To get a better idea of my intentions, here is the first proposal I have written for the project.


I currently have a friend who is in a relationship with a disabled man. He is in a wheel chair and has been for the last nine years. Like anyone, she is thinking of the future and is currently looking at her home and wondering if it is possible to make it wheel chair accessible. She currently lives in downtown area of Kamloops in an older home with a sloped front yard. The question raised is:

What does it take for an older home to become wheelchair accessible?

• What modifications in the structure of her home need to take place?
• What would she need to do not only to her house, but also to the site surrounding and how much would it cost.
• What are the main concerns when renovating an older home?
• How easy is it to purchase the equipment need, such as lifts and special plumbing fixtures?
• How is accessibility classified in a residential home?
• Do by-laws allow for a lift in the front of a home? And if so, what are the restrictions that apply?
• Can a disabled person and a able-bodied person live comfortably in the same home?

To conduct my research I plan on first getting the qualifications and restriction on accessible homes. Also, discussing on how to make the home comfortable and easy to maneuver with people who are currently disabled. I plan on talking with carpenters and homebuilders who have experience with building these types of homes. Also researching through construction books and journals to find the process that works best through cost and function.
By conducting this research, I hope to make my conclusions knowledgeable to people who don’t know what steps to take when creating and accessible home. I hope this new information will aid myself to help others modify their home to their specific needs. This research will enhance my knowledge of wood frame houses, disability services and needs and what construction regulations are certified accessible. It will also take me through the process of how a renovation is conducted and the amount of time and planning needed. I hope to complete the plan entirely with multiple drawings, equipment needed, and cost and time estimates for my friend to start renovations so her and her boyfriend can live comfortably together.

Hi, Welcome to my blog!

Currently, I am researching how to renovate an older home to become wheel chair accessible. I am looking for ways to renovate the home without completely tearing it apart. Attached is the current house plan. It is a one floor home with three bedrooms and one bathroom. The owner wants to put in a front porch which means a ramp will have to be installed from the sidewalk and lead to a lift at the side of the front porch. She would also like to add an exterior door to the back of her house. I am also looking for retailers that sell equipment needed to create and accessible home. Any ideas, comments or questions will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

-emily