A completely serviceable special needs bathroom must contain ADA vanities and the accessible route must be defined. The vanity must be one with a clear underneath scald protected area having an unobstructed roll under capability for wheelchairs. A five foot turning radius allowing the wheelchair to maneuver an approach must also be associated with the ADA vanity. The area of travel will then be enhanced by an unobstructed clear accessible barrier free route dedicated to reaching the vanity.

Whether the job concerns ADA remodeling or new construction, commercial or residential, the end result will always be the same in aiding those who no longer or have never had the choice of a means of locomotion. Sometimes folks need a little help beyond the rest of us to be self sufficient and hold on to their dignity. That's when the clear accessible route comes into play. This designated route will make it possible for those with special needs to enter through the front door and travel into any room of the structure without barriers especially entering the accessible bathroom.

There are basically two styles of ADA bathroom vanities that comply with an unobstructed roll under area below the sink. This capability has everything to do with both the water supply lines and the main waste line connecting the sink. There must be provisions made to protect the user from being scalded when coming into contact with any one of the plumbing pipes serving the sink. These connecting pipes may become heated merely by the water passing through them creating the problem. The open type model should always receive both waste and supply insulating jackets applied directly to the pipes providing protection for the wheelchair user. The closed model concealing the pipes will be equipped with a removable face or face board covering the pipes. This pipe concealing panel must be installed at the correct angle. This allows for the needed unobstructed legroom required for the user. The vanity can extend beyond the sink but the area containing the sink is required to have this roll under capability. This section of the vanity must not be any taller than 34 inches above the finished floor with sufficient lower clearance. Clear unobstructed reach distances around the countertop area must be observed. Any motion controlled sensors integrated into the various dispensing devices and/or plumbing fixtures throughout the restroom present a true hands free benefit to all the restroom users. If these aren't in the budget then at least wrist handles used for controlling the faucet can be incorporated into the design of the vanity. Furthermore, automatic flush valves should be used on all toilets and urinals that provide for hands free use.

An Example of the First Type of ADA Vanity Using Pipe Insulation and a Wrist Blade Handled Faucet

An Example of the Second Type of ADA Vanity with a Removable Angled Face and a Motion Sensing Faucet

Regardless of whether there are special needs people working within a commercial building or not, we are required by law to make all the common areas ADA accessible. Homes provide a different situation when providing handicap home modifications because the alterations are put in place for specific full time occupants. The barrier free accessible route put in place must be observed as a means of life safety and function. You just never know when a personal life changing situation can appear requiring help for those with special needs. If one does occur we do have the means to offer aid and safety to those who have become afflicted in some unfortunate way and to help preserve their personal dignity and independence.



ADA Compliant Bathroom Vanities

Tags:
Austin,
Texas,
how-to,
commercial cabinetry,
ADA accessible,
accessible routes,
ADA bathroom cabinets accessible routes,
ADA remodeling,
ADA bathroom cabinets,
ADA compliance,
ADA vanities,
ADA remodeling Austin, Texas,
ADA bathroom Austin, Texas
You either feel like the time has finally arrived for you to become self employed or you have been considering a larger work space because of your situation. You have been weighing out how to go about such a change. Once you have found a building and negotiated your lease it's time to find a reputable tenant improvement contractor who can help you through the construction process.
Austin commercial Tenant finishes can vary from merely a paint job to demolishing the entire space and starting over to better utilize the square footage. Utilization requires planning in advance and knowing all your business's operational needs. Work areas will always be defined per function. Storage areas, breakrooms, conference rooms, and reception areas should be considered so that the entire office flows well during hours of operation. Shipping can definitely be a consideration even if it doesn't play a major part in your business. Maybe your space is large enough to include the addition of private restroom facilities in addition to those located within the common area?
Work areas hold the most importance since they are tied directly to the income of the business. Private offices will be assigned as needed. Larger open spaces for setting up cubicles or multiple work stations can take up the majority of your new floor space. Storage areas for office supplies and even shipping areas will take up space as needed by the tenant according to the type of business.

