughts.

“While maintaining functionality always ranks high in home improvement Spaces Magazine

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justification, vacation rental owners must also consider remodeling as the cost of doing business,” Holt explains. “It’s critical for these owners to ensure high guest satisfaction, which results in stellar ratings and reviews. A modernized, wellmaintained vacation home can help make that happen.”

Ask Andrina Valdes, executive sales leader/COO for Cornerstone Home Lending in San Antonio, and she’ll tell you that a new paint job is the home improvement project that offers the most bang for the buck.

“Costs for whole-house interior repainting by a professional start around $1,000, but will be less if you do it yourself,” says Valdes.

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Her number two suggestion?

New landscaping, “which can add up to 15 percent to your home’s value due to its impact on curb appeal,” Valdes says, noting that this project’s bill can range from $500 to over $3,000.

Michael DiMartino, senior vice president of installations at Power Home Remodeling in Philadelphia, suggests window and door replacements, “which also help check the curb appeal box while keeping your ongoing utility bills down. If you leave your second home after a weekend stay and set your thermostat to 55 degrees, you want to ensure that heat will stay inside the house without

leaking through unwanted cracks in your doors and windows.”

Devoting dollars to two of your second home’s most important rooms—the kitchen and/or bath—can also be smart, although you may see a diminishing return on investment (ROI) with bigger and more expensive remodels in these spaces. Remodeling Magazine’s 2020 Cost vs. Value report shows that a minor kitchen remodel recouped nearly 78 percent of its cost, on average, while a major midrange kitchen redo only recouped 58.6 percent of its cost.

“A mid-range bath remodel cost averages nearly $18,000 September 2020

IF YOU RENT OUT OR PLAN TO SOON SELL YOUR VACATION HOME, AVOID THE IMPULSE TO OVERSPEND ON IMPROVEMENTS

but returns just under $12,000, so you have to keep ROI in mind,” Safier cautions. “That why it may be better to start with smaller upgrades, such as replacing the toilet with a more efficient higher-end model and installing LED lighting so that your bath not only looks better but saves money on energy bills.”

Deciding whether or not to commit to high-end materials and items that can last longer but cost more or choose lessexpensive alternatives that may need to be replaced sooner is a personal choice.

“When buying furniture, swapping out rugs, adding features to your bath or kitchen, September 2020

and picking out new linens, you have to think about wear and tear, particularly if you’ll be renting out your home,” DiMartino says. “I recommend skipping the higher-end furniture and opting for IKEA products and then investing your cost savings into highquality projects that matter more in a vacation home, like exterior projects.”

If you rent out or plan to soon sell your vacation home, avoid the impulse to overspend on improvements, Holt advises.

“There comes a point where, regardless of the interior finishes, a home will not rent for substantially more than comparable listings in the area.

The same is true in the resale market,” says Holt. “Consult with a real estate professional or vacation rental manager to assess the current market value of your property.”

Lastly, remember to shop around for and vet remodelers carefully.

“Ask family, friends, and real estate professionals for their recommendations, and interview at least three contractors to find the right fit for your project,” Holt adds. © CTW FEATURES

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Get a floor with more WHEN IT’S TIME TO REMODEL, THINK WITH YOUR FEET FIRST 24

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ERIK J. MARTIN, CTW FEATURES

September 2020

W

ant to dramatically reinvent your living space and prioritize the remodeling projects on your to-do list?

Don’t think top-down; think bottom-up by devoting dollars to new flooring in key areas of your home, the experts agree.

Los Angeles, echoes those sentiments.

“Flooring is very important—it’s everywhere in the house and really impacts how you interact with your home. The floors are also one of the first things people notice about your home when they walk in, and it sets the tone for your entire living space,” says Marie Bromberg, a real estate agent with Compass in New York City.

Neil Daley, director of merchandising for Norcross, Georgia-headquartered Floor Coverings International, says the latter goal can be accomplished by using a single flooring material continuously throughout one or more levels or a series of connected rooms.

Oren Farkash, owner/founder of South Land Remodeling in

September 2020

“Investing in a new floor for one or more of your rooms is a smart way to freshen up the look of those interiors. It creates a cleaner, more polished appearance and design and may make the room feel larger,” he says.

“And choosing the right flooring material can eliminate the stress caused in a busy family by muddy paws, spills, and heavy

traffic, reduce the time needed for cleaning floors, provide sound absorption, improve safety with slip resistance, and help you express your style,” adds Daley.

