Who do I ask for help?

[Steve IA]

My wife and I are around 70 , active and in fairly good health w/ good mobility, so far. We live in a rural setting in a 35 yo 1 ｽ story 3 br with the master suite in the loft. Wife's sewing/quilting crafts take ｽ of the walkout basement level. The house is warm and dry with no major defects. The foundation has done some settling the last few years. House has some crooked walls and cracks. We had the 3 sub-grade walls anchored 2 years ago to stabilize buldgeing. New septic system installed when walls repaired. The problem you ask? If something were to happen to one of us and we'd lose mobility, this house is not geezer friendly. Too many stairs and too narrow doorways.
1st option. Extensive remodel with possible footing repair and additional rooms on main floor for 1 floor living. This would mean new master br, larger bath, expansive craft room, possibly expanded kitchen. This is a major undertaking and would require much disruption over months and months, something neither of us want to live with. If not planned and done correctly, we could end up with major renovation and still not be able to live in it as we age. I don't know if this house is worth pouring money into.
2nd option. Move. We don't want to live in town/city. We moved rural 25 years ago and enjoy our seclusion, peace and quiet. The deer and turkey wandering through the yard don't hurt the ambience either. Settings this good are few and far between in this neck of the woods.
3rd option. Set a manufactured house on this site (25 timbered acres) and then tear down this house rather than try to fix it up. Haven't priced such, but suspect we could do this for about the same price as a major overhaul of this house.
Although money is always an issue, this is something we can manage regardless of our choice.

I'm looking for a local expert to look at our situation and help us see the advantages/disadvantages of these choices, as well as possibly offering other suggestions. Who do I call? Contractor? Realtor? Architect? All the above? Any suggestions you may want to offer will be appreciated.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Hard to say without knowing a lot more. But first thing that comes to my mind if you would be happy with a manufactured home, is there anyway that you would consider renting out what you have and put your new house in a different place on your property? This may be out of the question, I don't have any idea, just a suggestion. Further down the road, you may need a caregiver and the 2nd house could be for their family. If not, always nice to have a little additional income.

Just a few thoughts. Good luck.

 

[BKBrown]

You might also want to check local zoning laws to see what would be required to put a 2nd house on your property ??? It may be possible that a zoning and building inspector could give you some recommendations.
I like the idea of putting a newer and more "geezer friendly" house on the property if you can get approval.
Remember to make everything wheelchair friendly - all 3' + walkways and 3'0" doors.

 

[turnkey4099]

Hard to say without knowing a lot more. But first thing that comes to my mind if you would be happy with a manufactured home, is there anyway that you would consider renting out what you have and put your new house in a different place on your property? This may be out of the question, I don't have any idea, just a suggestion. Further down the road, you may need a caregiver and the 2nd house could be for their family. If not, always nice to have a little additional income.

Just a few thoughts. Good luck.

I had to 'user friendly' this house when my wife became disabled. Small one floor with basement. Put up rails and hand grabs every place I could. There was nothing that could be done for the doors. All 40s type, 26 and 28". Did put on a 30x18 addition with a 6' patio door and a 3' entry. At least they could get a gurney in and out through the patio. Put her hospital bed in the living room which left the need for an escort to help get her in/out of the bathroom. No way to get one of those power chairs in there.

Bottom line. For anyone building new or looking to buy a house, don't do it without WIDE doors and hallways.

Harry K

 

[MikeInEburg]

Architect would be your best value

 

[Ed of all trades]

Not the expert for sure but we are thinking along the same lines. We care for a handicapped family member and we are not getting any younger. Wanting to get a place more suited to our needs. Different problems but same idea. Doesn't sound like your house is going to be easy to convert to your needs. I like the idea of building a new home and renting your present home. If you can keep it rented it might pay for the new home.

 

[2458n]

You are good to start planning now. Most people put it off and deal with it when something happens and end up in a nursing home which eats up everything. With 25 acres you should be able to locate another house on the property. You can check into this next week by going to your local zoning department. Being a landlord is a real pain in the butt. If you are not cut out for this maybe selling off 5 acres would work. Zoning would be able to answer this question for you as well. Our local rules end up with a septic tank costing 25,000. A drive and foundation,plus well add additional dollars. Talk to someone who has done what you are considering doing and ask some questions. You and your wife both need to take health into account. My uncle built a nice home in Colorado,backed up to a national forest. !.5 miles off the grid and they enjoyed life there for 10 years. He died and she had to sell and move shortly. Good luck,at least you have time.