Breakrooms need to be sized according to the number of people using the facility at any one time. All care should be taken for providing ADA accessible routes throughout any of the shared usage areas. ADA compliant kitchen cabinets should be used within the break area that provide sink space at the proper height above the finished floor and the proper clearances with protection below the sink area. If you were fortunate enough to have private restroom facilities installed be sure they fall within ADA compliance. Special vanity and fixture requirements for height, clearance, and reach must be observed throughout the restroom. You never know when you might hire a person with special needs.
Conference rooms can be placed either off to the side or within the very center of your space. Ceiling,floor, and wall treatments can be upgraded here because they will help define this room as being special. Installing commercial window walls or even half glass walls can highlight any conference room within your space and still provide privacy for business meetings. Window treatments like blinds or drapes can be added to increase the room's privacy when needed. Be sure to prewire for any devices used during presentations and don't forget about controlling the room lighting.
Reception areas make the first impression on the people coming into your office for the first time. Careful consideration must be given to their presentation. Are there enough seats for the amount of people who will drop by at any one time? Are there accessible writing surfaces for anyone who enters even if they are in a wheelchair? Does the room provide comfort to those who are waiting for an appointment? Remember this room could set the tone for a very important future meeting involving your business.
Be sure you get the experienced help you need and always hire a local office construction company to help you make the decisions that will need to be made in order to have a successful project.
A Private Office Built For Comfort


Tags:
Austin,
Texas,
how-to,
ADA compliant kitchen cabinets,
Commercial Construction,
tenant finish outs,
window walls,
ADA accessible,
accessible routes,
ADA bathroom cabinets accessible routes,
ADA bathroom cabinets,
tenant improvement contractor,
ADA vanities,
ADA bathroom Austin, Texas,
tenant finish Austin Tx,
tenant improvements in Austin,
tenant improvement contractor Austin, Texas,
tenant modifications Austin, Texas,
tenant finish contractors Austin, Texas,
Austin tenant finish
Remodeling your existing master bath to obtain an often dreamed of larger shower doesn't always mean adding square footage to your existing bathroom. Whether your doing a tub to shower conversion, utilizing the existing uncomfortable tub and shower spaces together, or merely enlarging your existing shower you can reach a more comfortable feeling by changing your existing layout and utilizing your existing bathroom's square footage. Fine bathroom upgrades usually involve an efficiency of space usage plus getting rid of any unused or abused space like inefficient closets or wasted storage areas. This situation can be addressed in the design of your future fine cabinetry.

A tub to shower conversion for a custom walk in shower can provide easier access helping with mobility issues. There's no stepping over the side of the tub. The custom walk in shower in Austin, Texas access can be made into a raised threshold type used in a wheelchair roll in situation that solves accessible ADA issues or it can involve a small 4-6 inch step over a newly formed curb. Either way the access is located at the greatest distance from the wet wall and within the wall that is perpendicular to the wet wall. A hand held shower that is clip mounted on an adjustable vertical rod will be sufficient for almost all situations. A seat may be able to be installed within the perpendicular wall nearest the wet wall if at least a twelve inch offset is available.

If you have the luxury of combining the tub and nearby shower areas into one large custom walk in shower design your problem will be taking full advantage of the larger spatial situation. A huge shower area is just that if it isn't efficient at using the new enlarged space. Remember that multiple heads like rain and body sprays require more water volume and this can only be accomplished by replumbing the water supply lines increasing their diameters from the 1/2" pipes commonly supplying baths. Seats can also be incorporated into the design process and must be no taller than eighteen inches high. Tiled niches recessed into the existing wall studs are a great place for shampoos and body washes. Corner shelves are a good idea if they are out of the way. Hooks and hangers for towels and wash cloths must be installed for efficiency and not be in the way of traffic or in a place to harm yourself once your eyes are closed fighting soap invasion. Glass block designs can be used as a means of obtaining natural light through shower demising walls with individual installations or as a complete splash wall dividing the wet area from the rest of the bathroom. This type of wall can be either straight or curved according to your preference.
Redoing or enlarging your existing shower can also give you a feeling of comfort. You can incorporate any entance situation from walk in to roll in thresholds and you are only limited by space. You will still have the feeling of a satisfactory bathroom remodel once everything is clean and new even if your new shower is the same size you started with.
Shower pans are a concern with fiberglass being superior to that of vinyl fabric. Fiberglass pans usually never fail and must be used in all second story bathroom upgrades. The fiberglass normally will stay together even if the house settles or the floors buckle. Any type of metal pan is obsolete and will almost always fail at the corners.
A reputable cement impregnated tile backer board is preferable to any green or moisture resistant drywall products. Lighting issues should be addressed if the use of a solid shower demising wall makes it too dark within the new shower. This situation can be solved by installing a covered shower can light within the ceiling immediately above the bathing area. One other concern is humidity and this can be solved by installing a large enough vented outside ceiling exhaust fan just outside and above the shower entrance within the ceiling. Using glass enclosures is a choice with any design and installing an additional wet trap floor drain within the bathroom just beyond the shower entrance is always an option.



