Options for Aging Parents: From ADUs to Assisted Living

As your parents age, they may need a little more help. This is always a delicate conversation, especially because some parents believe that if they're put in an assisted living facility you'll never visit them and will forget about them. Although it can be a sensitive subject, it's important to begin having a conversation about your parents' wishes and what you can afford as their child.

The sooner you can start talking about this topic, the better as it will help normalize the idea of them getting to a point where they may no longer be able to care for themselves independently of somebody else. Here are just a few of the solutions you may want to discuss as you look into different options for aging parents.


Are you or your parents willing to relocate?

One important factor to consider when chatting with your parents about the future is whether or not they're willing to relocate as they get older. If they are deadset on staying in the home they've raised you in, but are starting to need some help around the house, you may want to see about paying for a caregiver to come and check in every few days to help them out. That being said, if you or your parents are willing to relocate, there's a possibility that you could become that caregiver.

What should you know about assisted living facilities?

Although they get a bad rap, there are benefits of assisted living facilities. If you do your research and read up on reviews from current residents, you can avoid low-quality senior living facilities and find an assisted living facility that works well for your parents and other family members. This gives everyone peace of mind that your parents will have a level of independence even as you have the assurance that if they need help it will be close at hand.

Another benefit of moving your parents into an assisted living facility concerns specific medical conditions for older adults. Having nurses to keep track of medication or help your parents navigate any complications of their disease could be especially helpful as your parents get older. It's easy to find assisted living facilities in your parents' hometown or nearby other family members, too, whether you're looking for an assisted living facility in Boonton Township, NJ, Santa Fe, NM, or Louisville, KY.

Are you able to build an accessory dwelling unit?


If your parents are willing to move, it may be worth looking into building an accessory dwelling unit, or ADU, in your backyard. Sometimes you can even convert your garage into an ADU, letting you keep the same square feet in your main house and yard while having a place for your parents to live that's much closer to you than a senior living community. Garage conversions require special permits, so it's crucial that you find an expert in building ADUs, such as Levi Construction if you're serious about having your parents move onto your property.

One of the major benefits of using companies like Levi Construction, who specialize in helping others build an ADU in Los Angeles, is that they can navigate any local laws and regulations about ADUs while still delivering an excellent building with great amenities. If your parents aren't quite convinced, a firm like Levi Construction can even draw up digital blueprints and 3D walkthroughs that let them imagine what their life could be like living on your property. Offering a wide range of options, from detached and attached ADUs to internal ADUs and garage conversions, you're sure to find what you need when using a professional builder.

Choosing the Perfect Washing Machine Repair Technician

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A broken washing machine can lead to increased monthly costs as dry cleaning bills add up quickly.

Choosing the perfect washing machine repair technician may appear daunting at first, as countless types in all price points are readily available. However, this does not have to be a difficult process.

Highly professional and affordable washing machine technicians are available in all major North American cities.  Many offer other types of appliance repair as well.

Washing machine technicians are often available year round on weekdays and weekends, with extended business hours for emergencies.

Types of Washing Machines

Machine machines come in a variety of types.

• Front Loading – Front loading washing machines are perfect for smaller areas, as a dryer can easily be stacked on top. In addition, front loading machines consume less water and energy than top loading machines.
• Top Loading – Top loading washing machines most common and often less expensive to buy or repair. Their main benefit is ease of loading and unloading without having to crouch down.
• Portable (Compact)– Portable washing machines can only do very small loads at a time. However, their small size makes them perfect for dorm rooms or small apartments. They are easily transported and often come with a handle.
• Washer and Dryer Combo – Washer and dryer combos range from small and ultra-compact models to full size. Many of these combos are ventless, which means that they do not require an external venting connection to function. In addition, certain models are available with a variety of energy saving features, such as “delay start” and “sensor dry.”
• Integrated – Integrated washing machines, which are often hidden behind cabinet doors, are space saving and aesthetically pleasing. The standard dimensions are approximately 825 x 595 x 540 mm (H x W x D) or approximately 32.5 x 23.5 x 21.3 in inches (H x W x D).

Other types of washing machines include heavy-duty washers and stackable units.

