Healthy Homes Tax Renovation Credit

Hello again,

We all hate paying taxes.  The government always gets their cut; isn't it time you get some back?  This week, we are writing to inform you how to do just that.  Most people are unaware that the Ontario government has a tax credit for people wishing to remain in their homes.  The Healthy Homes Tax Renovation Credit is a permanent, refundable personal income tax credit for seniors and family members who live with them.

For those who are eligible, you can claim up to $10,000 worth of home improvements that allow you or a loved one to live more comfortably at home.  Those Grab Bar Guys are London Ontario's leaders when it comes to home modifications for seniors and people with disabilities.  Any renovation project we complete is eligible for this tax credit.

Here is a list of some of the home modifications we do that are eligible for the tax credit:

certain renovations to permit a first-floor occupancy or secondary suite for a senior

grab bars and related reinforcements around the toilet, tub and shower

handrails in corridors

wheelchair ramps, stair/wheelchair lifts and elevators

walk-in bathtubs

wheel-in showers

comfort height toilets

widening passage doors

lowering existing counters/cupboards

installing adjustable counters/cupboards

light switches and electrical outlets placed in accessible locations

door locks that are easy to operate

lever handles on doors and taps, instead of knobs

pull-out shelves under counter to enable work from a seated position

non-slip flooring

a hand-held shower on an adjustable rod or high-low mounting brackets

additional light fixtures throughout the home and exterior entrances

swing clear hinges on doors to widen doorways

creation of knee space under the basin to enable use from a seated position (and insulation of any hot-water pipes)

relocation of tap to front or side for easier access

hands-free taps

motion-activated lighting

touch-and-release drawers and cupboards

automatic garage door openers

7 Ways To Prepare Your Home For Retirement -- Those Grab Bar Guys - London, Ontario

7 Ways To Prepare Your Home For Retirement

We all love our homes and want to remain living in them as long as possible.  Those Grab Bar Guys have some great tips that will allow you to make some simple changes now - say adding some task-lighting in the kitchen - while you start planning for bigger, more expensive projects down the road.

1.  Make Mobility Easier Everywhere

Modern houses have grand front porches, elaborate door handles, and raised or sunken decks which may look impressive and lend to curb appeal now.  However, as we age, these features quickly become obstacles if you have arthritis or use a wheelchair, walker, or scooter.

• Eliminate steps to decks and patios, levelling them with adjacent indoor rooms.

• Replace doorknobs with levers to ease entry.

• Consider widening doorways to accommodate walkers and wheelchairs.

2.  Fall-Proof Your Flooring

Over time, we often upgrade the flooring in our homes; installing hardwood or tile is more popular than ever, even on stairs.  When there is a change in transition levels between rooms, stumbling blocks are created.  If you are tackling such a flooring project, ensure you eliminate major transitions between rooms. Consider installing anti-slip stair treads and remove any rugs or mats that could easily cause a fall. Choosing the proper flooring materials will make a big difference in fall prevention. 

3.  Lighting Improves Safety

As we age, our eyes slowly deteriorate and can no longer adjust quickly for maximum visibility. Motion-sensor lights can make a big difference when using the bathroom in the middle of the night.  In the kitchen, task-lighting and under-cabinet lights will ensure proper visibility.  Lighting in hallways and down stairways will also become increasingly important.

4.  Easy On / Easy Off

Arthritis and loss of hand strength become issues as we age.  Those Grab Bar Guys install easy on / easy off faucets and light switches to combat these troubles.  Having a single lever faucet not only makes it easier to turn on or off, it eliminates the risk of accidentally scalding yourself by forgetting to temper the hot water with the cold.  Paddle style light switches are simple to install and make turning lights on or off as easy as a quick touch.

5.  Simplify Your Kitchen

The joy of cooking can turn into a muscle-aching chore for older homeowners whose kitchens fail to accommodate their accessibility needs.  Consider using your base cabinets for the bulk of storage and installing pullout pots and pans drawers and trays.

6.  Create a First-Floor Master Bedroom

Being able to access your bedroom without climbing stairs will become a priority.  Adding a first-floor master suite to your existing home eliminates this problem and increases house value.

7.  Replace Tubs with Walk/Roll-in Showers

One of the hottest trends for boomers in swapping out soaker tubs for stylish walk/roll-in showers with benches.  Deep tubs become extremely difficult to enter or exit as one ages.  Installing an accessible washroom will not only improve safety, it will increase the value of your home.

Those Grab Bar Guys will work with you to create a safe and comfortable living space you will be proud to show off for years to come.  

Thanks for reading!

Michael Finch

Owner

Those Grab Bar Guys

1-844-THOSE-GUYS

(1-844-846-7348)

www.ThoseGrabBarGuys.com

info@ThoseGrabBarGuys.com

LIVE in the home you LOVE -- Those Grab Bar Guys - London, Ontario

Welcome to the official blog of Those Grab Bar Guys.  We are London, Ontario's leading accessibility and safety experts.  Our main goal is to allow you and your family to live safely and comfortably in the home that you love.  We know from personal experience that remaining at home well into your retirement years is a goal many people have.  Unfortunately, most homes are not designed for people with mobility and accessibility issues.  

Our business was born out of necessity.  With aging parents and grandparents who lived out of town, we wanted to find a trusted contractor who could look after the safety needs of our loved ones.  A contractor who could install grab bars properly, modify kitchens for safety and accessibility, renovate bathrooms with walk/roll-in showers and higher toilets, and even build wheelchair ramps to eliminate stairs is something that was lacking in the London area.

The search for such a contractor left us empty-handed and we realized there was a need for such a company.  With strong skills and experience as designers and renovators in the London area, we realized that we could fill this need.  Those Grab Bar Guys was born out of compassion for friends and family and the realization that we can truly help people feel safe and remain living in the home they love.

Those Grab Bar Guys are a family owned and operated business serving the London, Ontario area.  We offer FREE in-home consultations, grab bars, bath safety supplies, grab bar installations, custom accessible renovations, mobility solutions, aging-in-place ideas, and universal design options for you and your entire family.

We look forward to working with you and your family to meet all your accessibility needs.

Sincerely,

Michael Finch

Owner

Those Grab Bar Guys

1-844-THOSE-GUYS

(1-844-846-7348)

www.ThoseGrabBarGuys.com