Plan of the Week – “Bungalow with basement to finish now or later!”

www.DrummondHousePlans.com - Plan # 3246-V1 A covered entry and porch invite you to explore this charming craftsman style bungalow. The entire main level is graced by 9' ceilings except for the entry…

Defining “Aging in Place”

More and more blogs are popping up to share information on the topic of "aging in place". I was lucky enough to receive a posting alert that helps to define aging in place to those who may not be…

Universal Design: 12 Tips for Designing Safe Bathrooms and Bedrooms

A friend of mine was talking about the experience of caring for her elderly mother and noted, "I never thought our family home (a two story cape, built in the early 1950s) could be so hazardous."…

Aging In Place Challenges: Low Vision and Impaired Hearing

There are many reasons that aging in place may be difficult for some, but if you plan well for normal age related changes you increase your likelihood of success significantly.  Here are some easy…

Common Universal Access Design Features

As a tail-end baby boomer, it is strange to anticipate my golden years. After all, I have a few years to go before I get there... Right? Still, now that the kids are moved out and the morning stretch…

What is Universal Access?

Our demographics are changing. According to Health Canada, at the start of this new century, Canada faces significant aging of its population as the proportion of seniors increases more rapidly than…

Retirees remake their homes to suit “aging in place”

Drawers are more accessible than overhead cabinets for storing dinnerware. The new catch phrase among homeowners is "aging in place." Instead of selling their homes and moving into retirement…

Buying a home: New or previously owned?

Brand-new homes have distinct advantages - and drawbacks. Find out what you need to know to make an informed decision Source: Tara Struyk of Investopedia.com Unless you have unlimited funds, buying a…

The Mudroom: Changing How the Home Functions

Source: "Kitchen Fresh" by Jan Rutgers When I first began my kitchen design career, the mudroom received no attention. In the early years as a supplier of cabinetry the only other rooms looked at…

Featured Collection: “Vacation & Cottage Designs”

Summer time and the living is easy! We hope you are all enjoying the lazy days of summer. Perhaps you are looking at finally building a getaway property or a dream 4-season vacation home or cottage…

OLEDs: The Light Idea

Source: Time Magazine -  Thomas K. Grose In the palm of my hand is a near paper-thin, rectangular glass tile with a mirror finish. It's wired to an electric switch. Flick it on and the glass…

The downsizer’s dilemma

As baby boomers age and the nests empty, many individuals look toward down-sizing or "right-sizing" to suit their needs. An article in today's Globe and Mail looks at the process several couples have…

Built Green Canada Helps Renovators Build Green

Source: Financial Post - Business Wire, July 21, 2010 Built Green Canada – which earlier this year expanded across Canada – has increased the options for green building practices by introducing a…

Plan of the Week – “Great Gazebo”

www.DrummondHousePlans.com - Plan # 2945A A fabulous family retreat with 1468 sq. ft., three bedrooms and two baths. Folks can gather in the family room, and flow into the dining/kitchen area, or…

Insulate your house – for comfort in all seasons!

It seems ironic to be in the middle of a heat wave and thinking insulation, but did you know that a well-insulated home will keep you more comfortable year round - and result in energy savings for…

Plan of the Week – “Wraparound veranda for summer fun!”

www.DrummondHousePlans.com - Plan # 6804 While away the summer days on your wraparound veranda! This home is a celebration of exterior and interior spaces. A generous covered entry transitions to a…

Bath Design: Aging Gracefully

A growing number of healthy, active couples nearing retirement are making smart plans for their future—and they have the blueprints to prove it. Savvy seniors and aging baby boomers are remodeling…

Summer Vacation Office Closure

To our Valued Customers:  In our experience, late July is a quiet time of year for house plan purchases. For this reason, we have a full closure of our head office to allow our staff to recharge…

Plan of the Week – “Sweeping Views!”

www.DrummondHousePlans.com - Plan #2939 Here is one of the most sought-after models by owners of view lots.  Ample windows and careful design ensure panoramic views from the kitchen, dining room and…

Know your risks! – Emergency Preparedness Tips

72 hours Earthquakes, landslides, wildfires, tornados, storm surges, floods - all of these have been in the news recently. Families have escaped with the clothes on their backs and little else. In a…