Today, the most common flooring materials remain wood, tile, carpeting, laminate and vinyl. Each has its pros and cons.

“Wood floors—whether it’s solid hardwood or engineered wood made of multiple layers, including a top layer of highquality wood—are durable, attractive, and easy to clean and offer a great return on investment,” explains Brett Miller, vice president of technical standards, training and certification for the National Wood Flooring Association in Chesterfield, Missouri. He says

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wood floors work well in nearly any room, especially entryways, living and dining rooms and bedrooms. “Species like oak, hickory or maple are best for homes with heavy traffic or pets.”

Expect to pay between $4 and $16 per square feet for installed hardwood floors.

Tile remains a top choice among today’s homeowners, too, particularly sturdy and scratchresistant porcelain tile and natural stone. Nathan Foreman, director of real estate sales for Tyler-Texas headquartered Cascades of Texas Real Estate, recommends tile for kitchens, baths and entryways.

“Tile provides a clean and attractive appearance when the tile and grout are regularly cleaned, sealed and maintained,” says Foreman, noting that prices can vary from $6 to $15 per square foot installed. “But an unfinished or unattractive transition between a tile floor and an adjacent floor of another material can give the perception of poor workmanship, so make 26

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sure your contractor does a good job.”

installed, and it mimics the look and feel of wood or tile.

Carpeting still holds a sweet spot among many consumers.

However, it’s less popular nowadays because it wears and dirties quicker than other materials and traps dust and allergens that can trigger sensitive noses. The good news is that carpeting is among the least costly flooring options, spanning roughly $3 to $12 per square feet installed.

“Laminate is extremely durable but is easily damaged with water, so you want to avoid areas like bathrooms and mudrooms. Waterproof vinyl flooring, including luxury vinyl tile or luxury vinyl planks, is usually a better choice, although a little more expensive,” says Daley.

“You can’t go wrong with traditional plush carpeting thanks to its timeless look,” says Farkash, who advises a neutral color like beige or gray.

“Carpeting is cozy and comfortable in bedrooms, walkin closets, and nurseries. But spring for a thick and durable pad underneath, which can make a significant difference in the feel and quality perception,” Foreman adds.

Laminate and vinyl can be a good choice for those on a tighter budget, as it only costs around $3 to $8 per square foot

If you select laminate, “try to purchase an option with at least 12 mm thickness for better durability,” Farkash says.

Whatever material you settle on, take time to find the right flooring installer/contractor, “and provide a buffer zone in your budget, as unexpected costs often arise with flooring projects,” notes Devin Shaffer, a design expert with Decorilla Online Interior Design in New York City. “Be mindful that you may need to relocate while the project is happening, too, as flooring replacement can be

invasive.”

© CTW FEATURES

September 2020

Universal design for all OFTEN BEEN ASSOCIATED WITH SENIOR CITIZENS AND THE DISABLED, UNIVERSAL DESIGN OFFERS BENEFITS TO PEOPLE OF ALL AGES AND ABILITIES NANCY MATTIA, CTW FEATURES

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magine a world where people with different physical abilities could use the same shower stall or kitchen faucet without compromising their safety or dignity. That’s the general idea behind universal design, a userfriendly approach that helps people make their homes more welcoming and accessible to all.

HOW UNIVERSAL DESIGN WORKS The concept promotes common-sense designs that are stylish yet safe and easy for everyone to use, despite an individual’s age, size or physical limitations.

“Universal design takes into account a broad range of users and abilities,” says Sarah Barnard, a Los Angeles interior designer. “It makes sense for designers and builders to plan our projects with that in mind since great

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design should accommodate the widest number of users — ourselves, our kids, our parents, our grandparents.” For older folks, a well-thought-out plan lets them age in place, which means continuing to live safely and independently in their own homes for as long as possible.

The ideas are meant to work for young and old alike. For example, a home built with a ramp instead of stairs to access 28

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a back door would benefit not just an older person in a wheelchair but also someone pushing a stroller. A hand-held showerhead on a slide bar that’s mounted low on a bathroom wall would be easy to reach for every family member, regardless of height or flexibility.

THE DESIGN’S VISUAL APPEAL The concept is discreet and shouldn’t look like a nursing home. Goods from faucets to

furniture are created with a contemporary aesthetic and fit seamlessly with a room’s décor, so you’d never know universal design principles were at work.

“More and more plumbing manufacturers are offering grab bars and shower rails in finishes like oil-rubbed bronze and polished nickel that match the fixtures already in the bathroom,” Barnard says. “The look is beautiful and integrated.

