Universal Design- Do You Want It?

The building and remodeling industry is making a big push for Universal Design for residential construction.  Universal Design is not "handicapped accessible" design. It is design to be accomdating for everyone and incorporates a more attractive design style. Then National Assocation of Home Builders and the MetLife Mature Market Institute surveyed mature homeowners and renters about what features they prefer.

Builders responded to the survery as well, citing lever-handles, wider doors and hallways, full bath on entry level floors, to be priority items.  However, homeowners valued non-slip floors, larger storage, lower cabinets, and emergency call buttons.

Sandra Timmermann, director of MetLife Mature Market Institute, says that, "The data suggests that builders will have to be more tuned in to consumer needs, but potential buyers may be somewhat shortsighted as well."

We think that homeowners and builders alike need to be aware of their options, how it will affect their design, and budget, and listen to the needs being put out there.  A full bath on the entry level is not just in case an elderly person needs it- your child  may break a leg and getting her/him upstairs may be a challenge.  Grab bars in showers do not have to look instiutional.  Grab bars are great for women shaving, for children showering, and also for people as they get older.  Kohler makes traditional, contemporary, and faucet-matching grab bars.

If you have any questions on design or how to make your bathrooms and kitchens more functional, don't hesitate to call!

Busy Busy!

We have so much going on at Snow and Jones right now!  It's hard to keep up with all the great events going on.

We just attended the New England Design Hall of Fame at the State Room and watched some amazing individuals get inducted.  As a sponsor of this event, we get to bring a table of clients and had a lovely evening with them.  Check out our Facebook page to see more pictures of the event.

On the same night, the National Assocation of the Remodeling Industry honored their members with the Contractor of the Year Awards.  Members entered their best projects and were awarded Silver and Gold Awards based on the quality of their work.  Congratulations to Snow and Jones Customers:

Thorson Restoration- Gold Award for  Residential Addition Under $200,000

Cregg Sweeney LLC- Gold Award for Residential Interiors

Capizzi Home Improvement- Gold Award for Entire Home $500,0001+

Peterson Builders- Customer Service Award

We are thrilled to see so many of our customers creating award winning projects.

We are also gearing up to host a networking meeting of the South Shore Young Professionals on Wednesday November 18 at 5:30 in our showroom at 85 Accord Park Dr. Norwell.  This is a great opportunity to meet people living and working on the South Shore, and to grow your business network.
Register for the event at http://www.southshoreyoungprofessionals.com/.

New displays are going in our showrooms every day!  Make sure to stop by and see what's changing.

We are also gearing up for our Fourth Annual Canned Food Drive to Benefit the Harwich Family Pantry.  Starting December 1, $5.00 or 5 cans gets you a Snow and Jones sweatshirt AND your money goes to the Harwich Family Pantry.  It's our favorite event of the year as we typically donate 3-4 pallets of food.  This year people need us more than ever.


What's going on with your business?