"Let's create an environment for our beloved mothers, not just for Mother's Day. "
This Sunday is Mother's Day. Have you thought about how to create an environment that mothers would love?
Many of us moved out of our homes when we went to college. During the recent economic shifts, some people chose to move back to their childhood house and live with their parents again. The mother-children home becomes a practical and rewarding choice.
So how can we make an environment that honors our mother and expresses our love?
Create a comfortable and relaxing linkage space
Two generations often have different schedules and routines. You might be a night owl who socializes with friends on weekday nights. And your mother is an early bird who enjoys morning coffee and looking over her flower garden. If we do not intentionally create a shared space between two individuals, you might end up rarely seeing your mother and lose the purpose of the bonding experience provided by your special home.
What kind of space is considered a "linkage space"? This special mother-child bound area could be the big kitchen counter that you share your laptop work while your mother bakes the cookies for her next charity event. It could also be a renovated garage-sunroom where you leave your electric car to charge overnight while your mother enjoys the new knitting pattern by the electric fireplace on the other side of the partition.
Build an accessible and safe place for moms
If you've followed our blogs, you probably already know how handy it is to look up the building code. Here are a few other reminders that can ensure we are making the right decision for moms.
Make Sizable Ramps “Accessible”
In the past, building a ramp for the elderly was always a challenging project to comply with because of the limitation of the lot width. However, the recently updated International Residential Code has made this rule easier, from the previous 1:12 requirement to 1:8 of the ramp slope (R318.8.1 Maximum Slope). This version helps many homeowners to reduce the ramp length on the property and provide easy access for multiple purposes. Whether it is for rolling a wheelchair or a grocery basket to the house, having a sizable ramp is definitely a way to love moms.
Worry-free From Lead Paint
Houses built before 1978 are often subject to lead-based paint risk. This kind of paint contains toxic heavy metals that could cause health problems. Of course, if we paint over the existing lead-painted wall, it can reduce such risk, but the interior surface would only become safe when using a specialized encapsulant.
Encapsulants are a method recognized by the EPA for managing lead paint without full removal. If the lead paint in the existing home has already cracked and chipped, it is better to remove it. But the painted surface is still intact; it is recommended to apply this specialized coating. It binds and seals the underlying lead paint.
P.S. Check out page7-9 of the document “Lead Abatement for Workers. Chapter 7”, published by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Carefree From Fire Hazard
Since the wildfire in recent years, people have paid more attention to fire hazards than ever. The recent building code also changed the method to prevent fire risk (R302, Fire-Resistant Construction). Other than installing the smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm, having an updated construction, so you can leave home for work without worry, is also a good way to love your mother.
Personalize Mom's space
Roll-up Our Sleeves
Respecting mother's need for individuality is vital. Helping our mothers decorate their space and reflect their personalities is a simple way to express our love. Creating a designated outdoor area, making a customized bench with salvaged wood, can all build up a sense of ownership, honor her and enhance her individuality.
Build the Tranquility Mom Desires
For many mothers, noise is an issue in a shared house. Effective soundproofing can ensure your privacy and give mom the tranquility that she needs.
The sound transmission requirement used to be included in Appendix K in IRC. But such a requirement has been removed, and you can only find it when looking up IBC 1206. Although it is no longer a requirement, such code can still function as our guideline. Selecting material with a higher Sound Transmission Class(STC) and Impact Insulation Class (IIC) rating to keep the individual space without disturbance. If you are unsure how the material performs in your home, you can do a field test and get the location's Normalized Noise Isolation Class (NNIC) measured by your acoustical consultant. Surely your mother will be convinced how much you love her!
By the way…
If you have a tight budget and cannot make all the space in your home? Focusing on quality time, comfortable gifts, and personalized items would make your mother's day memorable. Check out shop’s Floral Card Collection. I hope you find something your mom would like.
XOXO, Hazel