WANT TO EXPLORE ACCESSIBILITY OR ADA DESIGNS?
If you are renovating, buying a home or condo, building from scratch, adding an in-law suite, or fixing up to age-in-place, my advice can save you time and money. Although I am not a licensed architect or engineer, I conceived of and own a patent in the field of ADA design, and also designed both renovations and new buildings.
THINKING ABOUT BUYING, BUILDING OR FIXING A HOME TO ACCOMMODATE SPECIAL NEEDS?
Not all properties or designs are optimized for efficient space utilization, or for accessibility needs. This Report is an example of an attractive new condo that both wasted space and made it hard to get to many things. I reviewed the design before the condo was fitted out for the buyer. Many suggestions were no-cost changes that used the available space more completely, adding storage and making it easier for a wheelchair-bound tenant. This sort of review gets buyers more bang for their buck, eliminates buyer-remorse, and avoids disputes after settlement. Here is the introduction to the Report:
Dear *********:
At your request, I have evaluated scale drawings of a condominium you are considering to purchase. You asked for recommendations how to modify the design to more accomodating to certain ADA-type requirements. What follows is that evaluation, organized area-by-area, for your review.
Some of my suggestions are labeled “NO-COST CHANGES,” meaning that the builder will not incur extra costs for labor or material to make the change. However, often Builders do charge for making any design change, because all changes require documentation and special attention by their quality control inspector or superintendent.
Other suggestions are labeled “ADD,” meaning that the change involves extra labor or material.
Some suggestions are labeled “CREDIT,” meaning that the change involves eliminating this or that from the design. In these sitiuations the builder may offer you a cash credit, or may offer to do some of the “ADD” work in exchange for this or that “CREDIT.”
All suggestions are organized by the area (laundry, etc), making it easier for you to see the change by looking at the builders drawing, and also making it easier for the builder to respond if you decide to ask the builder to make this or that change.
The entire 6-page detailed report is attached here:
NEED HOME RENOVATIONS AFTER A SUDDEN HEALTH CHANGE?
My innovative, affordable designs can show how to return home after stroke, spinal injury or similar issues make bedrooms or bathrooms inaccessible. Call to discuss. If you like, schedule an initial assessment that is tailored to your personal situation.
MY PATENT: HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE CONSTRUCTION, US 6941711 B2
A design-build customer with quadrplegic special needs asked if me to design affordable multi-story living without using mechanical lifts or elevators. My design solution suited his needs and was so unusual that the US Patent office awarded me a patent. To see the patent photos of two homes I designed and built using this patent, click the links below.
Philadelphia's PBS TV station WHYY covered one house in a three-part broadcast news series. AARP featured the other house as part of an Aging-In-Place Design Innovation DVD. Perhaps this patent can modify your existing home or help a new home meet your special special needs and personal preferences. Call to discuss.
CLICK FOR PATENT: