Millions of Americans are living longer and have more active lives. While this group is embracing newly found and changing lifestyles, a need to revitalize their home environments has come about. Identifying this major opportunity while developing the skills to interact with those needful homeowners has created a new type of elder remodeling. A certified aging-in-place specialist or CAPS home remodeler has completed the coursework and training in how to help keep existing homeowners in their homes longer. They will be listed in a national directory compiled by the NAHB in Washington. The CAPS certificate holders act as ADA Contractors utilizing the ADA published rules. Their final accessible designs involve the ADA handbook as a guide but are not strictly held to all the ADA standards and regulations because they are funded with private monies. However, accessible CAPS designs are customized around the client's abilities.
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 and ADA accessibility in Austin, Texas. David L. Traut, CAPS the 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. T-Square Company is an ADA contractor in Austin, Texas abiding by the published ADA rules for their extremely disabled clients.
There are three categories of aging-in-place customers. Those who are simply and wisely planning ahead for their futures to remain in their present homes. The second category concerns those people who know they have a chronic medical disorder and need to prepare in advance for accessibility issues that will come as a result of their disease. People with diseases that are constantly causing increased physical or mental changes to their being are a good representative of this second group. The third group involves those people who either have had a chronic problem that has progressed severely altering their mobility or those who have sustained a life-altering tragedy such as being involved in an accident. All of these groups will drive the future metamorphosis of existing inaccessible dwellings requiring bathrooms with disability access. The goal of an Austin ADA compliant remodel or an accessible bathroom design is to make the bathroom a safe space for everyone who uses the facilities. Aging in place services use design techniques to accommodate wheelchair users and can make the bathroom more comfortable for all generations with or without specific needs. It is important to carefully outline the scope of work during the remodeling of an accessible bathroom by first taking inventory of the user's capabilities, needs, and preferences. All disability home remodeling or disability bath remodels in Austin must be done considering all the data provided by the client, his or her family, and any caretakers involved. CAPS certified remodeling and aging in place design must be carried out by aging in place specialists and residential remodeling professionals.
Many people find themselves needing accessible homes for themselves or family members. There are approximately 30 million Americans using wheelchairs and the number of people who need accessible homes will continue to increase as disabled and aging people are finding more ways to remain living in their homes. One important way to increase independent living is making a home accessible to any individual personal needs. Home modifications can increase safety, accessibility, and independence for people who want to live independently.
The three main rooms involved in aging in place home modifications are the bathroom, the kitchen, and the family room in that order. These areas make up the most occupied spaces of any home and will be connected by a designated accessible route. Here we will need access through wider doorways, non-slip floor surfaces, and adequate cabinet and plumbing fixture accessibility. What is more important is that we must observe safety for everyone as the baby boomers choose to age in place within their homes. Just remember one thing and dispel any myth that aging in place construction and remodeling must appear institutional or out of the ordinary. When the work is done with style and taste it will only compliment the home.
An accessible bathroom should try to maintain a five-foot turning radius for wheelchair use if at all possible. Have your plumbing facilities brought into compliance to enable freedom and safety. The use of grab bars within the tub or shower and around the toilet can be very helpful in ensuring your safety for maneuverability. These should be installed at 34 inches above the finished floor to safeguard your use of them. Having roll under capability for the new 34" high vanity can be very helpful while you are in the wheelchair. Exact clearances of 27" high and 32" in width should be complied with underneath the vanity. The proper safety equipment should be installed on the plumbing pipes that don't allow scalding of your legs. The toilet may need to be replaced providing a comfort level height that is around 18" in height for easier access. The tub or shower may need to be altered to become only a shower with roll-in or possibly transfer capabilities. All of these changes must be done along with the ADA guidelines for your safety.
The door width requirement of 32" or more will be true for any room in the house if you are to enter them barrier-free. The kitchen, your bedroom, and any other rooms you require accessibility to enter could be affected. Even the closet door within your bedroom will need to be wide enough so that you can manage to get your clothes to dress. Any other bedrooms that you may need to enter with your wheelchair will also need alterations.
The accessible kitchen is another story altogether. You will need the roll-under capability as mentioned above at the kitchen sink, cooktop, or food prep area. Upper kitchen cabinet heights become an issue and require pull-down mechanisms for better access. Multiple height worksurfaces between 28 and 34 inches offer flexibility to all users. No matter what you end up doing, make sure to hire an experienced building professional who understands the ADA guidelines for your well-being. Contact T-Square Company at 512-444-0097 today for all your newly discovered accessibility needs.