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IMAGINE A WORLD WHERE PEOPLE WITH DIFFERENT PHYSICAL ABILITIES COULD USE THE SAME SHOWER STALL OR KITCHEN FAUCET WITHOUT COMPROMISING THEIR SAFETY OR DIGNITY. • Single-level, touchless kitchen faucets that require a simple tap to turn on and off • Induction cooktops and ranges with burners that are cool to the touch and easyto-reach controls on the front • Keyless door locks that operate using a touchpad instead of a standard key • Door knobs with a lever design that’s easy to turn • Light switches with large flat panels instead of small toggle switches that are difficult for arthritic hands

More than just products Some innovations: • Curbless showers, which let the user walk into the shower without having to step over a threshold • Wall-mounted toilets and vanities that can be adjusted for height • Grab bars in the shower/tub to steady yourself on wet surfaces September 2020

Universal design is also about making smart renovation choices, like widening doorways, because the wider they are, the better it is for wheelchairs and walkers to come through.

It’s about choosing consistent flooring surfaces, so when someone walks from, say, a tile floor in the kitchen to the hardwood floor in the dining room, they don’t trip where the two materials meet. It’s about picking safe bathroom

floor tile: “Anytime the size of the tile is bigger than the size of your foot, it’s pretty much a slip hazard when you step out of the shower,” Barnard says. She suggests choosing small tiles since those require more grout, which creates more traction.

WHY SOME PEOPLE ARE RELUCTANT TO ADAPT Despite its obvious benefits, universal design can still be a hard sell.

“No one wants to think about a less-than-ideal future, when they may need help getting around and living in their home,” Barnard says. So rather than plan for tomorrow, she asks reluctant clients to plan for today: “What would happen if one of your kids gets a sports injury and can’t make it up the stairs to the bedroom or bathroom?” she asks them. Most people eventually see the light. “If the home is multistory, they’ll make at least the first floor accessible, so If and when it becomes necessary, things are already in place.” © CTW FEATURES

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Future-proof your home for your golden years 30

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September 2020

CONSIDER IMPLEMENTING THESE UNIVERSAL DESIGN FEATURES ERIK J. MARTIN, CTW FEATURES

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ather Time catches up with us quickly—and our homes, too. Before long, it may be time to start thinking about how accommodating your existing residence will be to your needs as you age, and if remaining where you are is the right answer or moving on is the better option.

But let’s assume you plan to stay put indefinitely in the home you’ve long enjoyed.

Chances are, it’s going to need some alterations so that you can use it with fewer limitations and risks as the years pass.

“If you decide that aging in place is the best choice for you and your family, then planning for it is key,” says Heather Brannan, a designer with Callen Construction in Muskego, Wisconsin. “Life can be unpredictable, and if the need for added safety and convenience measures comes suddenly before you’re prepared for it, you or your loved one could be living in a house that isn’t amenable to your changing needs.”

That’s where universal design modifications can help.

Universal design involves implementing changes and

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adding products that make a home more accessible to occupants with age- and disability-related challenges.

And it can make a big difference, the pros agree.

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among the universal design features you should consider adding to your home to make it future-proof for your needs as you age, are (in order of cost):

“You can customize our space to adapt to your lifestyle with the help of universal design,” notes Tamara Ramos, co-founder/CMO of TAKA Interiors, based in Rumson, New Jersey. “Fortunately, aging in place has gotten easier, thanks to universal design improvements and innovations in recent years.”

• Three grab bars placed at entry points to and within the shower and beside the toilet ($140)

According to Sarabeth Asaff, a home design expert with Wilmington, Delawareheadquartered Fixr.com,

• Replacing windows for easier opening, closing, and cleaning ($600-$1,500 each)

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• Lever-handle faucets ($400 each) • Handrails on either side of the steps to safely navigate stairs ($100 per linear feet)

• Widening doorways to at least 34 inches wide to accommodate a walker or wheelchair ($700 per doorway) • Widening hallways for walkers/wheelchairs ($800-$1,400) • Anti-slip ADA-approved bathroom flooring ($1,300) • Ceiling lift to assist moving a wheelchair from the bed to other seating ($1,500$5,000) • A 16-foot permanent ramp allows you to enter your home using a walker or wheelchair (estimated cost installed: $1,600-$3,200) September 2020

• Chair lift to access the upper levels ($3,000$12,000) • Curbless shower for walking or wheeling into the shower ($5,000$6,000) • Walk-in tub ($5,000$10,000) • Raising or lowering kitchen countertops and cabinets ($15,000-$20,000) Another important project is to move your upstairs bedroom to the main level to avoid the stairs.