 

[dave1949]

It might be difficult to find a manufactured home that is truly ADA compliant and geezer friendly. I really don't know. Doors, hallways, correct bathroom layout and fixtures, easy access to an attached garage and to the outside without steps. You definitely want something that is easy living and low maintenance.

One question; are your current foundation issues due to improper building and design, or is your building site at fault such as poor bearing soils or drainage? If it is a marginal site, then building again is either marginal or extra expense. If that is not known, it would be good to have a contractor explain why and what can reasonably be done at what cost.

Would you consider building a new home, move into that, have done what is needed to the current house to put it on the market as a separate house and lot? A Realtor would be useful to explore that idea.

If you add-on to and remodel the current house, an architect can bring a lot to the table. They may help you decide on the keep it or replace it question too.

I think all in all, you need to gather information about all the options before you can make a choice. It sounds like you know that.

 

[HEC]

My good friends and neighbor sold their house as they couldn't keep it up anymore . He is 71 and in fairly good health also but made the move while he was still able . They bought a one level ranch in Florida and seem happy so far . They haven't spent a summer there yet though and have neighbors very close which they didn't have here in Maine. My wife and I are in the same the boat and not sure what to do either . Our nice 25 yr. home is on 100 beautiful acres , at least we think so anyways. We are out in the country and away from everything which isn't the best scenario anymore .

I guess the best idea is to do things while we still can , it is so difficult to leave a place you love so much . I wish you the best in what ever you decide to do . Keep us informed as it may help some of the rest of us .

 

[SIMassey]

My wife and I are around 70 , active and in fairly good health w/ good mobility, so far. We live in a rural setting in a 35 yo 1 ｽ story 3 br with the master suite in the loft. Wife's sewing/quilting crafts take ｽ of the walkout basement level. The house is warm and dry with no major defects. The foundation has done some settling the last few years. House has some crooked walls and cracks. We had the 3 sub-grade walls anchored 2 years ago to stabilize buldgeing. New septic system installed when walls repaired. The problem you ask? If something were to happen to one of us and we'd lose mobility, this house is not geezer friendly. Too many stairs and too narrow doorways.
1st option. Extensive remodel with possible footing repair and additional rooms on main floor for 1 floor living. This would mean new master br, larger bath, expansive craft room, possibly expanded kitchen. This is a major undertaking and would require much disruption over months and months, something neither of us want to live with. If not planned and done correctly, we could end up with major renovation and still not be able to live in it as we age. I don't know if this house is worth pouring money into.
2nd option. Move. We don't want to live in town/city. We moved rural 25 years ago and enjoy our seclusion, peace and quiet. The deer and turkey wandering through the yard don't hurt the ambience either. Settings this good are few and far between in this neck of the woods.
3rd option. Set a manufactured house on this site (25 timbered acres) and then tear down this house rather than try to fix it up. Haven't priced such, but suspect we could do this for about the same price as a major overhaul of this house.
Although money is always an issue, this is something we can manage regardless of our choice.

I'm looking for a local expert to look at our situation and help us see the advantages/disadvantages of these choices, as well as possibly offering other suggestions. Who do I call? Contractor? Realtor? Architect? All the above? Any suggestions you may want to offer will be appreciated.

We are in our early sixties and looking at retiring in about a year and a half. Living on the big city in a two story. Looking to build a one story with walkout in northern Clarke county. Wife had a knee replacement two years ago and sent her to a rehab center after being released from the hospital. Told them I didn't want her home until the physical therapists could be satisfied she could go up and down 13 stairs without help. That was the eye opener. We have plans to build the new home with ADA regulations in mind. Everything on one floor, doorways ground level with no stairs. Room in the garage for ramp to house floor level.

The suggestion to build new and rent the other has some merit. Clarke county is still fairly lenient on zoning restrictions. I found that out seven years ago when I built a polebarn on the acreage. It seemed like if they felt you were following all the rules, they didn't bother you with the little things.

 

[ZAR2USA]

I say make the decision now while everyone is still mobile, and buy a modular home with no stairs, $30'000 for 1'000 square feet, $60'000 for 2'000 sq ft.

Additional $20'000 to have a concrete footer with stem walls and rebar, and have it set and anchored on it. Price includes all that.

Another $5'000-$7'500 for electrical and plumbing/sewer connection if right next to the house.