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Physical limitations affect many more people than the daily users of walkers and wheelchairs. Many members of our society experience a need for elder construction and disability remodeling having significant problems in dealing with their home environment. Today's conventional building standards conflict with most people's accessibility when you consider our created architectural barriers concerning cabinetry and door opening widths, individual strength, range of motion, movement, manual dexterity, balance, and coordination. Once the demands of our built environment exceed their capacities we become excluded from a room or even the entire home. The building world must work in unison to be sure the entire living environment meets basic needs in addition to affordability and structural integrity for the consumer and homeowner. This includes both the home and the components within the home being accessible to all inhabitants. Privacy, sense of belonging, sense of control, and the sense of safety and security make up the quality of life for any home and should be considered for any design.
The concept of successful aging has become increasingly important as senior citizens begin to dominate the population. An active engagement in life through participation in social and productive activities is one component of successful aging. The built environment directly impacts the engagement profiles of older adults so it is necessary to provide environments designed to suit the needs of aging adults. Of all the design theories that attempt to accommodate the aging process, Universal Design may be the most desirable option as it provides built environments that benefit everyone. Universal Design is a promising voluntary philosophy that requires increased attention from designers and builders participating in Aging in Place. Taken as a whole, it is evident that the application of Universal Design into the built environment is a positive step toward successful aging.
The new evolving concept known as Universal Design for home remodeling is catching on nationwide and has been for several years as a sign of the times. Universal Design principles used in building or remodeling make a home more accessible to all regardless of their mobility or adaptive abilities. Furthermore, the evolution of new products used for disability home modifications is making those homes more accessible and has finally come about in the remodeling industry. These new advances in accessible home remodeling in Austin not only keep the living environments safer but will not compromise the home's aesthetics. In fact, there are many benefits to using Universal Design techniques, including potential ease of use by aging family members, added resale value, and the fact that you'll be creating a space that can be used by anyone who visits your home, regardless of their range of abilities. Universal Design offers a clear path for Aging in Place within any home.
Simple Universal Design updates for Aging in Place home modifications and handicap accessibility can include adding grab bars or handrails throughout the home, adding a seat within the roll-in shower, lowering upper cabinets and countertops, adding non-slip flooring, widening hallways or installing stairlifts, and widening doors. You might also consider lowering light switches and thermostats and installing easier-to-use doorknobs. You should try to provide a clear barrier-free path or accessible route to the most visited areas of your home as recommended by the ADA. Remember that more open space gives room for maneuverability while using any mobility aid required.
When mobility becomes an issue for any homeowner or family member, regardless of age, the question arises concerning physically moving to a different home on one level with at least a bath that is more accessible. Austin handicap remodeling can help in preparing for one of those highly likely events involving someone in your home needing room modifications for even a short time while recovering from surgery is surely a smart move. Solving Aging in Place issues will soon become the number one challenge concerning the present obsolete housing inventory in our country. Our present-day obsolete homes now inhabited by the baby boomer generation will slowly and increasingly raise their outdated and obsolete ugly heads and expose their true lack of accessibility to those very people inhabiting them. The situation will only become ever more expanding in time. When these homes were previously purchased, they represented an absolute castle in the world of their owners in which to prepare for a day and they also acted as a retreat from life's tough interactions. They housed our families, our memories, and our stuff. They represented a place where we could be ourselves. Our homes have always been exempt from any and all of the accessibility regulations that have been put in place since 1968 when our Viet Nam veterans were returning home.
Let's face it, accessible homes are needed by all of us at some time in our lives even for a short time. 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 sometimes requiring wheelchair remodeling. Any family living with a disability among any of its generations within its group can always benefit from additional home accessibility.
Everyone ages differently and has different needs and wants. The factors that constitute the Aging in Place market for all individuals are based on a person's genetic makeup, their lifestyle including the choices they have made while living their life, and their environment. These factors have brought about the need for universal design principles. This is the design of products, services, and environments that are usable by as many people as possible regardless of age, ability, or situation without the need for adaptation or specialized alterations. It provides for the greatest safety and access for any home guests or occupants and is undetectable when done well. Since so very few homes share the accessibility offered by Universal Design, to satisfy the needs of a particular household member brought about by an accident, an illness, or simply the aging process there will always be a need for customized accessibility features. This will be accomplished by a CAPS accredited remodeling professional producing a truly functional design. This same competent home remodeling company that understands and practices accessible home modifications in Austin should carry out the work to fit the design and ensure your safety and accessibility. The criteria for home accessibility are not common knowledge among builders. It is acquired and practiced knowledge.
