Building a New Accessible Home!

[Flyarmy64]

My wife and I are finally going to get out of our rip off apartment and are currently in the process of building our home. My wife and I designed it ourselves and it is going to be completely accessible to me. I can't wait to actually be able to use the sink, pantry, and otherS, not have to squeeze through the doorways, and have an actual roll-in shower. I would love to have any suggestions that any of you might have during this process, especially if you've been through this before.

[tasty]

I know this adds cost, but a knowledgeable architect will have suggestions that never occurred to you. Of course, knowledgeable refers to "barrier-free" design. Do not defer to your wife's aesthetic wishes unless they are also fully accessible to you. The areas in question are the kitchen, laundry room, closets, etc. Make sure that you are able to perform all essential functions independently, or depending on your disability, with minimal assistance. You never know when you will be by yourself due to illness, family emergencies, etc. Since you don't state your age, consider what your function will be 20 or 30 years down the road. Make provision for that person instead of who you are now. It is easier and cheaper to do these things now than retrofit them later. Finally, if you or your wife are gainfully employed, check with your local VR office about paying for ramps, lifts, or stairglides. If you work, you will need them to get to and from work. If your wife works, you will need them to do "homemaker" chores to free her to work. BTW, if you receive SSI or SSDI benefits, you are automatically financially eligible for VR services despite your income. Just be prepared to state your case as I have suggested above. Good luck.

[JMILLER11]

Congratulations! I haven't yet, but one day hope to, build myself. One thing you may have already planned on, but I notice makes a big difference is hallway width. Tight hallways are a pain and will eventually get marked up.

Keep us updated and hopefully post some pics as you go.

[cara_m]

Congratulations!!! I had my home built almost 20 years ago. Tasty is absolutely correct. Think about the long term and aging. When I built my home I was able to stand step over the little curb in a shower and sit in a chair. Even though I was able to do that I still had my shower built as a roll in and good thing I did. It gets difficult as we get older. Also this may seem small but I have pocket doors for for my bathrooms. They are great and you don't have to worry about a 3' door coming in and out of the bathroom. This may sound silly to the average person but when you put your toilet seat in think of which way is easier for you to transfere. Left to right or right to left. The place of the commode can make a big difference when it comes to transferring. Same for where your window will be in bedroom for placement of bed. The first 20 years I had carpeting. Terrible for wheelchairs. I switched to hardwoods. Easier to manuever and keep clean. Especially if once in awhile you become incontinent with bladder or bowels. I also had a small mud room put in at the entrance to the house from the garage. This was great because I use it as a first floor laundry room AND a place for me to wipe down my chair on those snowy or muddy rainy days, not to mention for ab's also. In my kitchen all my lower cabinets have roll out drawers. This is great not just for you but ab's as well. No back straining reaches. I'm sure I will think of more. When I do I will post. Congratulations again and you will love it.

[quartermile]

i just went through this process and I am a building designer myself. Please feel free to inquire at will!

[tigger74]

Here's a few pictures of the one I'm going to build. I can design or draw a house if need by anyone. I can give you a 3-D view of your whole house. Contact me if anyone is interested in it.

[tigger74]

5' x 5' Shower and Front view. I'm trying to build as cheap as I can and spend more money on the inside. The front side faces a hill side.

[Sh0rty]

tigger74 that ramp to basement thing looks sweet. How long would it have to be? I have an elevator in this house and it is a pain in the ass and not always dependable so I don't go downstairs when I am alone. I am looking for ideas for my next place and never thought of something like that.

[Foolish Old]

tigger74 that ramp to basement thing looks sweet. How long would it have to be?

The length of the ramp is determined by the vertical distance between floors and the slope of the ramp. ADA calls for a 1 to 12 pitch for ramps. This may be gentler than you need, but it's a good starting point. Eight feet between floors is another good ballpark figure. So, using the above, you would need a ramp 96 feet long. To comply with ADA you would also need a flat 5 foot resting platform every 30 feet. Total length of 111 feet.

[Lois]

Thank you for the great ideas everyone, especially tasty, Cara m and tigger74. I'm keeping a folder of pictures and ideas with the hope of some day building an accessible home.
Shorty, why is the elevator a pain (besides being unreliable which is obvious)?

[Flyarmy64]

Sorry for the delay guys I've had a long day. I appreciate your suggestions and info. I attached some pictures for you guys to see, although they are a couple of weeks old. I'll also tried to scan my floor plan for you guys to check out.

You will notice that I decided to add a third car garage, this is so that my wife can pull in the smaller third garage, while I pull in large garage and have room to pay down my ramp.