Washing Machine Problems 

Although durable, washing machines may inevitably begin experiencing problems over the years. Common issues include:

• not turning on/no power
• not draining 
• leaking water
• not finishing the cycle
• making noise
• starting to smell
• not spinning
• not dispensing detergent
• shaking and moving
• washer door is locked/will not lock
• stuck on rinse/wash/spin
• has communication errors
• control panel not responding/broken
• mould build up
• lack of cold water
• leaving soap in clothing

Often these problems are related to the motor, lid switch, lid plunger, timer knob, drain hose, fill hose, drain pump, water-inlet valve, door seal, switches and settings, belts, drive spindles, transmission mode levers, foreign objects, and incorrect detergent.

Cost of Washing Machine Repair

The cost of washing machine repair varies and depends on several factors. These include geographical location, with larger cities often more expensive than smaller towns, distance of location from technician, make and model of washing machine, faulty component, and type of problem. In particular, the rarer the type of broken part, the more expensive the repairs will be.

Average repair cost in the United States ranges from approximately$50 USD for minimal repairs to $350 USD. One’s bill can increase for $400 USD for complex problems, such as repairing the washing machine’s motor or transmission.

Basic top loading washing machines are often the least expensive to repair, while new high efficiency loader washing machines are most expensive. Certain brands of front loading machines also tend to leak more than others. In contrast, some brands of top loading washing machines have problems with spinning.

A machine with a motor that stops working can cost approximately $95 to $250 USD.

If the motor is running with no agitation, the cost can be approximately $95 to $145 USD, while water leaks and problems with drainage can be approximately $120 to $225 USD.

A washing machine that vibrates will cost approximately $65 to $185 USD.
In Canada, rates are similar. Costs range from $50 to approximately$350 CAD. These costs often include labour, diagnosis, and replacement parts.

Choosing a Washing Machine Repair Technician

Business review sites are a great way to start searching for the perfect machine repair technician. Examples include Yelp and the Better Business Bureau (BBB), which offer customers ratings of various technicians in all major North American cities.

Another way to find a great washing machine repair technician is to ask friends, coworkers, and neighbours for recommendations.

In addition, customers are encouraged to look at company websites and compare brands, types, and prices. Many of these website also offer customer testimonials as well.

Ways to Bring Luxurious Travel to Your Home

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It is hard for most people to deny a luxurious vacation, whether it is to a beach in Aruba or a ski lodge in Switzerland. However, living in 2020, it is hard to know if these luxurious vacations will be able to be achieved with the infamous COVID-19 virus and travel restrictions guarding everyone away from the vacation of their dreams.

Even if travel restrictions get lifted in time to go on vacation, a luxurious vacation is not always the easiest thing to afford. If you are unable to go on a luxurious vacation but still want to experience one, the following are plenty of ways you bring a luxurious vacation right to your home.

Get a Bed That Fits the Part

One of the best parts of going on a luxurious vacation is the feeling of sleeping in the beds that feel like a cloud. If you do not want to miss out on this part of a luxurious vacation, get a mattress that provides the best support for you to be able to sleep like a baby. You will want to be able to sleep long hours and wake up feeling refreshed, so do not be afraid to invest a little in this part.

Once you have your dream bed, if you really want the full hotel resort experience, get white silk sheets to put on your bed. You can even go the extra mile and order white silk robes to wear, just like the one's hotels provide for you. If your room fits the luxurious travel feeling, it will make your staycation experience infinitely better.

Plan Out Fancy Meals

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Another major perk of going on vacation, whether the vacation is fancy or not, is the ability to try new food in new places. If you are a foodie and thrive on traveling for food, do not fear, because you can quickly bring new food right to your home. If you find yourself talented in the kitchen, plan out new recipes to try ahead of time and stock up on ingredients before you start your staycation.

A trip to your local grocery store is not always the most luxurious experience, so try to get everything you need before in order to avoid ruining the feeling of your fancy staycation. If you are not as food-savvy, you can utilize websites that send you every ingredient you need in recipes you handpick, or you can try new restaurants in your town that you have never gone to.

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Let People Help You Out

Going on vacations in resorts is a stress-free area, and not having to clean your own room probably helps relieve that stress. If you are too worried about vacuuming every day and cleaning every surface three times a week, you might have a harder time relaxing on your staycation. Before the week starts, you can personally deep clean the house or hire a local housekeeping service to clean your home while you finish things up at work.

