Have you heard the term “patio home” before? These homes seem to be popping up all over the place.
They are homes that are built on cement slabs instead of basement type foundations.
Many people look to move to them when they are downsizing because most are located in new developments, have smaller yards, and are set up for ease of maintenance. Most comply with handicapped living layouts too so if elderly people purchase them, and end up needing a wheelchair or walker, they can still get around without having to renovate the house. The layout is normally an open concept and the yards are smaller. These are all features that make them perfect for retirement homes. One unique feather that many of them have is radiant flooring throughout the whole house. Because the space is not too large, there is an open concept, and there is no basement to install a traditional boiler or furnace, this is a great alternative that gives a warm constant heat without having to have ductwork or baseboard registers installed too. The way this system works is that electric heat pads are installed underneath the tile flooring and when the system is turned on, the entire floor becomes the heat register. This not only makes for comfortable floors to walk on but allows the heat to rise evenly throughout the house. This is probably one of the most comfortable features of patio homes. These type of systems work best in areas of the country that do not experience harsh winters, however, they can be found in these types of homes up North too. The main difference in those areas is that many of the patio homes also have gas or electric fireplaces to help supplement the heat in the middle of winter.