by Chuck Oakes
Welcome to the world of the homeowner! Perhaps you are fortunate to build your new place, or like most people, have moved into an older place. Either way, you might explore ways, gadgets, gizmos, and devices to enhance the quality of life in your new space.
Two words of wisdom came from my real estate agent: “Think resale!” Although it’s natural to enjoy the moment and your achievement, it’s best to think long-term, when it comes to real estate. If you make any modifications or renovations in your home, try to avoid major changes that might not be appreciated by the next owner.
Let’s start with matters of safety and security for your new place. Regardless of where you live, you want to begin by securing your home by doing a basic home evaluation to include the following:
- Fire, smoke, and radon prevention and detection (affordable extinguishers and detectors)
- Locks
- Visual accessibility from outside (can would-be burglars see into your home without your knowledge? Assess your outside landscaping with security in mind.)
Keyless locks can be handy. Also, the combinations can be changed periodically for security purposes. It also might be advisable to ask a trusted neighbor to have your keys or the combination to your locks for emergency access to your home.
Lighting
Although lighting plays an important part in the safety and security in a home, it can also create just the right ambiance for special moods and events.
Important considerations include:
- Emergency lighting in event of power failure
- Entryway lighting
- Motion-detector lights for safety, security, and convenience inside and outside
- Whole-house lighting control systems (see Sights below)
Sensory Supported Spaces
Recognizing and celebrating the fact that we, as sensory beings, are stimulated and influenced greatly by our surroundings through our various senses, it makes good sense to acknowledge what other societies have known for generations–that our environment can affect our health, behavior, attitude, and well-being. Let’s begin our journey into the realm of enhancement by looking at the following senses and how we might incorporate them into our new abode.
Scents Make Sense
For centuries, civilizations have used aromas to enhance productivity, wellness, and health. The Greeks used aromas in the sails of their ships and in the mortar of their homes to enhance their quality of life. When you next walk into your local mall, you will notice the affect that aromas have on you. They are everywhere, from the cinnamon rolls, leather items, fragrance counters, and so forth.
There are essentially two considerations for aromas:
- Air quality
- Air enhancement
Leyden House has manufactured a variety of units that address both quality and enhancement. They release micro-particles of essential oils that are safe and anti-microbial. Besides creating a fresh, natural aroma, the floating particles adhere to dust mites and other smaller particles in our environment. The essential oil is released only when the circulating fan goes on. The company has various blends, some strongly anti-microbial, but with a pleasing scent. Other blends are relaxing, stimulating, romantic, or contribute to respiratory health. These essential oil diffusers have proven themselves safe and effective in hospitals and assisted living institutions, as well as private residences. The company also develops and sells custom blends of essential oils for specific needs. Upcoming for the future is a whole-house unit. Retail prices begin at $80.00 for a room model.
As for air quality and purification, there are several methods of cleaning the air, including the following:
- Ozone use
- HEPA filtration
- Ionization
- Carbon filters
- Germicidal Ultraviolet light (UV)
Each approach has its pros and cons. For instance, HEPA filters are great and are used by many hospitals for removing airborne particles; however the filters can be costly. Using ozone to clean pools and the air without chemicals can be effective, but as with chemicals, using ozone can be harmful if not managed properly. The Surround Air Purifier-Ionizer line of products combines all of the features and methods listed above. The XJ 3000 shown retails for $179.00 and is great for a large room. I particularly like the fact that the combination of techniques are used with some flexibility
Sights (automated lighting)
Automated lighting systems are one of the smartest items that should be included in every home. Automated lighting systems can reduce crime (and perhaps your insurance premiums), reduce the chance of falls and injuries, and also add some nice control of the atmosphere and ambiance of a room setting. As for cost, they start around $60 at the local home improvement retailer, and the price goes up depending upon complexity of capabilities and whether or not you have to install the units into the walls. If you have the luxury of designing home automation while building your home, great; if not, automated lighting might have to be limited to tabletop systems.
Sounds (and Sights)
When you think about home enhancements of your audio/entertainment system, consider the following:
- Before investing in a new or upgraded home entertainment system, think carefully on the reason for upgrading. Design the system to satisfy your anticipated needs and requirements. Take time to carefully plan. Again, think resale!
- Ceiling speakers are round to blend with round ceiling lights.
- In-wall speakers are usually rectangular to blend into the angles of the walls.
- Install speakers throughout the house, if possible with control units (or volume control) in each room.
- Televisions should not be above the fireplace, which is not only too high, but might become too hot.
- Bathroom speakers can be handy.
House automation systems can be costly, but really handy for all ages and abilities; however, they are usually not for the first-time home buyer.
For Some Fun
After you do what’s right, safe, and secure for your family and future owners, you might want to consider indulging yourself with an awesome product that truly is unique and fun. Lopi gas fireplaces not only heat your place, but also provide some really cool features, such as aromatherapy and a disappearing feature that hides the fireplace with a one-way mirror when not in use.
For more information, try these:
Chuck Oakes is a published photographer and author. He is also a speaker and consultant. His concept of “Sensory Supported Spaces” is the focus of his latest book, Making Your Home Senior-Friendly. For more information, visit www.chuckoakes.com or call 860-644-1128.