Having someone else do it for you often relieves a lot of stress, and you will most likely be able to go longer without going crazy about cleaning if you know your house was just professionally cleaned. You can also hire a landscaping company to professionally cut your grass and get rid of weeds outside to make you feel happy about how your home looks while you are trying to get the most out of your staycation.

Explore Your Town

Adding on to the list of vacation perks is the ability to explore a new town. If you are staying at home, you might be sad that you will not be able to roam a new city; however, you might be surprised at what you can find in your own hometown. Walk around as you have never seen the streets in your life, and take a chance on those stores you have never stepped into. This part is all about your attitude, and if you want to reach your adventurous side, let yourself explore new parts of town.

You can also go to a new park, go on a hike on a new trail, or ask friends and family what their favorite thing to do is. There are always plenty of new things and activities to try; you might just need a little luxurious staycation to find these things.

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Forget About Work and School

Along with worrying about having a clean house, work and school are more things that only cause you to worry more. If you want the full vacation experience at home, take time off work, school, and other daily responsibilities you would have to leave behind if you were leaving the area. You can respond to emails and calls if you have to, but do not let work take over your life when you are supposed to be on "vacation." Turn off the computer and allow yourself to take a step away from working consistently.

This can also allow you to feel refreshed when you inevitably have to go back to your normal daily life, as you were able to have a quick break from it. You should also be able to quit worrying about time and let yourself completely relax. If you are caught up in your head, you will not be able to feel that luxurious vacation feeling.

How to Create a Light and Bright Kitchen in Your Home

The kitchen is, for many families and households, the heart of the home. In many dwellings the kitchen doubles as a dining space. That means it's not only the area where you prepare life-sustaining meals, but it's also the area wherein you entertain, catch up with family, and break bread. Thus, it's important that you invest in your kitchen and make it a light, bright, friendly space for you and everyone else in your household to enjoy. If you want to know how to remodel your kitchen to make it light and bright, keep reading for some great tips.

Consult the professionals to lay out the basics of your kitchen.


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If you really want to remodel your kitchen the right way, you should consult the advice of a professional in the kitchen design field. Looking up those who specialize in kitchen remodeling in Denver will help you find someone local who will be just as invested in your new kitchen as you are. A Denver kitchen remodeling team will not only bring professionalism in the world of kitchen design and interior design but they will also understand the unique needs of those who live in the Mile High City with regards to altitude. The kitchen remodeling team will also understand exactly how to design your kitchen in a way that suits you, so you know you won't just be choosing a one-size-fits-all sample kitchen off a showroom floor.

Choose finishes that will lighten up your kitchen space.

Even if you yourself are not an interior designer, you can work with your chosen contractors to select kitchen cabinets that are in a color that will lighten up your whole space, such as a light pine or birch, or even a wood treated with a white finish. The contractors will also walk you through choosing a countertop finish that will give your kitchen renovation a bright, sleek feel. Choose finishes that will reflect the natural daylight in your kitchen, or even consider adding a mirror or two to create even more of that reflection. You can even break up a dark wood floor with a brightly-colored kitchen island that doubles as additional prep space or an area for a small group to dine together.

Use natural light to your advantage.

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Throughout your kitchen, taking advantage of your existing natural light will help make your kitchen into your dream kitchen. Sunlight is the kind of light that is actually incredibly important to your mental health and can help aid seasonal affective disorder. In addition to the health benefits, sunlight will make the entirety of your kitchen look larger and brighter, and thus, more welcoming for both you and your guests. Even if you only have one window, you can complement the natural light with mirrors and with sheer or no curtains that allow the maximum amount of light into your kitchen remodel project.

Make sure key areas are well-lit.

Sunlight and light, in general, is incredibly important in the kitchen, not only because it helps your kitchen appear lighter and larger, but also because it helps illuminate key areas in your kitchen for safety. If you have children or live with someone with a disability, this is especially important, as there are sharp knives, hot stoves, and dangerous kitchen appliances that can be harmful if not handled in daylight or under fluorescent lights. To aid this issue, make sure you install full spectrum lighting in your kitchen, paying special attention to install lamps under cabinetry where one may handle knives and above the stove where heat elements can rise to dangerously high temperatures.