[Flyarmy64]

Thanks everyone. I decided to do the research myself and have designed the house to be "barrier-free", especially in the kitchen, laundry room, bathrooms, closets. I also designed the front exterior of the house. Then took my plan to the architect to draw it up professionally. It's really cool to see the house go up and be brought into fruition. My wife just basically gave her input up on the general style she likes and aesthetic wishes that have no effect on accessibility. Actually, she had some great accessibility of her own. We are actually about 2.5 months into it and am now trying to decide on a ceiling lift. I started a post about ceiling lifts here:

http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/showthread.php?t=75539

Tasty, you also mentioned vocational rehab paying for a ceiling lift? That would be fantastic. I will definitely be contacting them because the VA will not pay for ceiling lifts anymore. Do you think they would pay for an automatic door opener? Any tips on how to get this done with vocational rehab/Center for independent living would be appreciated.

By the way, I turned the big 30 yesterday! Oh No!

[Lois]

:bday:
Your new home looks and sounds great! Don't forget to post more pictures ~ thanks!

[Sh0rty]

I just find that I don't use the elevator, I would prefer everything on one floor. I have had one person stuck in my elevator so as I said I won't use it unless I know someone is here. atleast if it was a ramp I wouldnt have to worry about the cost to fix it when it breaks down or the worry that it will break down. Its a lot to maintain the elevator (could just be the type I have) I feel the cost was way more than it is worth.

[darkeyed_daisy]

We are getting ready to build also. My daughter already has her land. She wants a log house and since I am going to travel for a while and hopefully end up somewhere with a fulfilling job, I am thinking of adding a garage and then a mother in laws efficiency on the end of the garage. She wants a master bedroom on the second floor for her but otherwise I think I am going to go ahead and make everything accessible for later years. A spiral staircase is a must have for her as well but I am going to go ahead and make everything on the ground floor wide.

Anybody got experience or own a log house? There are a couple of local builders with good reputations but I am still hesitant. It is a big project for one person...LOL

The houses in this thread are beautiful...

[AO]

I've just bought the land and am starting the planning phase - it's really exciting :D

[2jazzyjeff]

This thread couldn't have come along at a better time. Great suggestions so far and the house is coming along nicely flyarmy. :)

Just started looking for land myself this past weekend. Me and my two siblings are looking for 15-20 acres to split, but be close to one another. I've been on the internet for days and hours looking at floor plans. I'm probly going to have to design my own bringing several designs together including a basement, in-law suite and elevator. Also making sure I pour an outside rollway to get from the basement to top.

[Tiger Racing]

why is the elevator a pain (besides being unreliable which is obvious)?
Because closet elevators and lifts can be unreliable, and they're also not very fast even when they do work, I'm wondering why so many gimps are building multi-story houses. Is it a space/land issue? Is it a cultural/geographical thing? Meaning that 2 story houses are just what people are used to in their part of the country? Also, for those who are thinking of putting in an elevator or who already have one in their home, do you have a generator in case of a power loss?

C.

[Sh0rty]

Mine is a one story home. I put the elevator in to go the basement where currently I have pool table/work out stuff/spare bed & bath. When building again I am leaving the basement unfinished and just putting all that stuff on one floor even though it might cost more in the end because it will mean a bigger lot. In case of power failure my elevator will go down (it just wont come up)

[tasty]

Flyarmy, if you are a disabled veteran, VR will not provide cost services as this is the responsibility of the VA. Why won't they pay for an automated door, if that's what you need. Perhaps if you clarify your situation, I can provide a better answer.

[Foolish Old]

Because closet elevators and lifts can be unreliable, and they're also not very fast even when they do work, I'm wondering why so many gimps are building multi-story houses. Is it a space/land issue? Is it a cultural/geographical thing? Meaning that 2 story houses are just what people are used to in their part of the country? Also, for those who are thinking of putting in an elevator or who already have one in their home, do you have a generator in case of a power loss?

C.

I have a house built on an elevated foundation (reinforced concrete and steel columns and beams) to address the possibility of storm surge associated with tropical cyclones (hurricanes). I like living surrounded by tree tops. It also gives me a lot of covered space underneath the house for vehicles and tools. Zoning would not allow the same sq. ft. spread as a one story.

My elevator quietly travels at 40 fpm, so it takes a few seconds to go one story. It has proven very reliable. I do have a back-up generator fueled by gasoline. The elevator descends automatically if power is lost. There is a land line phone in the cab.

[tigger74]

tigger74 that ramp to basement thing looks sweet. How long would it have to be? I have an elevator in this house and it is a pain in the ass and not always dependable so I don't go downstairs when I am alone. I am looking for ideas for my next place and never thought of something like that.

Here's my ramp drawing. I'm in a power chair so the slope doesn't bother me so I'm not using the ADA Standard 1" per 12". My ramp will be around 62'. If I can help let me know. I also put a picture of another project I've been working on. This house is being built right now. Going to be a $600,000 plus home when finished.


Brad

[darkeyed_daisy]

You are a very gifted architect tigger....that looks like its going to be a beautiful house.

[Tiger Racing]

MWhen building again I am leaving the basement unfinished and just putting all that stuff on one floor
If you don't plan on using the basement, why put one in at all?