Tags:
Austin,
how-to,
efficiency,
ADA accessible,
fine bathroom upgrades-bathroom cabinetry,
fine bathroom upgrades,
bathroom remodels,
ADA remodeling,
glass block designs,
custom walk in showerss,
bathroom remodelshow-to,
custom walk in showers,
custom tub to shower conversions,
wheelchair accessible showers in Austin,,
Austin walk in shower,
walk in shower Austin,
roll in showers
When dealing with any aspect of Austin commercial construction always hire a construction professional who has the experience needed to see through the gray parts of any design ideas. A very good tenant improvement contractor like T-Square Company can help with the functionality of your new commercial cabinetry. Focusing on only one idea a paid designer furnishes won't solve the function of the commercial cabinetry project. Experience goes well beyond the primary idea presented in the line drawing. You need help in order to know what parts of the design need to be and can be tweeked so that the total function of the commercial cabinetry can be realized.
Whether you are dealing in commercial bathroom remodeling, breakroom upgrades, or are in the need of an interesting reception desk you will need the help of a reputable commercial contractor. Every design that will be located within the common area must follow ADA rules for accessibility. Service desks should have designated areas with lowered heights and roll under capabilities to serve the people with special needs. Any commercial cabinetry not located within the common area can take on standard heights and depths.

Commercial cabinetry and commercial office cabinets in Austin, because of the increased use, must pass the durability test. Many people use and are constantly around pieces like reception desks and the traffic must flow well. All surfaces must be durable and be able to take a pounding. Proper drawer guides must be adequately matched with drawer content weight. Shelf brackets should also fit the weight of the materials they are holding up. Counter tops must be tough but look sharp. Reach limits must be realized and comfortable so that the user never has to leave his or her chair.
Before you hire a commercial construction company in Austin, Texas be sure you know their capabilities so that you can trust their judgement. Your project will go smoother when you can fully rely on your chosen qualified commercial builder.

Tags:
Austin,
Texas,
how-to,
fine cabinetry,
commercial cabinetry,
ADA compliant kitchen cabinets,
Commercial Construction,
ADA accessible,
accessible routes,
ADA bathroom cabinets accessible routes,
ADA remodeling,
ADA bathroom cabinets,
ADA compliance,
ADA kitchen cabinets,
ADA vanities,
accessibility designs Austin Texas,
Austin commercial office cabinets,
commercial office cabinetry,
commercial office cabinets,
Austin commercial office cabinetry,
commercial cabinets Austin,
commercial office cabinetry in Austin,
Austin office cabinetry,
Austin office cabinets
Finding the right contractor with ADA knowledge and experience can be as much of a challenge as maintaining your independence throughout an accessible wheelchair design in Austin. You should be looking for a contractor who understands life changes. A contractor who offers specialty products and services standing out from the rest of the pack. A contractor who has the ability, through experience, to help clear the murky water impeding your accessible route and how it can be accomplished. One who takes ADA remodeling to another level promoting safety. A well versed construction professional can take on and solve any residential ADA challenge creating an accessible design. These can include widening doorways, ADA compliant kitchen cabinets, or ADA compatible baths.

Door widening is a common problem especially where wheelchair access is a must. All doors should be 36" wide with the correct locking hardware installed. The rule is 32" clear within the accessible route but 32" doors don't give enough clearance because of their stops. You also need to pay attention to which side the lockset is installed on to not limit any wheelchair access or operation of the door's locking hardware.
ADA compliant kitchen cabinets give you the ability to freely roll under the correct depth sink with covered or insulated water and drain lines. The sink should be equipped with a proper automatic or wrist handle faucet. A finished cabinet top height of 34" will also be observed. Wall cabinets should be mounted around 4" lower than usual for reachability from a sitting position. An unobstructed five feet turning radius on the floor should also be maintained.

Bathroom transformations complying with ADA revisions also require the same turning radius noted in the kitchen along with a correct bathing facility. If a tub is useful, correctly placed grab bars must be installed for safety reasons. Showers can be either the roll in or transfer type dictated by the individual user's physical abilities. The comfort height toilet should have grab bars installed at 34" on the side wall as well as at the rear at a minimum. The flush handle should be oriented toward the middle of the room away from the side wall. The bathroom sink should be accessible as in the kitchen mentioned above.
A Correct Kitchen Sink With Adequate Knee Clearance in The Accessible Route

Traditional home builders and remodelers don't really consider the needs of the disabled or elderly like ADA vanities or roll in showers which are universal in nature. It takes a special breed of contractor to realize special needs for special people.
A revolution in building design standards is long overdue. Our current building design standards do not address the needs of more than one third of our existing population. Many more people can greatly benefit from accessible design versus conventional design. Our rapidly aging population is experiencing the limitations of our personal living environments. Any evolution in building practically always begins in the common areas of the commercial building sector. The American Disabilities Act of 1990 increased the attention needed for those people having the right to equally access their work place and any recreational or leisure facilities. These rules at least offer minimal solutions for those needing the most help with any building access. In Austin, we now must provide access to one bathroom on the first floor in new homes as deemed by our newly adopted building regulations. This basic right to a handicap accessible bathroom is finally being enforced by the city's building inspectors. What a tremendous needed and basic design improvement!

Aging in place construction and Austin ADA remodeling has become synonymous with handicap accessible home design and modification during our lifetime. Home modifications can be used to accommodate anyone from people with mobility impairments to those with vision loss, hearing loss, or even cognitive or developmental disabilities. Accessibility home modifications or wheelchair accessible kitchen and bathroom remodeling in Austin will allow anyone with limited mobility within your home to feel more empowered and independent. The extent of a customized accessibility design is dependent upon the activity level of the person requiring the modifications.
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
Tags:
Texas,
kitchen remodeling,
how-to,
ADA compliant kitchen cabinets,
ADA accessible,
accessible routes,
ADA bathroom cabinets accessible routes,
wheelchair accessible remodeling,
wheelchair accessible baths and kitchens,
ADA remodeling,
ADA bathroom cabinets,
accessibility home remodeling in Austin,
accessible home remodeling,
Austin bathroom remodel,
home modifications for independent living,
handicap remodeling contractors in Austin,
remodel bathroom for handicap Austin Texas,
handicap home modifications for disabled,
handicap remodeling contractors,
home modifications Austin, Texas,
ADA remodeling Austin, Texas,
ADA bathroom Austin, Texas
Elder design takes on many facets because everyone ages differently. Once you pass through the entry door that begins a designated accessible route, the next phase of any ADA remodeling for greater accessibility includes making all destinations wheel chair accessible. Everyone requires the unrestricted use of any sinks and bathing facilities to promote personal hygiene and independence for any Austin bathroom remodel. This includes the sinks in both the kitchen and bath areas installed within ADA compliant cabinets at the correct 34 inch height. Roll under capability for wheelchair access will be included maintaining the proper clearances underneath the vanity during any bathroom modifications for elderly people. Furthermore those sinks must have accessible faucets with either automatic dispensing capabilities or manually operated blade (wrist) handles. Both the water supply lines and the sink drain underneath must be insulated or covered to prevent scalding when remodeling a bathroom with disability access.


Wheelchair Accessible Vanities
ADA accessible baths from a bath tub standpoint are generally limited to showers and the type of shower used is determined by the end user's physical capabilities. ADA compatible showers typically offer roll in or transfer situations. Custom tub shower conversions should be totally accessible. Regardless of the type ADA shower being used, a proper half inch threshold at the shower entrance should be observed for a custom walk in shower or you will need a means to add a ramp later. The splashing drawback of this situation can be remedied by installing a second wet trap floor drain overcoming any sewer gas problems arising from a dry trap.

The water controls located within the ADA accessible shower from a custom tub to shower conversion should include an easily adjustable faucet for temperature control with an automatic scald guard shield and an adjustable sliding wall mount capable of holding a hand held shower wand if desired. When the hand held shower is not mounted the user can rinse off easier using it as a hand held unit. The installation of grab bars as needed is a must.
Roll In Showers


Toilets need to have the flush handle located toward the middle of the room and be of the correct height for comfort. Proper clearance from any walls must be observed and the approach to the toilet must be maintained. Grab bars should be installed both on the rear and sidewall of the toilet at 34 inches above the floor. Any bathroom transformation needs to include universal design characteristics and be accessible to everyone in the home.

Remember to choose a remodeling contractor with ADA experience who is CAPS certified to show you how to get the greatest accessibility for your evolving lifestyle.


Tags:
how-to,
ADA compliant kitchen cabinets,
ADA accessible,
ADA bathroom cabinets accessible routes,
aging in place home modifications,
ADA remodeling,
CAPS certified remodeling in Austin,
ADA kitchen cabinets,
accessibility home remodeling in Austin,
accessible home remodeling,
bathroom modifications for elderly,
aging in place specialist,
aging in place services,
Austin elder construction,
bathroom modifications for disabled,
ADA vanities,
bathroom accessibility remodels in Austin,
accessibility remodelers in Austin,
ADA remodeling Austin, Texas,
ADA bathroom Austin, Texas,
accessibility designs Austin Texas,
handicap bathrooms
Many of us will face at least a temporary disability during our lifetime requiring some alterations to our living space. Those changes which will greatly aid in maneuvering through our daily routines. The temporary or permanent use of mobility devices signifies a lifestyle change in anyone's future often as a result of an accident. This situation can make getting around safely in our home much more difficult. The often used daily paths in our lives will be disrupted and complicated if you find yourself using a wheelchair or walker as a permanent means of mobility.


Keeping ourselves independent requires planning during handicap remodeling projects providing accessible routes throughout the home. Sometimes just entering the home can be a problem if you find yourself in a wheelchair pondering on how to negotiate the steps leading to your front door. Traditional home builders have never considered the issues affecting mobility for the disabled or elderly.

ADA remodeling and universal design ideas begin at the front door using ramps to get around the stair issue mentioned above. The front door may need to have locking hardware complying with special needs. Once inside the home, an accessible design and designated route will let you reach the kitchen or bath without restrictions. The adjusted clearances between walls within a hallway will be wide enough (42" or more) for a smooth passage. Widening the entrances to all rooms to 32" or greater means you can now maneuver throughout the home. By using the correct lever door hardware you will no longer impede mobility creating frustration while moving about. Having an unobstructed turning radius of five feet within each room is also very important for wheelchair maneuvering, especially in the bathroom.

What really defines the accessible homes of Austin? Barrier free architectural design and accessibility for all who enter the structure while approaching the main living areas of the home in question is a fair definition. Universal design and aging in place trends have taken hold in the residential remodeling industry. The current housing inventory doesn't offer the features needed for safety and accessibility in the numbers needed to accommodate the ever growing demand. It is ultimately up to the individual homeowners and their families to plan for future housing needs. Once it is discovered that modifications to an existing home are not possible to accomplish total accessibility then it is time to consider a newer or custom built accessible home. What are the main design issues regarding aging in place home modifications in Austin?
- Low maintenance with little need for landscaping or exterior upkeep which could translate into newer rather than older homes that are the accessible homes of Austin.
- An accessible level entry either achieved with ramps or the rare flat lot in Austin. Consumers are looking for the free maneuverability that more open floor plans offer having greater clear unobstructed floor space. Wider doorways and unobstructed accessible routes are truly a concern. These structures will provide flat floors without transitions requiring steps or stairs to move around.
- An accessible master suite and kitchen located on the same floor is preferable. If two story homes are mandated by the community then the guests will inhabit the second floor. If the master suite needs to be located on the second floor then closets can be stacked to house a future elevator installation.
- Evolving kitchens have sprung up due to the more open floor plans. Fewer wall cabinets, lowered cabinet tops, pullout shelves or specialized drawers, and a reduced number of mobility obstructing doors represent the evolution of today's cabinetry. Knee spaces can be incorporated into a kitchen design for roll under access to the sink, prep area, and cook top. Higher toe kicks can facilitate greater wheelchair access.
- Appliances are being installed at more comfortable heights due to decreased reach distances and bending motion. Raised dishwashers, refrigerator drawers, dish washing drawers, and non-stacked double ovens are just a few changes within the appliance world. Microwaves can be installed below the cabinet top and cook tops with controls located on the front represent another appliance metamorphosis helping with reach problems.
- The lack of cabinet doors creating a new accessible open look for cabinetry is taking hold on the market. This is becoming more popular in both the bath and kitchen of accessible homes.
- Bathroom vanities with universal height cabinet tops and open knee spaces are taking over the marketplace. These new residential vanities do not need to look institutional. They can be designed like any other piece of fine furniture. Comfort height toilets covered with any one of a multitude of available seats to fit every need prevent deep knee bends required for seating. Curbless roll in showers are advised for everyone on a universal level. The shower should contain at least a shower wand on a sliding bar to be available for varying heights of use along with a regular height shower head with diverter control if desired. Folding seats are useful if caretakers are involved and secure grab bars around the shower perimeter will increase the safety factor and prevent falls. All of the bathroom floor surface must be nonskid to prevent slipping on a guaranteed wet floor.

Finding a contractor familiar with the guidelines of accessibility can be quite difficult. Be sure to check out the credentials of any potential bidders you contact. Be sure they understand that the alterations you are seeking are for wheel chair accessible home remodeling and modifications. Furthermore be sure this person knows and practices both the federal and most importantly your state's requirements before entering into any contract.
Let's face it, accessible homes are needed by all of us at some time in our lives. This is true whether it's for ourselves, a family member, or a guest. The need is certainly not driven by age but is a result of life's experience. Any family living with disability among any of the generations within it's group can always benefit from additional accessibility. This will in turn increase safety and independence for all involved as they go through life.
Aging in place home modifications are available through T-Square Company. We are a certified aging in place specialist. 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


Tags:
Austin,
Texas,
how-to,
ADA compliant kitchen cabinets,
ADA accessible,
accessible routes,
aging in place home modifications,
ADA remodeling,
ADA bathroom cabinets,
accessibility home remodeling in Austin,
accessible home remodeling,
bathroom modifications for elderly,
aging in place specialist,
aging in place services,
aging in place design,,
elder construction,
certified aging in place specialist,
bathroom modifications for disabled,
ADA vanities,
bathroom accessibility remodels in Austin,
accessibility remodelers in Austin,
ADA remodeling Austin, Texas,
ADA bathroom Austin, Texas,
accessibility designs Austin Texas
The focal point of the master bath suite has shifted in recent years from the whirlpool bath to the totally tricked out custom walk in shower. Bubble tubs have gotten a bad reputation for the lack of sterilization associated with them. There is also a concern with the associated link concerning long term lower back and kidney damage. Custom shower designs Austin is slowly doing away with the problem.
Some people confuse Austin handicap remodeling and aging in place with universal design. Both are a method to increase accessibility within the home but aging in place strictly deals with an existing home. Aging in place also implies modifying any home for it's older occupants to insure that the inhabitants can safely remain there as long as they possibly can. This time will expire once they need assisting medically trained help for safeguarding their personal safety in a nursing home or an assisted living environment. Universal design is just that; offering choices to all of a home's residents no matter their age or physical capabilities. It begins with a design and then the construction begins. The number one safety hazard for elderly people is negotiating level changes within the home--steps at the entry, stairs between floors, and curbs to step over when entering the bath or shower. Eliminating level changes is very difficult in existing homes and almost impossible to do aesthetically and without major compromises, unless there is a major renovation. The result is that most homeowners decide to sell the house rather than make the modifications. When universal design is incorporated into their custom walk in shower design, homes can accommodate the needs of their owners as those needs evolve over time. Custom tub shower conversions make the home safer and more accessible.


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.
For additional information about the CAPS program, visit nahb.org/CAPS. For more information about T-Square Company, visit www.tsquareco.com or call 512-444-0097
All new construction for roll in showers or any bathroom upgrade to provide wheelchair accessibility should involve multiple shower head combinations in multiple locations to fit anyone's desires. Rain heads coming out of the ceiling, body heads coming out of the walls in many locations, or hand held units attached to the shower walls can make things very interesting. These combinations of heads and locations can be used to create rain effects, provide relief for muscle aches through body massages, or simply provide pin point convenience with hand held variable heads. The possibilities are endless as you dial in your bathing environment. Steam generators are also being considered as an investment in today's fine bathrooom designs. The steam heads can make the difference after a tough day when you're looking for that more therapeutic spa experience. This has certainly led the way to the thermostatic shower valve with plumbed-in hand held shower that is being used specifically in homes today where the owner is planning to retire.

Roll In Showers

Dry saunas should also be a consideration to be incorporated into any custom bath suite. The cleansing environment accented with eucalyptus cuttings helps to dry out the sinuses and also adds it's part to the body's total muscle relaxation. There is probably no better way to completely warm up after coming in from a cold wet winter day. Always remember to install a floor drain for the days when the sauna must be scrubbed.
A Completely Natural Dry Sauna

Tags:
Austin,
Texas,
how-to,
ADA accessible,
fine bathroom upgrades-bathroom cabinetry,
fine bathroom upgrades,
glass block designs,
custom walk in showerss,
custom tub to shower conversions,
accessibility home remodeling in Austin,
remodel bathroom for handicap Austin Texas,
wheelchair accessible showers in Austin,,
walk in shower Austin,
roll in showers in Austin,
austin custom walk in shower,
custom glass block shower designs,
walk in shower designs Austin
All fine bathroom makeovers must stand out even to their owners after the job is complete and all the workers have gone away. The use of granite, marble, onyx, limestone, or glass tiles during a bathroom upgrade can only be further enhanced when any design utilizing glass blocks is introduced into the mix. The owner's eyes will see the intense natural sparkle provided by the glass block ability to diffuse natural light that will brighten any setting and create a feeling of openess. Glass blocks can be inserted into an interior shower wall's opening providing light from a nearby outside window or on the exterior wall itself creating a waterproof window with both privacy and insulating capabilities. The blocks also make a great toilet partition when you don't want the confinement of an additional toilet room. Here they can be stair stepped toward the top to the wall's highest point and their raw ends covered in cuts from your field tiles or by using special glass tiles that are available. If you are lucky enough to be able to borrow natural light from an outside source like a light shaft or hallway you can create a brilliant room having no windows visible from the outside.

Using glass blocks to define your shower's wet area isolates it from the rest of the bathroom. The blocks can begin at any height above a lower knee wall that has been dressed with your bathroom's field tiles. The shower walls can either be straight, angled, or curved and can also gradually reduce in height via a stair step design once the wet area has been contained. These stair stepped blocks can then be covered as mentioned above. The raw edges at the top of your wall away from direct view can simply be covered in glass block mortar and molded into any edge profile or a bullnose fashion detail.
Your glass block walk in shower designs may be limited by the size of the blocks that you choose. Curved or radius walls are tough to do with any block wider than three inches. The raw stair step ends for tapering as mentioned above can be replaced with a special block having a bullnose finished edge. Angled walls can be accomplished by using special blocks that form a ninety or forty five degree corner. As far as patterns go you can mix three, four, or six inch widths with twelve inch blocks or you can use four and eight inch width blocks together. Just don't forget about the imported colored varieties or the antiques that are available on the market today.

Good Luck!

Tags:
Austin,
Texas,
how-to,
ADA accessible,
fine bathroom upgrades-bathroom cabinetry,
fine bathroom upgrades,
glass block designs,
glass block showers Austin,
custom glass block shower designs,
glass block walk in shower designs,
glass block design,
glass block bath designs Austin
Commercial Cabinets Austin, Texas
Using larger commercial cabinetry designs can compensate for the lack of separate office space if the occupants sharing the new facility participate in only one group or a single activity. The larger pieces can be located within a crowded common room or set aside to stand alone. They have the capability of bringing a like group together only to accomplish a given task.
Austin commercial cabinets incorporating multiple work stations can be used as a greeting place to begin business with your customers or as a place to conclude business. Multiple work stations are great in teaching facilities requiring access to an individual computer setup. They can be seen in bank teller desks, sales towers (see attached photo), or the main desk in a fine hotel or airport. Use them to accomplish different activities within a given space as in a guard or security area (see attached photo) of a facility. Each is totally efficient when used for a single duty.
Whether you are dealing in commercial bathroom remodeling, breakroom upgrades, or are in the need of an interesting reception desk you will need the help of a reputable commercial contractor. Every design that will be located within the common area must follow ADA rules for accessibility. Service desks should have designated areas with lowered heights and roll under capabilities to serve the people with special needs. Any commercial cabinetry not located within the common area can take on standard heights and depths.

There are basically two styles of ADA vanities that comply with an unobstructed roll under area below the sink. This capability has everything to do with both the water supply lines and the main waste line connecting the sink. There must be provisions made to protect the user from being scalded when coming into contact with any one of the plumbing pipes serving the sink. These connecting pipes may become heated merely by the water passing through them creating the problem. The open type model should always receive both waste and supply insulating jackets applied directly to the pipes providing protection for the wheelchair user. The closed model concealing the pipes will be equipted with a removable face or face board covering the pipes. This pipe concealing panel must be installed at the correct angle. This allows for the needed unobstructed legroom required for the user. The vanity can extend beyond the sink but the area containing the sink is required to have this roll under capability. This section of the vanity must not be any taller than 34 inches above the finished floor with sufficient lower clearance. Clear unobstructed reach distances around the countertop area must be observed. Any motion controlled sensors integrated into the various dispensing devices and/or plumbing fixtures throughout the restroom present a true hands free benefit to all the restroom users. If these aren't in the budget then at least wrist handles used for controlling the faucet can be incorporated into the design of the vanity. Furthermore, automatic flush valves should be used on all toilets and urinals that provide for hands free use.
Multiple Computer Work Stations

Commercial fine cabinetry can support undermounted monitors providing for the full desk top area, pull out keyboard trays which also conserve space, or CPU mounts that conceal and keep the machines out of the way or taking up space within a given cabinet. These customized cabinets can give your business a sleek, efficient, and organized appearance and assist in keeping clutter out of the public eye. Many configurations are possible to house the work stations in any required number. Just remember that careful thought for function is required prior to settling on a design and don't forget to make your facility ADA accessible if the general public will be served.
Whether you are dealing in commercial bathroom remodeling, breakroom upgrades, or are in the need of an interesting reception desk you will need the help of a reputable commercial contractor. Every design that will be located within the common area must follow ADA rules for accessibility. Service desks should have designated areas with lowered heights and roll under capabilities to serve the people with special needs. Any commercial cabinetry not located within the common area can take on standard heights and depths.

Commercial cabinetry, because of the increased use, must pass the durability test. Many people use and are constantly around pieces like reception desks and the traffic must flow well. All surfaces must be durable and be able to take a pounding. Proper drawer guides must be adequately matched with drawer content weight. Shelf brackets should also fit the weight of the materials they are holding up. Counter tops must be tough but look sharp. Reach limits must be realized and comfortable so that the user never has to leave his or her chair.

Tags:
Austin,
Texas,
how-to,
efficiency,
fine cabinetry,
commercial cabinetry,
ADA compliant kitchen cabinets,
Commercial Construction,
tenant finish outs,
ADA accessible,
barrier free access,
wheelchair accessible remodeling,
ADA remodeling,
ADA bathroom cabinets,
ADA compliance,
ADA kitchen cabinets,
remodel bathroom for handicap Austin Texas,
ADA vanities,
ADA remodeling Austin, Texas,
ADA bathroom Austin, Texas,
commercial office cabinetry,
commercial ADA bathroom,
commercial ADA accessible vanities,
commercial restroom accessibility remodeling,
commercial cabinets Austin,
commercial office cabinetry in Austin,
Austin offics cabinetry,
Austin office cabinetry,
ADA breakroom,
ADA breakroom cabinets,