“If you have a study or family room, this can serve as a bedroom but may need a wall or door to separate it from family living areas as well as a closet,” suggests Deborah Pierce, an architect with Pierce Lamb Architects in West

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Newton, Massachusetts, and author of “The Accessible Home: Designing for All Ages and Abilities” (Taunton Press).

“Figure on spending $500 to a few thousand for this conversion, or $300 per square foot if you need to build a new bedroom addition on the first floor. Also, be sure your first-floor bedroom is served by an adjacent bathroom.”

Ramos also recommends adding vacancy sensor switches that turn the lights off or on automatically based on movement in a room (each installed for around $100 and up), and touch drawers and cabinets in the kitchen that open and close with a light push ($1,800 and up).

“You should also evaluate tripping hazards in your home.

If your current flooring doesn’t transition smoothly between

rooms, consider replacing it or installing a continuous flooring material throughout,” Brannan says.

Lastly, remember that universal design isn't just about adding mobility and convenience features.

“It’s about making the space easier to interact with,” explains Asaff. “You need to consider a lot of different elements before committing to these modifications, including visual contrast, line of sight, and ease of access.

That’s why I advise hiring an architect and interior designer who specialize in universal design—experts who can help you plan the project.”

It’s not enough “to merely add a stairlift and a few grab bars and call it a day,” she adds. © CTW FEATURES

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Upping your home’s IQ LOOKING TO AUTOMATE YOUR HOUSE? START SMALL WITH BASIC SMART HOME DEVICES ERIK J. MARTIN, CTW FEATURES

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reaming of a domicile with state-of-the-art technology and futuristic features that will make your neighbors jealous?

Truth is, you don’t need NASA’s

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budget or know-how to infuse your home with cutting-edge technology that will make your life as a homeowner simpler.

Home automation can be had on the cheap today, thanks to a proliferation of lower-

cost devices that most do-ityourselfers can install and set up quickly.

“Smart home technology products are designed to make your life easier, adding convenience, improving September 2020

ahead of the curve. Plus, as you become more comfortable with the technology, it gets easier to add more features and devices,” notes Kyrsten Holland, home security specialist with Frontpoint Security Solutions in Vienna, Virginia.

Getting started with smart home tech doesn’t mean committing to ultra-expensive and difficult-toconfigure hardware. The experts recommend dipping your toes in the water by starting with the most popular and ubiquitous gadget of them all: a smart speaker with a built-in voice assistant.

“Smart speakers like the Amazon Echo or Google Home are a great place to start, as they often act as a hub to control your other devices and can play music, answer questions, make phone calls, serve as an alarm clock, and more,” Colton De Vos, technology expert with Resolute Technology Solutions in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, says, adding that prices begin around $50 for a smart speaker.

efficiency, and boosting home security,” says Robert Hoffmann, CEO of Hoffmann Brothers, a St. Louis-headquartered HVAC, plumbing, and electrical contractor. “And as more of these products become accessible to the consumer, it won’t be long before the vast majority of homes will implement at least basic smart home features.”

Indeed, investing in smart tech isn’t just a way to lessen your homeowner load today; it can also future-proof your property, increase resale value, and make it easier to add more automation in the years ahead.

“As technology continues to advance, it’s important to keep September 2020

Homeowners more enlightened about automation often gravitate next to smart light bulbs, like Philips Hue and LIFX. These bulbs, which fit your standard sockets, can be controlled via smartphone app and scheduled to turn on and off at preset times to save electricity; you can select various brightness settings and (if it’s a color bulb) express yourself chromatically, too. Prices often start at around $15 per smart bulb.

“A smart thermostat is another good investment,” Holland says, citing Nest, Ecobee, Honeywell, Emerson, and Sensi as popular brands. “These devices use sensors to automatically turn your heating or air conditioning system on or off based on current temps, and most users save up to 15 percent a year or

more on utility bills. Most smart thermostats can be controlled by your voice assistant, as well.”

Expect to pay $70 and up for a model you can install yourself.

While an elaborate home security system with multiple cameras sounds nice, it can also be pricey. Instead, first try a video doorbell that allows twoway communication between you and your visitor via your smartphone and records motiontriggered events.