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 more than a decade ago, 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. We generate handicap accessible floor plans for our clients with special needs. Our design/build projects have helped countless homeowners through the VA, HUD, and the private sector. The home modifications we offer will in turn increase safety and independence for all involved as they go through life.
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.
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The present out of control housing market situation prompted a search for answers solving the question of how to create houses capable of meeting the needs of tomorrow while accommodating future life changes. There is no one size fits all home design because everyone’s life experience is unique to them creating a diverse society with diverse physical needs. Using Universal Design, the wide ranging abilities of the homeowner is a major consideration for all successful inclusive and adaptable designs in homes. The absence of the Universal Design principles entering into all existing home architectural endeavors is perpetuating the lack of accessible housing urgently needed for the lifespan of every homeowner. To increase the acceptance of this design concept by everyone, especially the consumer, Universal Design must become a topic of conversation through knowledge and basic understanding. This depends on the members of the broadest populations’ acknowledgement of the need for the use of this practical idea.
Universal Design plays a significant role in the future accessibility of all home designs. Homeowners must base design decisions on the seven (or eight) principles of Universal Design. Deciding which universal features to include in future forever homes is the most alluring question. Each principle is very useful in itself. The more principles involved in the design process, the greater the adaptable outcome of the home. After all, the smart forward thinking homes of the future depict long term sustainable assets for life allowing Aging in Place to seamlessly follow as people age and evolve. It is true Universal Design emerged out of the accessible and adaptive architectural movement; however, it constantly attempts to combine aesthetics with basic core values for every user. While moving us toward an accessible future, appearing invisible, Universal Design recognizes peoples’ bodies, needs, and lifestyles constantly change along a continuum due to the aging process. Universal Design acknowledges too that everyone ages differently as individuals. One person’s disability type is not experienced like another’s. It is better to live in a more open and comfortable Universal Design home with the flexibility of evolving with the homeowner rather than one which at some uncertain time becomes an impasse during the homeowner’s lifetime.
Embracing Universal Design with its many values and advantages for all people during timely remodeling projects or while building a new home is needed if society is ever going to escape the inaccessible cookie cutter homes of today. Additionally, this design technique offers a win-win solution helping solve problems encountered by multi-generational households. The multi-generational homes of today create the greatest personal accessibility challenges for all the generations involved. The application of Universal Design principles is desperately needed to sustain the choice of living environments for these diversified families. Universal Design homes have the unique ability of simultaneously accommodating strollers, walkers, or wheelchairs within the home without regard to a person’s size, age, or abilities. Furthermore, these homes contain lasting value if the owner ever decides to sell appealing to all society groups. To the uninformed, the folklore associated with Universal Design has stigmatized the process in home building today. This has much to do with why such a unique building concept is not greeted with open arms by the consumer. Beliefs like, it costs more, it takes up too much space, it will make my home have less resale value, it will look institutional, or only a few people could benefit from it represent a select few.
While Universal Design sounds appealing in conversations, it is rare to actually witness it in the built environment. The Universal Design movement recognizes its slow acceptance hinges on historic ties related to being a disability solution. This way of thinking causes implications for consumers and the world of home design presenting a huge misconception. Universal Design never distanced itself from the need for increased accessibility during the disability movement of the 80’s and therefore is mired in ADA jargon producing an indelible unfocused brand. As an inclusive design, Universal Design pertains to overcoming the barriers and stereotypes associated with its terminology in order to stand out as the next and final trend in future housing. Universal Design has no limits for the varying groups of people it helps. Every family member is included when using this design methodology whether they are abled or disabled, short or tall, young or old. With education, people understand Universal Design is the most revolutionary element in housing design today. Once realized how the principles of Universal Design affect everyone in the quest for maximum inclusion, consumers might start paying better attention to this logical building concept. Future home dwellers are fortunate in having this transitional and adaptable design concept in their vocabulary. Possibly they distinguish the designs flexibility as the gateway for tomorrow homes built and designed for everyone at every age. Only then, when people grasp the importance of Universal Design, does it become an everyday building term and a much needed household solution. No longer are personal desires for Aging in Place creating total disruption during life’s waning years. It is successfully accomplished seamlessly following the accessibility offered by Universal Design.
