Check out my building blog to learn more about construction for your home or office in Austin! David L. Traut, President, CAPS Certified (512)444-0097

Bathroom Accessibility Remodels In Austin, Texas

Posted byDavid L. Traut, CAPS on Wed, Mar 29, 2017 @ 16:03 PM

    The concept of the accessible home has evolved beyond the basic grab bars and ramps to one in which accessibility is built into the basic design.  Universal design makes living in a home easier for people of all ages and abilities.  Accessible can be both beautiful and functional and never needs to have any institutional appearance.  As our aging baby boomer population ages, the need for accessibility in the home is becoming ever more important.  Our new way of viewing the basic home in our society and our antiquated architecture is giving way to a revolution in home design.  Ordinary homeowners with extraordinary challenges can partner up with CAPS design professionals, architects, and their own families to create homes to restore capabilities, independence, and grace to daily living.  Bathroom accessibility remodels with roll in showers in Austin, Texas are possible with the right people involved.

Discover the Principles Of Universal Design

Certified Aging In Place Specialist

     Human problems must be solved using correct designs when remodeling which have been customized to match the abilities of the occupant.  People who have become seriously injured, people living with a debilitating disease, people with sensory limitations or intellectual limitations, and last but not least the people who are planning to stay in their homes for as long as possible all need accessible homes.  The need for dealing with disabilities empowers us all to ensure that we create environments wherein people can function effectively. 

 Home Accessibility Help

     But you say to yourself that  your needed aging in place home modifications basically require general home remodeling in Austin, Texas or in any other town for that matter.  That is true but a specialized handicap remodeling contractor holding a national CAPS certificate is who you need as a partner to insure that  the accessibility issues of your home are solved correctly.  With over 30 years of remodeling experience I obtained my registered CAPS certificate.  By offering a design/build firm to my aging in place customers, I get personal satisfaction from giving my clients their independence back while the remain in their existing home.  Without the training required to earn the CAPS certificate on top of my decades of building knowledge I could not offer my customers such a thorough and complete solution for solving their accessibility issues.  Only an experienced qualified remodeler holding a CAPS certificate has the qualifications to design an accessible route and perform the construction required to make it safe and functional for the AIP customer.  Accessible bathrooms with custom walk in showers and kitchens are available using the right education and experience.  There is nothing more rewarding than seeing a person with mobility impairments be able to independently roll into his or her shower in their disability access bath and witness that accomplishment.

     The National Association of Home Builders, in partnership with the AARP and Home Innovation Research Labs, created the CAPS program, which includes training and education on the technical, business management and customer service skills essential to compete in the fastest growing segment of the residential remodeling industry--home modifications for aging in place.  David L. Traut CAPS owner of T-Square Company in Austin, Texas is one of the select group of professionals nationwide to earn the Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist (CAPS) designation, identifying him as a home remodeler and builder with the skills and knowledge necessary to remodel or modify a home to meet the unique needs of the older population, disabled owners or their visitors.

bathroom accessibility remodeling in Austin

Handicap Home Modifications

Tags: aging in place remodeling, ADA bathroom cabinets, CAPS professional in Austin, accessible home remodeling

Disability Home Remodeling In Austin, Texas

Posted byDavid L. Traut, CAPS on Wed, Mar 22, 2017 @ 12:03 PM

Happy Trail AIP 016.jpg

Certified Aging In Place Specialist

     Disability home remodeling in Austin, Texas deals with everyone in our society and not just the aging baby boomer population.  Bathroom accessibility remodeling in Austin, Texas is being driven by the forward thinking homeowners without urgent needs, the people who have progressive debilitating diseases, and those of us who have undergone a life changing traumatic experience.  The current architecture in the United States is very antiquated in our aging housing market with small bathroom entries leading into tight quarters along with the narrow hallways toward the most useful common areas in the home. A new type of specialized remodeling has come about to fill the need for accessibility within the older home inventory.  Home design targeted to people of varying ages and abilities is a current and growing market trend while providing a need for handicap remodeling.

     Wheelchair accessible baths and kitchens are becoming the norm to take care of all the population of homeowners needing increased accessibility.  Universal design techniques are giving everyone a chance to be independent. These very basic techniques provide adaptations or specialized designs regardless of age, ability, or situation.  No longer are handicap home modifications viewed as a resale market diminishing factor.  They are becoming a resale enhancer when you look at all the people in the nation simply needing accessibility in the bathroom to uphold their dignity and safety.  Between the ages of 16 and 64, 19% of the population is disabled whereas those above the age of 65 exhibit a 42% disability rate.  Nearly 62% of the homeowners in America report that someone in their family has mobility issues and disability needs.

Handicap Home Modifications

     A desire for a more marketable home that is more inviting and accessible to all in the home buyer market will drive the use of universal design criteria.  Making a home feel more comfortable using some key elements like incorporating a zero step entrance into the home, providing interior doors along the accessible route with a minimum of 32 inch wide clearances, having a minimum 36 inch wide level route on the ground floor, exhibiting ground floor bathroom walls reinforced to accept grab bars for the toilet, tub, and shower, and a presence of light switches, outlet, thermostats, and other controls being installed at accessible heights  at or below 48" are only a few modifications needed for increasing accessibility.

     We rely on the published ADA rules for accessible bathroom fixtures and the clear floor space leading to them.  Comfort height toilets at or around 18" in height, roll under vanities with 27" vertical clearance, and roll in showers with a minimum 42"x42" size (but bigger is better) will take care of the needs of most.  Every circumstance must be considered when designing for those with special needs during bathroom modifications for the disabled.  There is no "one shoe fits all" approach and much thought must be given to progressive conditions where care givers will be involved.  Working with a physical or occupational therapist and the client often helps to identify effective solutions.  

     When faced with a home that can no longer meet one's needs, one must weigh the costs of moving against improving the home.  In any move there are costs that sellers must incur to market their homes as well as relocating to another one.  Rather than incurring an outright expense during a move, improvements add real value and enhance their home's appeal to more broader markets. Such homes enhance quality of life and enable occupants to enjoy the full use of their home while maintaining their personal independence.  These modifications provide benefits to enable the residents to also remain in their communities with or without in home care and out of more expensive settings such as nursing homes. 

  Aging in place home modifications are available through T-Square Company in the Austin area. We have an A plus rating with the local BBB and have over 30 years of remodeling experience. We are additionally a certified aging in place specialist offering complete aging in place services.  Each design/build situation will be customized to fit your personal needs increasing your accessibility. Call 512-444-0097 today to begin the accessible second chapter of your life while remaining safe and secure in your existing home. CAPS #1636580

Wheelchair Accessible Remodeling 

    

    

    

Tags: accessible routes, aging in place home modifications, bathroom remodeling, wheelchair accessible remodeling, wheelchair accessible baths and kitchens, ADA remodeling, CAPS certified remodeling in Austin, ADA bathroom cabinets, aging in place remodels, wheelchair accessible baths, accessibility home remodeling in Austin