“I’m a fan of video doorbells that store your video for free using a microSD card within the device so that you don’t have to pay a monthly fee for cloud storage,” suggests Eric Blank, editor of TheSmartCave.com in Sioux Falls, South Dakota; he cites models by Eufy, Amcrest, MECO, and eRing as capable of this feature. Other makes (that require a subscription) include Ring, Nest, and SimpliSafe. Prices often start around $100.

“A smart lock is also worth considering. This device allows you to lock or unlock your front door with a keypad, smartphone, or fingerprint, enabling you to keep your home secure no matter where you are,” says Holland. Kwikset, Yale, and Schlage are big sellers; you’ll likely pay $90 or more.

Lastly, think about buying smart plugs, made by companies like WeMo, Kasa, and TP-Link (often as cheap as approximately $10), which can cut down on your electric bills.

“Smart plugs insert directly into ordinary outlets and allow nearly any device—like a lamp— to become a smart device that you control with your voice or smartphone. You can cut the power to that outlet from anywhere,” says Hoffmann. © CTW FEATURES

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Keyless peace of mind WHY IT’S TIME TO CONSIDER A SMART LOCK

BY ERIK J. MARTIN, CTW FEATURES

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n this brave new era of social distancing and sheltering at home, safety and security are increasingly on the minds of homeowners— and for good reason. We’re trying to limit the number of dirty surfaces we touch. And our partners and children are working, studying, and spending more time at home, which can be concerning if we can’t be present with them.

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One home upgrade that can address both issues is a keyless smart lock you can install on a front or back door and can be controlled conveniently from your mobile phone and using assistants like Alexa, Siri, and Google Home.

“Security features like smart locks can serve as an additional level of protection and convenience, whether inside your home or away,” says

Christopher Sterle, founder/ CEO of Acoustic Design Systems in Las Vegas. “It’s important to boost your physical security during a crisis like the coronavirus, and smart locks enable you to provide unlimited or restricted access to your home at all times while keeping track of who is locking and unlocking the house.”

A smart lock device either replaces or is retrofitted onto September 2020

your existing deadbolt hardware.

With connectivity via Wi-Fi and/ or Bluetooth, it allows you to lock or unlock the door using an app or your voice on your smartphone; or operate the lock by entering a numerical code using a keypad or touchscreen found on the front. Batteries power the movement of the lock within the device. Depending on the model, you can receive alerts whenever the smart lock is used, and you can create secondary codes that only work temporarily—say for a dog sitter whom you want to allow access for 24 hours. Some models also permit backup operation with a key.

“Smart locks can be used for both the front and back door as well as some interior doors,” says Donnie Viajar, electronics product manager for Lake Forest, Californiaheadquartered Kwikset, a smart lock manufacturer. “They fit standard size doors with a thickness between 1 3/8-inch to two inches.

no backup key option. I find that going keyless is hugely convenient (my device warns me well ahead of time if the battery is running low, and I can “jumpstart” the lock with a 9-volt battery if necessary). Plus, my family no longer has to worry about getting locked out, and the handy auto-lock feature I enabled automatically locks the door after 60 seconds if I forget to.

Note: Smart locks don’t work with your doorknob lock, but the latter shouldn’t be relied on to secure a home anyway.

“The doorknob lock on an entry door offers zero security and will soon become a thing of the past,” predicts David Vranicar, managing partner and founder of FBS Fortified & Ballistic Security in Boca Raton, Florida.

Many smart lock brands also offer matching handles, including paddle levers that provide hands-free operation by using your hip, forearm, or elbow to

push on or turn the paddle and open the door—yet another way to decrease germ transmission.

When shopping for a smart lock, “make sure it’s able to communicate with the rest of your smart home setup, whether it be smart speakers or doorbell cameras,” says Williams. He adds that some smart locks require a separate bridge device to wirelessly connect, while others have that capability built-in.

Smart locks vary widely in price, from around $150 to over $300.

Most do-it-yourselfers can install a smart lock without a hitch (I installed mine in under two hours; the hardware steps were quick, but I encountered a few connection snafus that prolonged the process). You may need to hire a pro, however, if you have a less-compatible type of door or home network connectivity issues. © CTW FEATURES

Jason Williams, president of the Berlin, Connecticut-based US Smart Residential Group of ASSA ABLOY, makers of Yale and August smart locks, says going keyless provides greater peace of mind.