It's hard to size down room wise and with belongings, but it takes a huge burden off your shoulders, and you literally feel lighter and can breath easier.

Every year I do shop/storage/garage cleanings and I get rid of some stuff and every few years I do a major in depth thorough cleanup and get rid of all the other stuff I kept during my annual cleanings.

I too have reached the point of downsizing twice over the years. It's a beautiful thing.

 

[ZAR2USA]

Search for modular home dealers in your area.

They will do all the paperwork for you.

Zoning, County, Health Dept, Utilities, Transportation, Grading, Contractors and Financing. It's a one stop shop.

Simplify your life at this age.

 

[sailorman]

Be sure to look into what any new structure might do to your property tax .

 

[SIMassey]

You also need to consider your safety. We have had some close calls with tornados in the area.

 

[Richard]

If you bought & placed a manufactured home, could you put it a bit away from your current home....KEEP the current home and rent it out?

The extra income might be nice.

 

[Steve IA]

Thanks for all the replies and support. Wife and I talked again and think I'll contact an architect and a local builder that I trust, explain the situation to each and see what services they offer knowing each has his own agenda. Adding a separate dwelling on this property has its appeal, but putting neighbors that close doesn't. Setting a modular seems like the quickest and easiest. May to window shopping soon. It's actually 2 parcels, 20 ac. timber and 4.7 the house sits on so it would be easy to split and sell. I understand that local zoning is quite liberal. Another bit I forgot to mention. Wife talks of moving to warmer climate. Maybe, I say, but I'm trustee and P.O.A. and closest support for my 98 yo mother who is in memory care unit locally and I can't leave area right now. That doesn't mean we can't look elsewhere now, though. (thinking aloud). I've been devoiding myself of stuff the last few years, but wife seems to bring stuff in to fill the holes created. AAARGH!
It will keep you posted as things develop (or fail to). Thanks again.
Steve

 

[chuck172]

Very similar problem here Steve. I have too many stairs. Getting older now and both my wife and I have bad knees. I don't really want the hassle of moving. Do you think an architect with ideas might help me? Are they expensive?

 

[dmccarty]

Remember there is a difference between a modular and mobile home. You can certainly get a modular home with wide doors and open spaces. The modules in our area are 14 feet wide which means that most designs have a bedroom or other smaller rooms with 13ish feet in one dimension. You can have a room that spans more than one module which is usually done for the living room. In NC, depending on road access, 16 foot wide modules are allowed which helps the room size a bit. The rooms can be to your design as long as it fits in the module or spans modules.

Look for a modular home builder in your area and got look at their models. There is a company an hour or so away from us that has at least 20 models on site.

We spent some serious time looking at modular homes but in the end went stick built for a variety of reasons. Take a look at modular homes since it will give you other options.

Later,
Dan

 

[Steve IA]

I called an architect this morning and ask if he was the one to evaluate the current foundation to determine if it was sound. He said he could ($150/hr) but I'd probably get just as good advice for free from a contractor specializing in foundation and slab repair. I have a guy coming Friday for a look-see and estimate. If this house is sound, or can be made that way reasonably, we're leaning on doing that and adding on to the back for craft room, master br and bath/utility room. I'll let you know when I know more.
Steve

 

[Capricious]

Well, I can only speak to what I would do in that situation (at 56 I am not THAT far away from it).

For the time being I would not do anything, other than making sure the existing house/foundation are stable.

We own rural land, and while I would not mind living there "some day" and the wife might tolerate that, if I departed the scene the first
thing she would do is move back to town. I know that you said that you both like the rural setting, but when driving becomes difficult (or
impossible) there may not be any choice but to go to a more urban setting.

We also have a desire to move somewhere warmer, and that possibility is another complicating factor.

If it were me, for the time being I would save my money, count my blessings, enjoy life as it is.

The 20 acres next to one of my parcels was someone's retirement place. Chickens, roosters, tractors & dogs. The couple bought the place in 2003, while I bought the adjacent parcel in 2004. I only talked to the guy once (for many years I rarely went there) but a little internet checking told me he was a retired fireman, and that he 'hung-out" a lot on a couple of the "homesteader" forums.

Last summer, after not going there for about 8 months, I noticed the chickens & roosters & dogs were gone, and the place was listed for sale. I don't know what happened, but apparently someone's "homestead dream" had come to an end.

I look at the ever increasing number of candles on my birthday cake, and I think about these things.

Anyway, I would do nothing until I knew just exactly what I was facing.