Remodelers: How to Offer Home Mobility Solutions
Remodeling
5 min read
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Sam Miller
RevOps Manager
According to the Center for Disease Control, 11.1% of U.S. adults have mobility issues. This statistic indicates that the ability to move about freely is an important issue to a large population of Americans. But not all conventional homes are accessible to them. That’s why the services of professional remodelers are so important. Remodelers can complete home modifications that greatly improve the safety, accessibility, and independence of persons with reduced mobility.
Step 1: Get Acquainted and Gather Information
Step 2: Set Priorities
Step 3: Develop a Clear Plan
Step 4: Present Your Recommendations
Remember: Your customer is looking to you for guidance, because there is no one-size-fits-all solution for custom home modifications. Your professional input will be needed and welcomed.
A Look at Types of Home Modifications for People with Mobility Issues
There are many ways to make a home’s interior more accommodating and comfortable. For example:
Bathroom modifications may include nonslip flooring, easy-to-reach storage, a roll-under sink for wheelchair accessibility, a taller toilet, and a walk-in shower with a grab bar, a built-in seat, and a hand-held shower head.
Kitchen modifications may involve lowering countertops to make surfaces accessible, installing a roll-under sink for wheelchair access, lowering power outlets to simplify plugging and unplugging of appliances, refitting lower cabinets with pull-out drawers to make pots and pans accessible, and installing a touch-sensitive faucet.
A stairway modification may be as simple as installing a stronger, more stable railing, or perhaps more technical with the addition of an electric chair lift.
Often, Other Thoughtful Changes Can be Considerably Helpful
Examples include replacing door knobs with easy-to-grasp door handles, installing easy-to-read thermostats, and redesigning a home’s laundry area for greater accessibility.
A Built-on Addition Is Another Option
In some cases, an elderly parent may need to move into the home of a son or daughter. In that type of situation, adding a small suite to that residence may be a viable option, if the lot has enough space for this kind of expansion.
Why You Should Consider Becoming Certified as a Universal Design Professional
The term “universal design” means designing and composing an environment so that it can be accessed, understood and used to the greatest extent possible by all people, regardless of their abilities or disabilities.
The demand for universal design projects has grown steadily. That is why the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) offers a Universal Design Certified Professional (UDCP) program. Remodelers who earn the UDCP certification are recognized as experienced and indispensable professionals, skilled in all aspects of universal design and remodeling. If you, personally, obtain this certification, it can help you distinguish yourself from other contractors, so you can diversify your client base and win more projects.
TIP: Do you want to see if other contractors in your area offer universal design and remodeling? Try Googling these frequently-searched terms: universal design contractors, disability remodeling contractors, handicap remodeling contractors, disabled access contractors, and disabled home modifications.
Explore the Possibilities
Professional remodeling services are helpful and highly valued for individuals with mobility impairments who want to improve their quality of life. So, it’s worthwhile for you to consider specializing in accessibility remodeling. You can assist each customer by arranging a meeting, gathering information, setting priorities, developing a clear plan, and presenting your recommendations. Once those are approved, you can begin remodeling the customer’s home to make it safer, more accessible and comfortably livable.
Read how Mount Sinai Hospital uses magicplan to evaluate the homes of patients who must use wheelchairs and other durable medical equipment.