“With traditional keys, you have no way of knowing who’s coming in or out at any given time. But smart locks inform you of all activity. And there are no physical keys to lose or risk being stolen or copied, and there is no lock that can be picked.”

Full disclosure: I have a Yale Assure Lock SL model installed on my front door, which features a touchscreen keypad but September 2020

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Touchless tech to the rescue

HOW SMART HOME DEVICES CAN MAKE YOU AND YOUR FAMILY SAFER DURING THE PANDEMIC AND BEYOND

For example, if you feel sick or have tested positive for the virus, you’ll need to quarantine from housemates. Or maybe you’re a frontline worker who, despite washing your hands, changing your clothes, and taking every precaution, worries about exposing your family to germs you may be bringing home.

BY ERIK J. MARTIN CTW FEATURES

While scientists haven’t yet developed a vaccine, some pretty bright tech people have invented smart home devices that can make things easier and reduce your risks of transmission while this pandemic plays out.

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ears of COVID-19 have kept millions of Americans indoors and socially distant over the past several months. But while sequestering at home decreases your risk of contact with others and acquiring coronavirus, staying behind closed doors isn’t foolproof.

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“Smart home devices and related technology can be a powerful tool in combating the virus. These devices reduce contact with other people and

surfaces by, for example, turning your mobile phone into a control center,” says Bob Stohrer, chief marketing officer for New York City-headquartered Kangaroo, a maker of smart home security products.

One of these recommended gadgets is a smart speaker like an Amazon Echo or Google Home, which uses a built-in smart assistant like Alexa and Google Assistant, respectively.

Smart speakers can, among dozens of other capabilities, answer questions, tell you the weather forecast, play music, make a phone call, and control smart lights and security cameras around your home—all with the power of your voice and no fingers required.

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A variation on the smart speaker is a smart display, which features a small screen with a speaker behind it, ideal for placing on the kitchen countertop or desk in a home office.

“If you do a lot of cooking, a smart screen can help you find recipes simply by asking and read the instructions to you,” Carl Prouty, a tech expert from Abt Electronics in Glenview, Illinois, says. “They may also allow you to make video calls to friends and family.”

A device that can reduce exposure to front door visitors is a video doorbell.

“A doorbell camera lets you know on your phone or smart speaker when someone is at your door or when you’ve received a delivery, and you can set it up to alert you even if no one presses the doorbell,” notes JT Hwang, chief technology officer at Vivint Smart Home, based in Provo, Utah.

Doorknobs and deadbolt thumb turns are prime candidates for pandemic transmission. That’s why many experts advise upgrading to a battery-powered smart lock that will replace or work with your existing deadbolt hardware and be locked or unlocked via your phone, voice, or touchpad/touchscreen. And swapping out your door handle or knob with a hands-free lever— one that you can push in or turn up/down with your knee, forearm, or elbow—is a good idea, too.

Touchless tech is even transforming the kitchen sink.

While motion sensor-activated faucets have been around for a while, the latest batch by key brands can also be voicecontrolled via Alexa or another smart assistant.

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“In this unprecedented time, there’s a heightened emphasis on handwashing. One way to help reduce the spread of dirt and germs in your space is by limiting the number of things you touch, including the faucet handle,” says Suzy Street, product manager of IoT at Moen, based in North Olmstead, Ohio.

Don’t forget: When it’s time to head out and shop for groceries or other essentials, your first and foremost smart home gizmo— your mobile phone—can come in extra handy.

“Most iPhones and Android phones have wallet apps that allow you to store credit cards and pay for items by simply holding your phone near the

payment terminal,” suggests Prouty. “Of course, you can also use your smartphone to shop for goods online or order food for takeout or delivery, which further prevents COVID-19 transmission.”

The beauty of smart home technology, Prouty adds, “is that it’s essentially limitless in how it can be implemented and utilized. As more people get and use these devices, more ideas will surface as to how they can benefit us now and long after the coronavirus threat has passed.” © CTW FEATURES

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5 Smart apps to make your life a little easier CHECK OUT THESE APPS IF YOU’RE CONSIDERING AUTOMATION IN YOUR HOME

BY JARAYA JOHNSON, CTW FEATURES

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ave you ever left home in the morning then turned back around to make sure you unplugged your flat iron?

Don’t you wish there was an app for that? Luckily, there is. Here is a list, in no specific order, of smart apps for you to use to control almost anything in your abode.

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1. WeMo With this app, you won’t have to turn around on your way to work to double check your appliances are turned off. If it’s plugged into the outlet, you can turn it off via the app. Also, you can set a schedule for your appliances.