In case of power failure my elevator will go down (it just wont come up)
But that means that you could get trapped in your basement, right?

C.

[Sh0rty]

tigger74- those are great pics, you did an awesome job.

I am wanting a basement for resale purposes and the possibility of finishing it at a later date when and if I decide to have kids and need more room. I want to leave my options open I guess. Plus all the houses here basically have basements so to not have one feels a little odd ever though that is a dumb reason for having one.

If powered failed I would be stuck in the basement but I would rather that than being stuck in the middle somewhere. Atleast the other way I can be carried upstairs or bump my way up.

[Tiger Racing]

I am wanting a basement for resale purposes and the possibility of finishing it at a later date when and if I decide to have kids and need more room. I want to leave my options open I guess.
Makes sense.

Plus all the houses here basically have basements so to not have one feels a little odd ever though that is a dumb reason for having one.
No, I get that. Pretty much what I was saying about how local custom and design can influence one's decisions in this area.

C.

[tigger74]

You are a very gifted architect tigger....that looks like its going to be a beautiful house.

I'm not a Architect. I've just did a lot of building before I was hurt and know how things go together. In the last 3 years I've drawn 60 plus Houses and Condo's. All which have been built. I work for A General Contractor that keeps me busy. I wish I got paid as much as a Architect does for my drafting and designing.

[lilsister]

Tigger, looks like you have lots of good ideas. We bought a 35 year old house last year and did a lot of remodeling last year. When looking at houses my thought was to get a floor plan with large rooms, since Jim has a powerchair, it really has helped with turns and backing up. The other thing I looked for was bedrooms straight of the hall, so door frames wouldn't be a problem. We turned a 12x13 bedroom into an accessible bath and for OUR purposes made sure there was 3 feet of space to the right of the toilet. The roll-in shower has worked well. After communicating with Clipper I made sure the sink had lots of landing room beside it. The sink actually goes beyond the lip of the counter and the drain is set way back for more leg room. I had seen this sink in decorating mags but not as "accessible", just looks cool.
After seeing your plans I would only suggest more and bigger windows, many of ours go to the floor. It really brightens our days. Also building in the microwave and putting a pullout underneath to rest things on.
I really like your ramp to the basement, I wish we could do that, but no room. It would be a great place to hang art or collectables. A basement would be a relief in tornado season and give us room to put in a pool table! I guess maybe an elevator in the future. Best of luck.

[Flyarmy64]

Hi Everyone. I'm sorry I have not updated the post for awhile but I have been very busy with the house and school. We moved in about a month ago and cannot wait until the weather cooperates so we can get our sod put down. I've included some pictures and point out some of the accessible features I've included. My wife and I are pretty proud of the house since we've designed it from ground up including everything down to the door stoppers. I will try to think of everything but will probably forget a few things as it's been a long seven months. Of course we have all of the regular accessible amenities like the wide doorways (I forgot the exact dimensions.....too long ago), wide hallways, plenty of turning room, and wide-open rooms. We ended up adding quite a bit of footage to the plan (around 200 square feet) to make extra room for my chair. We have mostly all laminate flooring except the bathrooms are tile. I also have an three-car garage so that I have extra space to open ramp from my Van and a Open Sesame automatic door installed for entry from my garage. I had them poor the garage foundation level with the rest of the foundation so there is no need for a ramp going into my house from the garage.

1.sinks and stovetop access pictures - I left the space under the sinks and stovetop open so that I can have access to them. I had the cabinetmaker include slide away doors to each so this access can be hidden.

2. kitchen pantry and microwave access pictures - For my lower kitchen pantry I had the cabinetmaker include rollout shelves so that I can get to all of my food and snacks. I also had them include a slide out shelf under the microwave to help me put in or get out food from the microwave.

3. sidewalk and ramp pictures - I had a sidewalk put in going from my driveway around the side of the house and up a ramp to my bedroom porch so that I have and easy path in case of a fire, and so I can have home health care aids come directly to and leave from my master bedroom. I also have another ramp coming off of my main back patio into the grass.

4. slight ramp up to front door picture - I have a very slight grade ramp going up to my front door so that I can easily go in and out of my front door. As you can see I also have door handles on all of my doors that are easily manipulated.

Next time I will post some photos of my master bedroom and bath. I am planning on putting a ceiling lift in soon that goes from my bedroom into the bathroom, allowing me access to my corner jacuzzi tub. I will also include pictures of my roll in shower and connecting walk-in closet.

[Flyarmy64]

cont...

[Tiger Racing]

kitchen pantry and microwave access pictures - For my lower kitchen pantry I had the cabinetmaker include rollout shelves so that I can get to all of my food and snacks. I also had them include a slide out shelf under the microwave to help me put in or get out food from the microwave.
Your oven looks awfully low, but other than that, it's really nice. The outside of your house almost has a medieval look to it. The light fixtures outside are very cool. Definitely not the boring, typical lights one usually sees.

C.