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Perhaps thanks to a struggling economy and an unpredictable stock market that has resulted in manyretirement nest eggs being decimated,more and more adult children are welcoming their aging parents into their homes. Such living situations have led to a growth in in-law suites.In fact, in 2010 the National Association of Home Builders found that 62 percent of builders surveyed were working on home modifications related to aging.
In-law suites are often created byconverting a room in the house, suchas the basement or even a garage, into a livable suite. Such suites can benefit elderly relatives who might have been dealt an unforeseen financial blow.But in-law suites can also benefit younger homeowners who want to see their parents more. In addition, when older men and women move in with their adult children, they can provide some necessary relief from the esca -lating cost of daycare.
But before building an in-law suite in their home, homeowners might want to heed the following tips.
• Be certain it is legal. Making changes to your home may require a permit, particularly if your in-law suite will be an entirely new addition to your property and not just a strict room remodel. Contact your local zon -ing board to ensure the project is within your rights as a homeowner.
• Consider the health of your in-laws when making plans. Many in-lawsuites are occupied by aging relatives who might not be able to get up and down stairs as easily as they used to.That makes accessibility of the suite a top priority. Typically, it’s best to locate in-law suites on the first floor, so rela -tives won’t find it difficult to get in and out of the suite.
• Don’t overlook privacy. Just because your parents or in-laws will be moving in doesn’t mean they don’t
Things to consider when building an
in-law suitestill value their privacy. Chances areyour relatives will initially feel asthough they are invading your spaceand your privacy, so be sure the suiteaffords adequate privacy to all mem -bers of the household. It might be bestto build the suite so it has its own separate entrance from the rest of thehome. The suite should also have its own full bathroom and, if possible, itsown kitchen area so your in-laws cancook for themselves and entertaintheir own guests without feeling like aburden. A second kitchen is alsosomething to discuss with a zoningboard, as some locales prohibit havingtwo complete kitchens in a single resi - dence.
• Tailor certain amenities to the elderly. If your in-laws are older,install certain amenities, such as grab bars in the shower and bathroom,during the initial construction so you won’t have to make changes down theroad. Install easy-open drawers andmake sure the suite has ample light - ing.
• Remember to install safety fea -tures. Safety features like fire, smokeand carbon monoxide detectors are a necessity. Make sure the alarms oneach of these detectors are loudenough so elderly men and women who have hearing loss can hear themwithout issue. Make sure all walkwaysleading to the in-law suite havemotion detecting lamps at night to reduce risk of falling. Also, if the suite will be a separate building from yourhouse, such as a converted pool houseor detached garage, install an inter -com system that connects with the main house so your relatives can eas -ily reach you in case of emergency.
In-law suites are becoming more popular as a greater number of older adults are moving in with their adult children. Such suites can bring fami -lies closer together and prove bene -ficial for all parties involved.
Many seniors are moving in with their adult children to help care forgrandkids and provide some relief from a sagging economy.
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When septic systems are working properly, homeowners seldom give them any thought.However, if there is a problem with a septic system, things can get messy and expensive very quickly. The key to keeping sep -tic systems running smoothly is prevention.
Septic systems are installed in homes that do not havedirect access to municipal sewer lines. Septic systems are typically found in rural homes or in towns that may not havethe resources for extensive sewer piping.
While a properly designed septic system can be trouble-free, maintenance is still essen -tial. Because septic systems tend to be out of sight and out of mind, homeowners can for -get about them. But ignoring your septic system can cause problems in the future.
How does aseptic system work?Most septic systems have
two main components: where the waste enters from the house and breaks down and a filtering system where the waste water exits into the ground. Waste travels from toilets and sinks to the septic tank, where natural bacteria help break down the waste. Then the remaining water flows out through a filter into the surrounding ground.
Identifying problemsSeptic system problems
occur when waste doesn’t prop -erly break down, leading to sys -tem backups.
How to identify septic tank problems
At the least, you may notice odors coming from the drains or toilets in your home. Or you may realize that sinks aren’t draining properly or toilets are not flushing with the right amount of power. At the worst,toilets and the septic tank itself may overflow.
Outdoors you could may notice soggy grass around the septic drain. Grass in one part of the leach field area may even be greener than in other areas.Each of these signs could indi -cate a septic system problem.
What causes problems?The main culprits in septic
system problems are blockages that cause the system to over -flow or back-up into the home.Septic tanks need to be pumped out at regular inter -vals. A professional inspection is also necessary. Flushing or putting difficult-to-degrade items into the system also can cause problems. Be sure to heed the following:
• Do not flush non-bio -degradable items down the toi -let or sink drains. Cotton balls or plastic can clog the system.
• Do not pour cooking oil or grease down the sink drain.
• Limit the amount of food particles that enter the system.
• Set up a regular main -tenance schedule to keep the system working.
• Advise guests as to what is and is not allowed to go down the drain. Those without septic systems may be unaware.
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Friday, September 28, 2012 CITIZEN’S NEWS 15