It’s a common concern for many families – how do we keep aging parents nearby while maintaining their privacy and independence? You can choose from several options, depending on property features, budget, and long-term plans. Fortunately, all these choices offer occupants comfortable living spaces. What’s your best option? John Christopher will help you discover it. A premier Orange County construction company, we’ve created many comfortable living spaces for aging parents, utilizing a unique blend of talent and experience to achieve excellent results across the board.
We offer three excellent options to homeowners, each tailored to your needs and goals. Is a room addition the way to go? John Christopher Construction can build a beauty. Or, we can construct a spacious ADU of approximately 500 beautifully crafted square feet. Or we can rework your home’s interior layout if that’s the best option.
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No matter what you decide, we handle every step in the process, from planning to installation to construction and cleanup. That’s because we’re a bona fide, full-service Orange County construction company, maintaining multiple teams of experts perfectly coordinated to maximize efficiency and customer satisfaction. Simply leave everything to us.
Option 1: Build a Room Addition
A room addition maintains a close connection to the main house, while giving parents a sense of personal space. But don’t think of this as a simple extension. John Christopher Construction will customize the room to match your vision, giving the living space a bedroom, private bathroom, sitting area, closet space, and in some cases a small kitchenette.
Now you might be thinking, why not just convert an existing bedroom into a comfy dwelling? Yes, it can be done. But you gain a unique advantage with a room addition from John Christopher Construction. You see, we incorporate accessibility and comfort into every plan from the very beginning. No need to force your existing bedroom to work when we provide a clean start. Always the best way to go.
For room additions, John Christopher Construction often recommends these features to homeowners:
- A bedroom large enough for comfortable mobility
- A walk-in or curbless shower
- Wider door openings
- Minimal or no steps
- Easy access to the main living areas
- Additional lighting
- Grab-bar backing inside bathroom walls
- Comfortable closet and storage space
- A private exterior entrance when appropriate
There’s nothing like a custom designed addition from John Christoher Construction to give parents both privacy and a sense of belonging.
Option 2: Build an Approximately 500-Square-Foot ADU
Option 2: Build an Approximately 500-Square-Foot ADUWhen sufficient space is available, an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is an ideal option. The big advantage over a room addition? Occupants typically enjoy an even greater sense of independence. Does 500 square feet sound small? It’ll be more than enough space with John Christopher Construction at the helm. That’s because we’ll custom craft a space-maximizing floor plan that creates an ambience of distinctly comfortable roominess.
The typical layout of our ADU homes include:
- One bedroom
- One bathroom
- Living area
- Small kitchen
- Laundry area
- Storage
- Private entrance
Ensconced in an ADU, parents enjoy their own home, as well as comfortable proximity to the main house just steps away. What better way to achieve the perfect balance between independence and family support? ADU occupants can maintain their own schedule, cook their own meals, and enjoy a private living space, all with family members conveniently nearby.
Our custom built ADUs often bring homeowners one other advantage – increased, long-term value. Potentially, the space can house another family member or guests, convert to a private office space, or provide various other uses (subject to local approval).
Option 3: Rework the Existing Interior Space
Now what if adding square footage to your property isn’t a good fit? Are you out of luck? Absolutely not. Often, an excellent alternative is right inside your home. You may, for instance, have an underused formal living room, downstairs bedroom, oversized family room, office, or other space that John Christopher Construction often can convert into a private living area. There are many options. Depending on your home’s layout, it’s possible to move certain walls, add or enlarge a bathroom, create more closet space, and relocate doorways to improve the functionality of existing spaces.
As an example, we potentially can convert a downstairs bedroom and bathroom into a private suite. And because we’re utilizing your home’s existing structure, this option often is less expensive than new construction. If you choose a conversion, you can be sure the renovated space will feel organically integrated rather than ‘squeezed in’ as an afterthought.
Designing for Aging in Place
Designing for Aging in PlaceWhatever option you choose, it’s important to look to the future. We therefore recommend creating spaces that support aging in place. This could mean constructing bathrooms to accommodate assistance (if ever needed), installing blocking for future grab bars, providing enhanced lighting, and creating wider pathways. Bear in mind, these details are more easily and less expensively added during initial construction than afterward.
Every Property Is Different
No single solution works for every family. One property may have sufficient room for a detached ADU. For another, a bedroom and bathroom addition is appropriate. Or maybe a re-arranged floor plan will do the trick. That’s why our first step is a preliminary evaluation that provides a clear understanding of your goals so we can pinpoint the most viable options.
Rest assured, our consultants will help you envision your property from both a design and construction standpoint. Working as a team, we’ll discuss possible layouts, construction costs, structural considerations, and the feasibility of all options before venturing too far into the design process.
Creating a Space That Works for the Whole Family
Creating a Space That Works for the Whole FamilyPlanning to bring an elderly parent close to home? The living arrangement must prioritize independence and peace of mind for all. Whether that means a room addition, a 500-square-foot ADU, or a redesign for part of your existing home, these options share one goal: the creation of a safe, comfortable, private space that functions flawlessly for many years. John Christopher Construction will deliver all that and more.
If you want the most comfortable and comforting living space for your parents, John Christopher Construction clearly is your premier partner. Drawing on a wealth of experience and construction know-how, we’ll help you explore the full range of possibilities and discover the option most suited to your home, property, and budget. Simply contact us, and we’ll get the process started without delay.
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