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The concept of successful aging has become increasingly important as senior citizens begin to dominate the population. An active engagement in life through participation in social and productive activities is one component of successful aging. The built environment directly impacts the engagement profiles of older adults so it is necessary to provide environments designed to suit the needs of aging adults. Of all the design theories that attempt to accommodate the aging process, universal design may be the most desirable option as it provides built environments that benefit everyone. Universal design is a promising voluntary philosophy that requires increased attention from designers and builders participating in aging in place. Taken as a whole, it is evident that the application of universal design to the built environment is a positive step toward successful aging.
Physical limitations affect many more people than the daily users of walkers and wheelchairs. Many members of our society experience a need for elder construction having significant problems in dealing with their home environment. Today's conventional building standards conflict with most people's accessibility when you consider our created architectural barriers concerning cabinetry and door opening widths, individual strength, range of motion, movement, manual dexterity, balance, and coordination. Once the demands of our built environment exceed their capacities we become excluded from a room or even the entire home. The building world must work in unison to be sure the entire living environment meets basic needs in addition to affordability and structural integrity for the consumer and home owner. This includes both the home and the components within the home being accessible to all inhabitants. Privacy, sense of belonging, sense of control, and the sense of safety and security make up the quality of life for any home and should be considered for any design.
When mobility becomes an issue for any homeowner or family member, regardless of age, the question arises concerning physically moving to a different home on one level with at least a bath that is more accessible. Austin handicap remodeling can help in preparing for one of those highly likely events involving someone in your home needing room modifications for even a short time while recovering from surgery is surely a smart move. Solving aging in place issues will soon become the number one challenge concerning the present obsolete housing inventory in our country. Our present day obsolete homes now inhabited by the baby boomer generation will slowly and increasingly raise their outdated and obsolete ugly heads and expose their true lack of accessibility to those very people inhabiting them. The situation will only become ever more expanding in time. When these homes were previously purchased, they represented an absolute castle in the world of their owners in which to prepare for a day and they also acted as a retreat from life's tough interactions. They housed our families, our memories, and our stuff. They represented a place where we could be ourselves. Our homes have always been exempt from any and all of the accessibility regulations that have been put in place since 1968 when our Viet Nam veterans were returning home.
The new evolving concept known as Universal Design for home remodeling is catching on nation wide and has been for several years as a sign of the times. Universal design techniques used in building makes a home more accessible to all regardless of their mobility or adaptive abilities. An evolution of new products used for disability home modifications is making those homes more accessible and has finally come about in the remodeling industry. These new advances in accessible home remodeling in Austin not only keep the living environments safer but will not compromise the home's aesthetics. In fact, there are many benefits to using universal design techniques, including potential use by aging family members, added resale value, and the fact that you'll be creating a space that can be used by anyone who visits your home, regardless of their range of abilities. Simple universal design updates for aging in place home modifications and handicap accessibility can include adding grab bars or handrails throughout the home, adding a seat within the roll in shower, lowering upper cabinets and counter tops, adding non-slip flooring, widening hallways or installing stair lifts, and widening doors. You might also consider lowering light switches and thermostats and installing easier to use door knobs. You should try to provide a clear barrier free path or accessible route to the most visited areas of your home as recommended by the ADA. Remember that a more open space gives room for maneuverability while using any mobility aid required.
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 sometimes requiring wheelchair remodeling. Any family living with disability among any of it's generations within it's group can always benefit from additional home accessibility. We generate handicap accessible floor plans for our clients with special needs. This will in turn increase safety and independence for all involved as they go through life.
Everyone ages differently and has different needs and wants. The factors that constitute the aging in place market for all individuals are based on a persons genetic makeup, their lifestyle including the choices they have made while living their life, and their environment. These factors have brought about the need for universal design. This is the design of products, services, and environments that are usable by as many people as possible regardless of age, ability, or situation without the need for adaptation or specialized alterations. It provides for the greatest safety and access for any home guests or occupants and is undetectable when done well. Since so very few homes share the accessibility offered by universal design, to satisfy the needs of a particular household member brought about by an accident, an illness, or simply the aging process there will always be a need for customized accessibility features. This will be accomplished by a CAPS accredited remodeling professional producing a truly functional design. This same competent home remodeling company who understands and practices accessible home modifications in Austin should carry out the work to fit the design and insure your safety and accessibility.
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.
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Finding the right design/build contractor with ADA knowledge and experience can be a challenge. Obtaining help for maintaining your independence throughout an accessible wheelchair design in Austin is possible. You should be looking for a CAPS certified contractor who understands life changes. A local 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 handicap accessible house plans. These can include widening doorways, ADA compliant kitchen cabinets, or ADA compatible baths.
Concerning home accessibility, 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
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The Basic Room Scenario
A combination of six faces defines nearly any given room. The four walls receive the most preparation since they are usually the focal point as one enters the room. Much time is spent to achieve just the right color, texture, and appearance to create that lasting impression. The fifth surface, the floor, is generally designed for durability and comfort keeping with the rooms color scheme. It too has a great deal to do with the general feeling of the room and as such is always considered in conjunction with the walls. The final surface at the ceiling level is hardly ever taken into account in the finish schedule beyond that of getting a coat of color scheme blending paint.
One may never realize this last face even exists until they are lying in bed staring upward at a very common and unimaginable sight. This most recently neglected surface having such great potential has simply been made boring with the invention and use of drywall. The old out of sight, out of mind gesture kicked in following the sheetrock revolution. Consulting with a residential construction professional in Austin can give you some workable ideas.
Long before drywall was slapped upon the ceiling and left to disappear in monotony, ceilings were both ornate and beautiful. Wood was generally used on the ceiling enabling beams, coffered units, and box ceilings to be limited only by creativity. Clap board houses had boarded ceilings covered with cheese cloth so that colorful wall paper could be hung. Beaded and v-groove boards were another way to make ceilings interesting. A metallic look was obtained using stamped tin panels of many patterns. When all else failed and a homogeneous look was desired plaster was used.
The look of fine cabinetry along with detailed woodwork and trim can be used on the ceiling to make any job more interesting and "kick it over the top". You can combine creative woodwork with faux or actual metal surfaces for that certain but different look. Beamed and coffered ceilings also create a warm and rich feeling that is beyond the norm. Any use of these special ceilings will give any bath or kitchen upgrade a unique overall feel and look. They can enhance bedrooms, home offices, libraries, vestibules or any room you'd like to reveal a looming accent.
How would you like waking up to this Oak ceiling daily?
Try spending some of those building funds on the aspects that are only seen when you're at total rest and staring up into dullness!
No matter which room you are wanting to upgrade, from kitchens to bathrooms, take everything into consideration because this is what represents your home to your visitors through their sensory perception.
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If you have been considering a fine bathroom makeover or remodeling project in Austin there are a few things you should take into consideration. Bathroom makeovers in Austin, Texas can take on many looks and facets. The scope of work you choose to accomplish your bathroom transformation should effectively solve your problems and most importantly, your needs as the home owner. The identification of these specific needs belongs to you the home owner. The way your home is structurally altered to accomplish these needs is the job of the professional remodeling contractor. Accessibility should be a concern no matter what your age. If your concerns are not for you, barring any life changing accident, they could concern the accessibility of another generation's independence is using the restroom. CAPS professionals in the remodeling industry can help with solutions in solving these issues. Bathroom remodeling contractors Austin, Texas can provide you with answers to your much thought about questions.
Just look at the different types of housing represented throughout Austin and the surrounding areas. Smaller homes, cottages, sprawling historical town homes surrounded by architecturally pleasing fences, rustic ranch homes, Macmansions, and sleek high rise condominiums are just a few examples of the structures that define Austin's diverse housing landscape. Economic situations along with personal preference formulates where we choose to live in a town with such diversity. Most people remember how the old style bathtub/shower combination was a standard part of any bathroom design. Some residential showering areas were enclosed using the multicolored vinyl shower curtain option while others had bipassing or sliding shower doors on tracks. The doors were framed with either chrome or gold colored aluminum matching the sliding tracks. Modern bathroom designs have become much more sophisticated because the many available bathroom products are easier to be discovered by the homeowner. There are millions of pictures representing fine bathroom upgrades or bathroom remodeling all across the internet.
Certainly there are many upgrades available when planning a bathroom remodel. A custom tub shower conversion can create a bold look but will run you around $11,000. There are no spending limits for bathroom remodels. You can plan on spending around $12,000 to $15,000 for a hall bath remodel. The price tag can approach or exceed $35,000 for a complete master suite remodel. The type of fixtures and building components chosen along with the labor will compose the overall cost of the remodeling project.
Keep in mind that moving plumbing, especially drains, is one of the more expensive aspects of a fine bathroom makeover involving floor demolition. If you can limit and control the costs involved with this issue you will have more money to spend on the things that show off your endeavors. Changing water supply line locations for a custom tub shower conversion is not as difficult as moving drains especially when they go into the main drainage system that resides underneath the finished floor.
Proper lighting is always an important aspect to be installed during a bathroom remodel. It can be broken down by task. Recessed cylindrical can lighting is used today to provide the overall luminescence for the room. Trims with lenses can be installed above baths and showers by code to brighten darker areas. Light strips or single wall fixtures can be designed around the new framed beveled mirror that you have chosen. The choice of bulbs utilized is yours for now at least. Try using dimmers to control your new lighting creating mood.
Ventilation is so important when planning a bathroom upgrade because of the humidity involved. Too many times a single exhaust fan is installed above the toilet, or what is much worse, in the center of the room. Heat and humidity naturally rise and will overtake the entire room if given a chance. Today's quiet bathroom exhaust fans should be sized according to the room's air volume. They should be located above any bathing or showering facility and above the toilet. Conditioned air along with adequately sized duct work supplied by your central unit will further accentuate a pleasant feeling within the bath.
Bathroom plumbing fixture choices are numerous to say the least. Select reputable companies offering the best warranties especially when considering finishes used on control valve trims and the fixtures installed in the project. Larger walk in shower designs should have seamless fiberglass liners to avoid leaks if the house ever shifts. Using natural stone or glass tiles while additionally designing in glass blocks will certainly be an upgrade. As for the new walk in shower design, you can design the space to not need a door for splash protection or you can take the route of a clean looking frameless glass shower enclosure. This will surely set you back at least $900. The end result will be a sophisticated clean look of beauty enclosing your new shower. Whether the door sits upon a curb or you have a specific need for a curbless situation you will be satisfied with your choice.
Who do you choose to help you with your dream? It is true that a professional remodeling contractor with years of experience will cost you more than a handyman illegally playing among the trades at your peril but then again there are those professional guarantees to consider. The professional verses the handyman is more likely to seek your overall satisfaction that will follow him into his next job. A true building professional can also orchestrate the job's smooth flow limiting the down time of a most useful room. Subcontractors will not be covered up and each skilled trade is brought onto the sight as needed in an orderly fashion. Professionals normally have insurance to cover on the job accidents to protect the homeowners from having legal action brought against them personally. Be sure you ask for a certificate of insurance from your chosen professional contractor so that you aren't held personally liable for medical experiences covering a worker's accident while on your property. Don't forget that only a certified aging in place (CAPS) professional can help you solve your accessibility issues.
An Austin Bathroom Makeover
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A bathroom designed for someone who is aging in place is very different than one based on aesthetics or home value. Remodeling when considering future needs requires intuitive thought and considerations before you begin. The issues to consider include a safe design having ease of use by everyone and the people who will be using the facilities. Remember that remodeling a bathroom will take time and effort and there will be costs involved. When someone wants to age in place it is worthwhile to explore a universal design bathroom design that is both comfortable and safe to use as the occupant’s personal needs change. The bathroom is one space in the home where safety is of the utmost importance. From the toilet, to the shower, the vanity, and onto the lighting, there are adaptations and products to help keep the bathroom a safe place for all.
The goal of an accessible bathroom design is to make the bathroom a safe space for everyone who uses the facilities. Aging in place services use universal design to accommodate wheelchair use and can make the bathroom more comfortable for all generations with or without specific needs. It is important to carefully outline the scope of work during the remodeling of an accessible bathroom by first taking inventory of the users capabilities, needs, and preferences. All disability home remodeling or disability bath remodels must be done considering all the data provided by the client, his or her family, and any caretakers involved. Aging in place design must be carried out by an aging in place specialist holding a CAPS certificate. 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. Never consider hiring a "jack of all trades but master of none" type handyman to tear your bathroom apart. What's more, you certainly do not want to witness such a person struggling to piece the room back together attempting to achieve your long desired bathroom remodel idea. If so, you will absolutely learn a hard and invaluable lesson in getting what you pay for by accepting the handyman's cheapest bid.
In 1990, The Americans With Disability Act (ADA) set forth the guidelines for accessibility within public and commercial buildings. We use these same guidelines today when designing for people's increased accessibility within their home since no laws exist for the residential marketplace. Most of the requirements are merely common sense when universal design techniques are practiced. For instance, the standards for toilets regulate the height, the clearance in front and to the sides, the positions of grab bars and toilet paper holders, and the operation of the flush mechanism.
