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.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Emily,
ReplyDeleteThis is an interesting topic. You should be able to find lots of info for it. I've seen episodes of extreme makeover home edition on TLC and they have really neat ways of making the home accessible for disabilities. You should check some episodes out for ideas.
Jocelyn
Thanks Jocelyn, I never thought about looking at TV networks. Great suggestion!
ReplyDeleteWhat about talking to other people who live with disabled family? Seeing what they did to their place, where they bought supplies or which contractors they used?
ReplyDeleteI can definetly help you with documentation on this subject. When I was left paralyzed 10 years ago I had to do modifications to my home. I have outlines from WCB and many other useful info at my disposal, feel free to bug me anytime.
ReplyDeleteChris, I do have intentions of talking with you. Thanks for letting me know what informationy you have.
ReplyDeleteHi Emily, I like that this is a very practical research project, and that it will be directly useful to you friends. Not sure if you are going to get into this area, but is there a budget and how would it affect or limit the design?
ReplyDeleteHey Emily,
ReplyDeleteI was doing some research on the internet and found a little article on accessibility options for a multi-level home. I know you were looking for ideas on how to get up to the front door of the house for your project, so maybe this could help you it.
http://www.bobvila.com/HowTo_Library/Accessible_Solutions_Multi_Level_Homes-Accessibility-A1437.html
Thanks Mark, I willl definitly look into that since the entrance to the home it a top priority!
ReplyDelete