According to HGTV, for example, you can set up your coffeemaker

to have your hot coffee ready for you on your way out the door in the mornings. The WeMo company, owned by Belkin, also has light switches, dimmers, plugs and more. But, if you only want the item that helps you control your appliances, it’s called the WeMo Mini Smart Plug and it’s on sale for $34.99.

2. Control4 MyHome This app allows you to control your lights, security, TVs, gaming systems and more through your Android, iPhone, iPad or

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tablet. It allows you to control your devices from near and far and you can even set up voice control. The company has a bunch of gadgets to choose from depending on how automated you want your home to be, what area you want to control and how you want to control it. For example, wireless keypads, switches, outlets, remotes, thermostats, cameras and sensors are just to name a few.

3. Nest Sudden weather change while you’re away and wish you could just adjust the thermostat before you get home? Look no further. This Nest product is programmed to use your phone’s location setting and

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adjust itself accordingly when it knows you’re away from home.

The gadget allows you to control your thermostat from the car, the office, California and Japan.

Wherever you find yourself, you can adjust your home’s temperature to save more energy. There’s an additional sensor available for purchase that allows you to place it in a more important area to give it more attention. Nest also offers many other devices for purchase that’ll make staying in (or going out) easier than ever.

4. myQ Garage & Access Control This app, as you may have guessed, helps you control your garage door from afar. You can close it if you forgot or open

it if you’re expecting guests or delivery people to drop something off and you’re not home. Just make sure you have your garage set up with myQ technology

5. Philips Hue Did someone say “party”? With your Philips Hue app, you can control your lights inside and outside your house to reflect your mood, holidays or other festivities. If you have an Amazon Alexa or a Google Assistant, you can set those up so you can voice control your lights too. Just order the bulbs and download the app. © CTW FEATURES

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6 Ways to make your kitchen smarter YOU DON’T NEED TO BE A TECHNO-GEEK TO USE THESE APPLIANCES AND GADGETS NANCY MATTIA, CTW FEATURES

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ant to make a great pot of coffee from your bedroom? Or you’re not sure if the leftover mashed potatoes sitting in the fridge are still good? Manufacturers have your back with a slew of kitchen products you can program from 42

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your smartphone or tablet once you download the apps. “Smart appliances go beyond the call of duty,” says Melody Vaughn, an interior designer who owns Melody Vaughn Interiors in New York. “Not only do they give you the same functionality of a standard appliance but also of

the higher-end appliances.” Here are six examples that are genius.

LG InstaView Door-in-Door Refrigerator Knock-knock, who’s there?

A fridge that illuminates its contents when you knock twice September 2020

on the door, letting you see if there’s any leftover pie or if you need to buy more orange juice. Besides being a food grazer’s BFF, this smart feature prevents cold air from escaping, which keeps food fresher. “I love the concept and the look,” Vaughn says. This stylish fridge is available in stainless and black stainless.

Pantelligent Intelligent Frying Pan This is for hesitant cooks who aren’t ever sure if the food is done. The frying pan uses temperature and time sensors to let you know when to turn over the burgers or stir the sauce, and then it tells you when everything is done. The app even has an onscreen tape measure so you can choose the right amount of time to cook meats and fish based on their thickness; you also can indicate your preference for rare, medium or well done. It even has spoken notifications so, if you get sidetracked making, say, a salad, it’ll tell you what’s going on – you’ll never serve overcooked food again.

Crock Pot Smart 6-Quart Slow Cooker The beauty of traditional slow cookers is that when you walk through the door at 6:00pm every night after work, dinner’s ready. The downside is that if your schedule changes and you get home later, that chicken dish may have been warming for way too many hours. Technology to the rescue! Crock Pot’s smart appliance not only lets you adjust the cooking time with just a few taps on your phone but the temperature, too – it can even turn the crockpot off. ”And September 2020

it looks good on the counter,” Vaughn says.

Cuisinart SmarTrack 12-Piece Food Storage Container Set Anyone who uses the “if it doesn’t smell bad it must be good” testing method to determine if a food is still edible will appreciate Cuisinart’s containers. You log-in food on the app, such as meat, vegetables and soups, put food in the container and you’ll receive alerts when its freshness is about to expire.

Range Digital Thermometer You’ll never have to try to read a food-splattered oven thermometer again if you have one of these gadgets. Just plug it into your phone to see temperature graphs and instant readouts of the food you’re

cooking or grilling. It also sends you sound alerts during the cooking process so you can stay on top of things when you’re busy doing something else.