The height of a standard toilet is 17 inches or lower with 14 1/2 inches being the common height. The ADA guidelines mandate a distance between 17 and 19 inches from top of the seat to the floor on a handicap toilet. If the toilet is for use by children the height must be between 11 to 17 inches. The flush control is required to be on the open side of the toilet and should have easy one hand operation.
If you're designing a bathroom for handicapped use, implementing ADA standards within the design make it easier for wheelchair bound people to maneuver around the toilet. Consider the placement of the toilet in relation to walls and barriers in the bathroom. Having a clear floor space with at least 48 inches between the walls on either side of the toilet to make it easier to negotiate the approach. The toilet should be positioned a distance of 18 inches from one of the walls to create an approach space on the opposite side of the toilet. If the lavatory is situated on a side wall it must be placed at least 18 inches from the toilet. Space requirements in front of an ADA toilet vary according to the placement of the toilet, but in general, you need about 66 inches from the back wall to the wall opposite the toilet which is almost standard in a bathroom dictated by the width of a standard tub. A clear five foot turning radius should be observed for maximizing wheelchair operations. Grab bars are required in all ADA compliant bathrooms or toilet stalls. You should provide them behind the toilet and on the side walls and they should be 33 to 36 inches above the finished floor. The grab bar lengths should be twenty four to thirty six inches behind toilet and forty two to forty eight inches on the side wall with the bar located two feet from the front of the toilet. Folding grab bars can be used when the side wall isn't sufficient and they fold up for convenient out of the way storage.
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No matter how old you are you should periodically evaluate your residence to determine whether it suits you not just for the present but the future. Your home assessments will be rethought every time your living situation changes. Whether childproofing for a newborn, making a home more accessible following a sickness or unfortunate accident to someone in the family, or making a toilet area safer for an aging residing parent, there will be an immediate evolution to your primary domicile. These same life span design features are even more important if you believe you're past the age of wanting to move and are relishing the thought of aging in your own home, no matter what physical limitations you might later develop. Incorporating smart aging design concepts into a home will attract a larger group of buyers when you decide to finally sell your home.
When mobility becomes an issue for any homeowner, regardless of age, the question arises concerning physically moving to a different home with a bath that is more accessible or making the existing home modifications which will meet the need of the new life changes.Solving aging in place issues will soon become the number one challenge concerning the present obsolete housing inventory in our country. Our present day obsolete homes now inhabited by the baby boomer generation will slowly and increasingly raise their outdated and obsolete ugly heads and expose their true lack of kitchen or bathroom accessibility to those very people inhabiting them. The situation will only become ever more expanding in time. When these homes were previously purchased, they represented an absolute castle in the world of their owners in which to prepare for a day and they also acted as a retreat from life's tough interactions. They housed our families, our memories, and our stuff. They represented a place where we could be ourselves. Our homes have always been exempt from any and all of the accessibility regulations that have been put in place since 1968 when our Viet Nam veterans were returning home. The new evolving concept known as Universal Design and specialized handicap remodeling contractors for home remodeling is catching on nationwide and has been for several years as a sign of the times. Universal design techniques used in building makes a home more accessible to all regardless of their mobility or adaptive abilities.
Many people find themselves needing accessible homes for themselves or family members. There are approximately 30 million Americans using wheelchairs and the number of people who need accessible homes will continue to increase as disabled and aging people are finding more ways to remain living in their homes. One important way to increase independent living is making a home accessible to an individual’s personal needs. Home modifications making homes wheelchair accessible can increase safety, accessibility, and independence for people who want to live independently.
Falls and slips are among the most common causes of injury to senior or elderly people and for those with a disability. Smooth surfaces in combination with wet areas make the bathroom one of the most dangerous areas within the home. It is of paramount importance that the bathroom be updated providing safety for any person with limited mobility or the elderly. Grab bar installation will greatly improve safety and usability of the bathroom.
