Common Types of Home Modifications
Home Assessment services are tailored to the needs of each of our clients. The assessment may involve a simple home review with the clients or family members to identifying the client needs and what home modifications would best serve their needs. The assessment identifies obstacles in the home to be aware of and modification options.
A more detailed assessment incorporates a comprehensive report and photos identifying areas of concern for safety and obstacles for barrier-free movements. The detailed assessment includes recommendations for solutions to the safety and obstacle issues. The reports and assessments can be expanded to include a Scope of Work, draft floor plans, cost estimates, and possible structural concerns to the proposed modifications.
Our expert staff can also provide testimony and detailed reports for litigation needs.
License #PA097368
Home improvements, modifications, and repairs can help older and/or disabled people maintain their independence and prevent accidents. The work can range from simple changes like replacing doorknobs with lever handles, to major structural projects such as a full bath modification to allow for a roll-in shower or walk-in tub. Changes can improve the accessibility, adaptability, and/or universal design of the home. Improving accessibility involves options such as widening doorways, lowering light switch height, chair lifts, platform lifts, decks, etc., the options are almost endless. Some modifications are as simple as installing grab bars in bathrooms.
Common Types of Home Modifications:
- Installation of simple safety systems such as grab bars in bathrooms, handrails on both sides of steps and/or hallways, removal of tripping hazards, and ensure that lighting is adequate in all areas.
- Installation of a ramp or lift system for use with wheelchairs or scooters. These can be permanent structures such as concrete or wood, but as simple as a portable aluminum ramps when the need is only temporary.
- Widen doorways to accommodate the width of wheelchairs, walkers, and scooters. Sometimes a simple change of the door hinge type can accommodate the need, at other times doorways need to be reconstructed.
- In houses with more than one-story, many individuals may need assistance with the stairs. This can be solved with the installation of a stair lift or a residential elevator. When these are not viable options, individual may want to reconfigure rooms on the lowers floors as bedrooms and bathrooms.
- Bathrooms are typically the most difficult and expensive elements in the home to modify. Many individual require the use of grab bars to transfer in and out of the bathtub or toilet. Toilet seats and sinks may need to be lowered. Roll-in showers may be an option for some individuals.
- Environmental controls can operate common household systems such as thermostats, lighting, and security alarms, as well as televisions, stereos, and kitchen appliances. Additionally, motion control sensors can be used to turn lights on and off within the home.
Enhanced Living Solutions, Inc. is pleased to offer the following services to agencies, consumers, and individuals;
- Full Home Assessment: A top to bottom review of the existing home, including the current and future limitations for the consumer, with special attention given to their medical, mental, and physical needs. We review the home to identify changes that could facilitate ease of movement throughout the home and assess the desired lifestyle – what tasks are needed and wanted to be performed each day to ensure comfort and safety, as well as enjoyment of being at home. This Review includes in-depth discussions with the consumer, their caregiver, and agency staff.
- Accessible Modification Options: The best modifications are made by finding the best fit between the consumer and their environment. Each suggested modification includes several options, with varying aesthetics and costs. The consumer selected options are then broken down and put into a Scope of Work that can be presented to various contractors for the bidding process. This will allow for an apples-to-apples comparison of each bid.
- Universal Design & Aging in Place Design: Many options are available that address current and future needs, that may not be medically necessarily prescribed. Both Universal Design and Aging in Place have quality options for safety concerns that can work with any home design and décor. Utilizing Universal Design, a renovation made today can provide the additional needs of the elderly in the future.
- Expert Witness Services.