by Charles Hendricks | Jan 16, 2026 | aging in place, architecture, family, Multifamily Design
We have all heard the “American Dream” of a white-picket-fenced yard surrounding our 1,600 sf brick 3 bedroom 2 bath home with a deck and big backyard. That sounds amazing in 1980 when that dream cost around $55,000. With the average income of that era you could easily qualify for a 30-year mortgage and still take a family vacation. As we move into 2026 that same home will cost around $500,000 if you can even find one for sale. With the median income in 2026 for a family the stretch mortgage is in the range of $350,000. As a result a townhouse has become the new “starter home” and even that can be a stretch as demand outpaces construction. With short supply and high demand for home ownership, we are seeing the average age of a first time home buyer go up from 1980 when it was 29 to today where the average is 40.
As we see the demand for townhouses to fill the void for first time home buyers, we are also seeing a growing demand for luxury townhouse solutions. Families are making these communities that now offer clubhouses, community pools, landscape maintenance, playgrounds, and dog parks their lifetime homes. In 2025 townhouse construction hit a record market share of over 18% of all single-family home starts.
Is there a better way?
Another approach that is emerging in many communities is multi-generational dream homes, accessory dwelling units, and tiny houses. Each of these bring flexibility to the dream. The ADU backyard movement provides diversity of housing in a community at a lower price point. It can be used as an ADA compliant unit or a secondary income to support a higher mortgage. The tiny home enables a lower price point for purchase of a home with the option to do an addition in the future if needed. We are working on multiple projects that fall into each of these categories.
The new American Dream builds a stronger future
The new American Dream often brings a higher level of design than the 1980 brick ranch adding style, durability, energy-efficiency, and indoor environmental quality as driving factors. The new dream brings families together, builds stronger communities, and deepens a focus on quality over quantity. I am excited to see the future we are shaping with these innovative project types.
by Charles Hendricks | Jan 9, 2026 | aging in place, Harrisonburg
Harrisonburg has been working on an updated zoning ordinance for several years now. One of the provisions I am excited about and hope to see adopted soon is the increase in density changes allowing Accessory Dwelling Units on most single-family lots.
Creating Attainable Options
Affordability isn’t just about lower price tags; it’s about diverse housing types. By allowing “granny flats” or backyard cottages, Harrisonburg is opening the door for “missing middle” housing. These smaller footprints are inherently more affordable to build and maintain. For homeowners, an ADU provides a reliable stream of rental income that helps offset rising mortgage costs. For renters, it offers a high-quality living space in established, walkable neighborhoods that might otherwise be out of reach.
A Healthier, More Connected City
A healthy city is a compact one. By increasing density within existing neighborhoods, we reduce the need for urban sprawl, which in turn protects our surrounding Shenandoah Valley farmland. This “infill” development encourages a healthier lifestyle by making the city more walkable and bikeable. Furthermore, ADUs support multigenerational living—allowing seniors to age in place near family or providing young professionals a starting point—which fosters stronger social bonds and mental well-being.
Built-in Sustainability
From a design perspective, ADUs are a win for the environment. A smaller home requires fewer materials to build and significantly less energy to heat and cool. When we utilize existing infrastructure—like Harrisonburg’s current water and sewer lines—we maximize the efficiency of our city’s resources.
This ordinance isn’t just about adding sheds to backyards; it’s about building a durable, inclusive future for the Friendly City.
by Charles Hendricks | Nov 14, 2025 | Accessibility, aging in place, architecture
There are many articles and systems out there written to tell you how to future proof your custom home. As you process all that information think through your family history, current conditions in the area you plan to build, and the local climate. While there are very robust energy rating systems that will in fact get you to very low energy usage, we are blessed here in Virginia with ample sun for solar and low energy costs from public utilities (relatively speaking). This changes the conversation about whether you should invest in a robust system to reduce energy costs – especially when you take into account the costs associated with things like triple pane windows vs double pane windows for instance.
Thinking through your family history and your expected mobility challenges is another place where you should spend some time. Of course, none of us knows what tomorrow holds, but if your family members all live into their 90s and don’t have mobility challenges, how likely is it that you will have mobility challenges? Working through a life plan that goes with your home is critical to make it economical and adaptable.
Looking at the climate conditions and the severity of storms hitting the area where you are building is a dynamic analysis as things continue to change, but can be very informative on the systems you select. The frequency of 2″ rainstorms in our area have increased by more than 100% in recent years. These storms with greater intensity often bring strong winds along with concentrated rainfall – this may impact your future proof decisions on overhangs, gutter size, and roof slope.
Here are 5 considerations that apply to most new custom homes we design:
- Make the floorplan as flexible as possible. Consider 1 level living opportunities and reinforced wall systems for future grab bars. Have a zero step shower and lever style door handles where possible on an accessible floor level.
- Create the most energy-efficient and durable building envelope solution you can afford without designing for an extreme climate. All predictions have Virginia staying fairly moderate for temperature swings for the foreseeable future. While passive house is a great strategy for clients that want to achieve zero energy status, the insulation values and strategies required to get this certification add considerably to the cost of construction.
- Make sure your electronic and communications system is wired for a changing future technology. Add in options for pulling new wire easily in the future as technology evolves.
- Pick the most durable and low maintenance building materials. Remember quality costs more, but in the long run will save you time, money, and frustration.
- Consider a rainwater catchment system. While storms in our area are wetter than in previous decades, it seems the space between storms can draw out longer than typical as well.
While we don’t know what the future holds for anyone of us, creating a resilient and durable custom home will protect your investment as best as can be protected.
by Charles Hendricks | Nov 5, 2025 | Accessibility, aging in place, architecture, Building Science, Custom Home, Green Building, Harrisonburg Architect
What an amazing opportunity we are given to design places for people to build memories and live a full life. It is humbling to walk through an almost finished home that we designed with our clients. Seeing the energy and excitement they have to live in a space they have been dreaming about is contagious. This Rockingham County Timber Frame House is just about finished and we will certainly have more photos. I just wanted to give you a sneak peak at some of the cool details included in this lifetime home.
The care and craftsmanship that is put into building what we designed will blow you away. It is an honor to work with companies like Herr and Company that not only execute the plan but ask questions along the way to make sure we are both delivering the best possible solutions. The collaboration that exists between architect and builder can make or break a project.
The exterior walk in shower at this house will make cleaning off after a dip in the pool quick and easy.
The floating stairs that play with light is such a beautiful touch.
Of course the heavy-timber in the main living space is spectacular and the lighting support over the dining table (designed by our client) is pretty cool.
The guest bath is an oasis of relaxation.
The Elevator makes it possible to live fully on both levels for a lifetime.
The grab bars are there, but you might not notice them.
by Charles Hendricks | Oct 10, 2025 | Accessibility, aging in place, architecture, Building Science, Charles Hendricks, Custom Home, Green Building, Indoor Air Quality, Interior Design
A lifetime home is an incredible design opportunity for us to take on with our clients. As we started this Rockingham County custom home it became very clear that our clients wanted intentional and meaningful spaces. Our designs focused on quality of life and we are using the architecture to provide a backdrop for a lifetime of memories. In our design kick-off meeting we discussed daily habits, life values, and dreams for the kind of childhood their child could experience. We laughed about stories they remembered growing up and the special places that they remembered. This is the heart of a custom home design process for us, we want to know our clients so we can join them on their journey to finding their dream home.
We gave a homework assignment to find inspirational photos of places they loved and the types of spaces that will give them energy. We balanced their goals and desires with building science and functional solutions for living spaces. We included thoughts of fun spaces, healthy and invigorating spaces, and spaces that will sooth their souls. As the design process unfolds we developed some visuals to verify the home we are designing is their dream home.
We have also visited their building site and worked to balance the slope of the land, water drainage, views, and arrival sequence for guests. This holistic process of learning our clients dreams takes time and attention. There is empathy and care infused in every decision we make along the way. It is a true gift to be able to do this and call it work. We love solving the design puzzle for our clients. We don’t just create blueprints, we infuse our clients values into their projects. Stay tuned for more photos as the design progresses.
by Charles Hendricks | Aug 28, 2024 | aging in place, community
Assemble a Falls Prevention Team and Put Your Best Foot Forward
Falling is so common among older adults that many people think it is a normal part of aging and can only be avoided by staying at home. Fortunately, both are myths. With some preparation, we can stay safely on our feet as we age, living active and independent lives in the communities we love.
More than one in four older adults fall each year, but it is not an inevitable part of aging and can be prevented. For older adults beginning to feel vulnerable, that can seem like an overwhelming task. It’s important to remember that it’s not a one-person job. Falls prevention is best approached as a team sport. Doctors can monitor health to ensure safe movement. Occupational therapists can adjust assistive devices for best fit. And pharmacists can explain medication side effects that can impair movement.
Easy Home Modifications
(Above) Grab bars in the bathroom of Keezletown Farmhouse beside the toilet and in the roll-in shower.
Some of the most important aspects of falls prevention, however, can take place right in our homes with the support of friends and family. Here are five easy home modifications to consider making right now:
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- Secure the bathrooms – Buy a shower seat, install grab bars, and switch to adjustable height, handheld shower heads.
- Let there be light – When bulbs burn out, replace them with bright, non-glare bulbs.
- Clear the clutter – Don’t put items on stairs. Remove clutter and throw rugs that can slip.
- Organize the go-to’s – Place frequently used items between waist and shoulder height.
- Put a bell on Buckley – Consider putting a small bell on dog or cat collars if pets are frequently underfoot. They can be a trip hazard so knowing where they are is helpful.
- Control the cords – If possible, keep cords out of the way by running them along a wall or behind furniture. If that’s not possible, tape the entire cord to the floor.
- Repair any loose brick or pavement on outdoor walkways and steps.
Upcoming Best Foot Forward Falls Prevention Open Houses
In addition to health care providers and family, community experts in aging are trained to help prevent falls. Valley Program for Aging Services (VPAS) is offering Best Foot Forward Falls Prevention Open Houses in September for older adults and caregivers.
In Harrisonburg, Best Foot Forward will be held on Wednesday Sept. 25 from 1:00-4:00 p.m. at the Simms Center Auditorium. Bring along a friend or family member for personalized falls risk assessments, Tai Chi and assistive technology demonstrations, door prizes, refreshments and more.
In Waynesboro, join the Best Foot Forward Fair on Thursday, Sept. 26 from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at Waynesboro Senior Services. There will be personalized fall risks assessments, gait testing, refreshments, demos, and door prizes. The Augusta Health Mobile Clinic will be on site from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
For more information about falls prevention open houses, visit vpas.info/education, or call 1-800-868-VPAS.
Contributed by: Leigh-Anne Lees, VPAS Community Relations Director