If the residence is fairly new and uses universal design techniques or the geographic area uses accessible housing standards, the walls in the tub area and the walls behind and next to the toilet should have extra blocking. Blocking is a structural reinforcement within a wall that allows a grab bar to be attached securely to withstand a 250 pound force. Studs can also be used but may not be located in the most desirable location for the length of the grab bar being used. The purpose of a grab bar is to help support a person, and the grab bar must be able to support a person's weight until help arrives or the person can right themselves. A grab bar is both pulled and pushed against.The standard size for a grab bar is 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 inches in diameter and should be 1-1/2 inches away from the wall. With some new construction, blocking is placed in the walls such that grab bars can be installed easily at a later date when needed. If there is no blocking in the walls, it can be added later but the wall must be open up to expose the studs. The recommended type is 3/4 inch plywood, 6 to 12 inches wide and nailed into the studs or a 2 by 6 or 8 inch block nailed into the studs. Today, grab bars come in many metal finishes and decorative shapes. Contrasting colors are easier to see in an emergency. Grab bars with a slight milled in texture are easier to grip. The blocking should be the full length of the tub and at both ends. This allows grab bars to be installed anywhere in the area or in more than one place. Never install grab bars on an angle where wet hands can slip. Grab bars should exist on all sides of the shower and tub walls. At the toilet, the blocked areas should be behind the toilet and on at least one side. If there is no wall next to the toilet, an L-shaped grab bar can be installed by attaching the front end to the floor and the back to the wall behind the toilet. All grab bars should be installed at the universal height of 34-36 inches above the finished floor. Folding grab bars can be used when adjacent walls don't exist in a 24" reach distance for a seated person.
Once the demands of our built environment exceed their capacities we become excluded from a room or even the entire home. The building world must work in unison to be sure the entire living environment meets basic needs in addition to affordability and structural integrity for the consumer and home owner. This includes both the home and the components within the home being accessible to all inhabitants. Privacy, sense of belonging, sense of control, and the sense of safety and security make up the quality of life for any home and should be considered for any design. Universal Design is where we are headed out of necessity.
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Many people find themselves needing accessible homes for themselves or family members. There are approximately 30 million Americans using wheelchairs and the number of people who need accessible homes will continue to increase as disabled and aging people are finding more ways to remain living in their homes. One important way to increase independent living is making a home accessible to an individual’s personal needs. Home modifications making homes wheelchair accessible can increase safety, accessibility, and independence for people who want to live independently.
The toilet is a uniquely useful fixture in the bathroom for waste disposal.Toilets are typically chosen to match the rest of the plumbing fixtures within the room. These waste ridding devices have evolved very little over the years but require hand strength and agility to be operated correctly. They are not manufactured with accompanying handholds compounding to the difficulty of some users. The seat height of toilets is a critical consideration with respect to comfort and are now available in increased heights ranging from 18-19 inches in height eliminating the deep knee bend or back aches needed for seating. This is a wider accepted choice than the toilet heights we have grown accustomed to at 14-15”. Additionally raised or elevated seats can be installed if needed. These will provide an additional five inches in height but the elevated seats will most assuredly cause problems if children are also using the facilities. However, lower seat heights are problematic and can also hinder the ease of transferring from a wheelchair and back again. Assisting electrical power toilet lifts with attached grab bars can help raise and lower the user if required. Grab bars should be installed on at least two sides of the toilet. All grab bars must be secured into either adequate wood blocking or existing wall studs so they can hold at least 250 pounds of downward force. Creating a toilet within an open area which is approachable from both sides and not in a closet is much more accessible. Accessible toilets should never be placed in small alcoves. The old idea of placing them within a private room works well for those with a full range of mobility. They should have a minimum clear width of 60" optimally and sufficient space to accommodate a wheelchair to the sides of the toilet or in front for transferring to and from the toilet. Toilet seats are also available with a heat feature and some have the ability to self-close or have a night light. Wall mounted toilets offer more accessible areas underneath for cleaning versus floor mounted models but are more expensive and not a readily available. An add on bidet attachment installed on a regular toilet can be handy and help improve hygiene especially when a caretaker is involved. This is a cheaper idea than a free standing bidet and also concerns precious space.
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 (18" from any side wall to the center of the toilet) must be observed and the clear 30 inch by 48 inch 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. If no side wall is present within a reasonable reach distance from the toilet then you can opt for a folding model as in the above photo. Any bathroom transformation needs to include universal design characteristics and be accessible to everyone in the home.
Designing task oriented bathroom fixtures without consideration for their use, placement, or how they make up the bathroom environment makes up the current way of thinking universally. The tub/shower, sink, and toilet are used individually and designing for the greatest approach clearance within clear spaces. Observing minimal distance to traverse for each fixture location should take president within any accessible design. This individual design will provide the greatest use of each fixture for the bathroom layout. Emphasis must be placed on fixture placement to accomplish certain tasks but grouping these tasks where possible can be beneficial to everyone. The greater the proximity of the fixtures, the more efficient and convenient the design. The universal bathroom can be a more enabling environment focusing on an individual’s capabilities with regards to the individual’s surroundings.
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