Historic Brick Exteriors: To Paint Or Not to Paint

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The paint job of a historic home is one of the key components that characterize the elegant antiquity of the residence. The painting of brick exteriors is even more unique, as brick has a particular charm when it comes to home design. Whether you are aiming to renovate your home to achieve a specific aesthetic or to simply add another layer of protection to the bricks encompassing your house, you might consider a new coat of paint.

The wear and tear due to constant exposure to elements, such as heavy rain, may cause the brick exterior to appear worn and damaged, even early on its lifespan. (This might be something you, as a homeowner in Boston, are familiar with.) Painting the brick may be one of the first options you consider to resolve this matter; however, there are many factors to take into account. To assist you in deciding whether you should paint the brick exterior of your home, here are a few points to consider, and the possible benefits and disadvantages of each.

What to Consider Before You Decide to Paint Brick

First, understand that brick is often chosen as a building material due to its natural, beautiful coloring and its exceptional durability. Generally, brick is not a material that is intended to be painted. However, if you decide to go this route, you should know that caring for the painted surface requires a long-term, detailed maintenance plan. The Brick Industry Association suggests replacing paint on brick exteriors every 3-5-years.

The quality of your brick exterior should directly influence your decision to paint it as well. For example, brick that is suffering from chipping, molding, or is otherwise deteriorating should not be considered for painting. Instead, surfaces in this condition should be repaired or otherwise cared for before painting ever becomes an option.

You must also understand how the paint will affect the physical and structural integrity of the brick exterior. When you add a coat of paint onto exterior brick, the pores become filled and blocked, which can exacerbate existing issues with the brick. This is a big problem because it forces water to seep into the mortar, and from there, into the brick. With much of the surface area blocked off due to the paint layer, the moisture is then trapped, unable to evaporate from the brick. This holding of moisture is normally what leads to the paint chipping off.

Lastly, consider the effort it will take to remove the paint from the brick if you ever decide that you no longer wish to maintain that aesthetic. Removing paint from brick is a painstaking task, one that requires several hours, or even days, to complete. You cannot merely sandblast or power-wash the surface. Instead, it would be best if you used a paint-stripping solution. Removing paint from brick must only be done with expert help to avoid damaging the brick’s surface with the chemicals comprising the solution. 

Disadvantages of Painting the Brick Exterior of Your Home

Truthfully, there are not many disadvantages to painting the brick exterior of your home. The disadvantages primarily concern the requirement of more frequent quality checks for your home, not necessarily a significantly increased workload as far as home maintenance.  Keep these things in mind as you consider painting your brick exterior:

• You cannot go back to a bare brick exterior. Once you have committed to painting brick, there is no going back. The moment you apply a new coat of paint on a brick exterior, you must always replenish that paint for the remainder of the home’s lifetime to maintain the structural integrity and quality of the brick. 
• You will need to clean the exterior of your home more often. This is a double-edged sword because painted brick is easier to clean. However, dirt and other buildup show up much more clearly. This may mean you have to clean more often, so your home does not become covered in dirt, debris, and mildew over time. 

That said, you can always find a high-quality, affordable company to take care of maintaining your painted brick surfaces.

The Advantages of Painting Your Home’s Brick Exterior

Though there are a few minor drawbacks to painting the brick exterior of your home, the benefits far outweigh any potential negative consequences. For some, painting a home’s exterior is one way of customizing the building and owning its aesthetic. This is especially important in historic homes since you must maintain its integrity over time without allowing the exterior to become dull and drab.
When you decide to paint your brick exterior, the benefits include:

• The exterior will be better protected from the elements. As long as you maintain a regular maintenance schedule that includes the replacement of aging coats of paint and regular cleaning, a coat of paint will improve its resistance to the elements. This is because it acts as a sealant, defending against the effects of seasonal changes. 
• Your home’s curb appeal will be significantly improved. Whether you intend for your home to be yours forever, or you eventually wish to sell it, the curb appeal and value of your home can be enhanced by adding a layer of paint. (This is especially true for dark colors such as slate gray, or sharp, modern colors like white.)

Once you decide to move forward with painting the brick exterior of your historic home, the best option for exterior house painting in Boston is Catchlight Painting. Whether you need a new coat added, or an old coat stripped for renovation, you can depend on Catchlight’s 25+ years of experience restoring and painting many of the Boston area’s historic homes.