GE Smart Microwave Forget about those “it’s still cold in the middle” dishes you put in the microwave. GE has a gadget that’ll fix all of that. Here’s how the smart microwave works: first, scan the barcode of the microwavable dish with your phone or tablet, second, put the food in the microwave and that’s all there is to it. The microwave adjusts the temperature and cooking time automatically. It’s also enabled with Alexa so you can verbally tell the gadget how you want your food heated. Just like that, it’s easy peasy. © CTW FEATURES

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Alfresco A.I.

OUTDOOR AUTOMATION YOU CAN ADD TO YOUR YARD AND EXTERIOR

BY ERIK J. MARTIN, CTW FEATURES

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mart home technology doesn’t have to be limited to the boundaries of your interior living space.

Today, you can automate tasks and easily control key security and entertainment features outdoors, too. This is thanks to the increasing availability of intelligent devices built to withstand the elements and managed by your smartphone and voice assistant.

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“As we unplug and spend more time outside, the outdoor living spaces around our homes increasingly become an extension of the indoors,” Brad Wardle, vice president of B-hyve Smart Home at Orbit in North Salt Lake, Utah, says. “The tools and technologies that define our inside spaces, like smart thermostats, aren’t all applicable outdoors. But companies are

responding to outdoor product demand and providing smart tech to accomplish tasks that require time and knowledge many may not have—allowing you to spend more time enjoying your property with better peace of mind.”

One such gadget that instantly springs to mind is a wired or wireless outdoor-rated smart September 2020

security camera that can be operated and viewed by your smartphone.

“A video doorbell adds a layer of safety, with or without a security system, and lets us see our kids and loved ones arrive and leave home safely, talk to a delivery person, and discourage thieves,” says Sean Miller, President of PointCentral, a subsidiary of Tysons, Virginiaheadquartered Alarm.com.

Smart outdoor lights, including pathway lights, wall-mounted fixtures, light strips, spotlights, and outdoor-rated bulbs have also illuminated the outdoor living experience for homeowners and boosted security by increasing visibility around a property.

“You can set smart outdoor lights to automatically turn on as you come home and pull up in your driveway. You can adjust your lights with your smartphone as you attend to yard work or enhance your home’s curb appeal,” explains Tim Rider of Signify, the Somerset, New Jersey-based maker of Philips Hue products.

“You can also customize the lighting ambiance to any occasion—whether you’re eating dinner on the deck or celebrating the holidays.”

Find it a hassle to water the lawn and garden? Install a smart sprinkler controller that you can easily program—taking the guesswork out of irrigation and cutting down on water bills.

“You can control in-ground sprinkler systems or even automate the outdoor faucets at your home. And many of today’s smart sprinkler controllers will automatically September 2020

shut off if rain is in the forecast,” notes Wardle. “It typically pays for itself in less than a year from water savings alone, and can be set up in as little as 10 minutes.”

Smart garage door openers make remotely opening and closing your car’s home with a mobile app a breeze, and a garage tilt sensor will ensure that your garage door is fully closed.

Smart pool alarms, meanwhile, can instantly alert you if a child or pet falls into the water.

“There are many different types of outdoor smart audio devices today, too, including waterresistant Bluetooth speakers, speakers disguised as landscape lighting, and in-ground subwoofers,” says Christopher Sterle, founder/CEO of Las Vegas-headquartered Acoustic Design Systems. “These systems can play the same music in your backyard that you’re playing in your kitchen so that you can enjoy the same cohesive sound throughout your party or gettogether.”

Brad LaRock, vice president of marketing for Alula, a security

solutions provider in St. Paul, Minnesota, says that many of the hyped “plug and play” devices are fairly easy to set up.

“But once you have multiple systems running, it layers on more complexity. For example, if your smart devices aren’t all on the same Wi-Fi network, or aren’t Z-wave enabled, they may not work together in a home automation system or work at all,” cautions LaRock.

“That’s why you might need to hire a professional who can make sure all your systems communicate and can be controlled via one phone app or voice assistant ecosystem.”

Millers adds that outdoor smart tech requires good Wi-Fi speed (2 to 5 Mbps per second upload for cameras and 20 Mbps download for streaming services), a strong local Wi-Fi network (preferably dual-band or a mesh network), and the use of robust WPA2 passwords to protect against infiltrators. © CTW FEATURES

Spaces Magazine

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