Monthly Archives: March 2014

Copyright on House Plans

Steer Clear of Copyright Issues When Handling Floor Plans

Construction and copyright – not two words that you would instantly relate to each other, right? Admittedly, copyright infringement is the last thought that comes to one’s mind when thinking about construction designs, especially floor plans. One may be caught completely off guard with such information while trying to remodel their home or office, in case they are unaware of the existence of copyright laws.

We protect our Copyright

Say for example, you buy a new house. It might not be enormous in size but you like the way in which the living area opens into a small balcony and the little reading area just down the corridor. An ever helpful architect on the premises explains every one of your queries regarding the floor plan. Later on, you hand the floor plan to your architect for a remodeling work and he comes up with a design of your liking. And it is just then that you are served with a lawsuit charging you and your contractor with copyright infringement on the original property’s floor plan. Compensation of possible damages might also be demanded.

In order to avoid landing oneself in such unfavorable situation, it is better to have a general idea about architectural copyright laws. Australian law boasts of the most comprehensive coverage of floor plans. The Copyright Amendment (Moral Rights) Act of 2000 amends the Australian Copyright Act, 1911, thereby; providing for individual creators with a couple of new moral rights. Namely, these are the rights of attribution and integrity of authorship.

These rights emphasize that existing copyright owners will receive attribution as authors of their work. They must be identified according to the specifications that they set. These owners are entitled to exercise their rights against false credits of their work. They may also do so if their work is subjected to derogatory treatment like mutilation, distortion, alteration, or anything that is detrimental to the authors’ honour or reputation.

More detail can be found on the website of the Australian Copyright Council at www.copyright.org.au. Their information sheet is available here

Will Your Home Remain Suitable As You Grow Older?

Few Simple Tips to Help Make a House Suitable for when you are Older

When buying their dream homes or starting a remodeling project, people rarely think about the time when they will inevitably be faced with an impending old age. It is always about what is needed and how convenience can be enhanced just a little more for the time being. This trend might lead to the aesthetic appeal and convenience getting increased ‘for the time being’; however, very little, if anything, gets improved for the future. The elderly, especially those who are troubled with mobility issues, come across various problems around the house when trying to go about their day to day activities. Everything from turning the doorknob to climbing the stairs might seem like a mammoth task to them.

So, here are a few steps that might be incorporated to make life easier for the seniors within the house:

When building a home for elders, it is better to have an alternative to stairs, as many people find it difficult to negotiate them due to conditions like diabetes, cardiac problems, arthritis, etc. Making the stairs less steep with sturdy railings is a must. Elevators are a great alternative to stairs.
All floors should be made slip-resistant, wooden surfaces are the best. Rugs and nonskid mats can also be used as alternatives. The floor must be checked to make sure there are no bumps and dents.
Lighting is also critical. A well-lit place means better visibility. A dark room is nothing short of an invitation to a bump or a fall. Entryways must also be well lit.
It is also important to make baths safer. Dry areas must be kept alongside bath areas. Provisioning for grab bars may also be a good idea. Step in showers are probably the more convenient options than tubs. Installing hand held showers for people with limited mobility is also a wise decision.

Consult us at InnoHomes, we have access to some of the most creative professionals, who can layout your house as you need it.

Mobility Issues Affecting Older Australians

How Mobility Issues Are Affecting the Older Australians Today

When one is in their forties or fifties, they can still crack jokes about needing help while getting out of the bed in the morning, or climbing down the stairs to the front porch in the afternoon. However, those men and women who have already hit their seventies (or even earlier), and need help to do simple activities like climbing stairs, mobility is no laughing matter.

Research shows that even though the percentage of people needing personal care and assistance for day to day activities is still low, more than forty per cent people between the age 50 and 64, admit that they have problems with moving around, especially climbing stairs due some health problem or the other. Even though these conditions start between the ages of thirty nine to forty nine, the problems escalate with increasing age. While obesity remains a cause of serious concern, other conditions include arthritis and rheumatism. Back and neck problems, diabetes, depression, anxiety, or other emotional problems are also a cause to seriously impede mobility. It is imperative that these concerns are adequately anticipated and considered while choosing a design for your new home.

The first step in overcoming the mobility limitation issues obviously involves getting holistic pain management treatments. The second step would absolutely be about finding the solutions available to help with one’s specific problem or needs. There exists a large amount of potential solutions, due to the advanced technology available at competitive costs now. As it is the home where you would spend most of your time, the construction plan of the property should be integrated to cater to your needs well into the future.

InnoHomes, proudly designs homes integrated with elevators, so that your home is one place where you will not need to struggle.

-Referenced research by Division of Behavioral and Social Research at the National Institute on Aging.