Accessible House Ideas - Help, Please!

[Tiger Racing]

Well, we're finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. It looks like we'll be moving into our new home in the next month or so. My husband and I bought a house and have been doing a MAJOR renovation on it. We knocked down the 2 car garage and put in a 3 car garage. We've added a master suite including a nice, big, walk-in closet, gutted the kitchen, moved the laundry room and every surface inside and outside the house is being redone. Everything is being repainted, including the ceilings. The hardwood floors are being refinished. New windows and doors throughout and a new roof was put on.

Of course the house will be accessible for me (T7-T8 para), but I'm trying to think in a more general sense and make it as accessible as we can for as many people as possible. I'm hoping that people here can help with some of the final details and remind me of anything I'm forgetting.

The counters in the kitchen are slightly lower than average overall and we put in an adjustable height cooktop (http://www.ad-as.com/kb/approach_cook.htm). There is a cutout under the sink with doors that fold back, the dishwasher is raised and the oven is lowered. Pantry shelves will pull out as one, tall piece so that someone short (or sitting) can reach everything and a lowered work space is being added as a pull out drawer. Kind of like a big, lowered, cutting board. The switch for the garbage disposal and power outlets are being put on the front of the cabinets and the faucet (http://www.sinksfaucetsandmore.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=4757) will have a lever handle that is easy to reach from a wheelchair. We didn't put in adjustable upper shelves, but I think there is plenty of storage space down lower and with glass doors up above, we'll use much of that for display anyway. So am I forgetting anything in the kitchen?

Throughout the house, we raised the outlets to 18" from the floor. Is there any preference for light switches in terms of design? The controls for the thermostat are at a lowered height and all of the door knobs were changed to lever handles. Hardwood floors and travertine throughout most of house. The only room to have carpet is the master bedroom and that will be a low pile and a colour that won't show dirt too quickly.

We widened the doorways into both the existing bathrooms so that a chair will fit through and two of the three bathrooms in the finished house will be accessible overall. Pedestal sink in the front bathroom, but it's big, with lots of room under it to get close in a chair. Lever handles like these (http://www.designerplumbing.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=WATERMARK667&Store_Code=1&Category_Code=Watermark_Lavatory_Faucets) are best for the faucets, right? Would these (http://www.designerplumbing.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=WATERMARK666&Category_Code=) be a bad idea for those without full use of their hands?

One thing that I know some people would suggest is a roll in shower. I decided against that because I really like having a tub, but the layout of the master bathroom would allow someone in the future to just remove the tub and slide in a shower unit. The area under the sink and counter is totally exposed and there are lots of cabinets down below, including storage space within reach of the toilet to store supplies out of sight. The new toilets will be on the tall side, but not too tall. Very uncomfortable when your feet don't touch the floor. Grab bars will be ADA spec in the two bathrooms by the toilets and in the showers. Adjustable, handheld showerheads with push buttons for on/off and there will be a power outlet on the front edge of the counter, too.

The garage and back patio are on the same level as the house so there is a no-step entry where I will be coming and going most of the time. I still thought the front of the house should be accessible in case of fire and just because... well, because. So we're putting in a ramp that will access the front porch (three steps). Technically, it falls a foot or so short of being ADA compliant, but I still think it's managable for anyone who can push their own manual chair around. There will be a handrail for those who are unstable on their feet as well.

Some miscellaneous stuff:

The ceiling fan and at least one light will be on a remote control in the master bedroom

The driveway approach is being lowered so that sports cars don't bottom out and it's easier for someone who uses a wheelchair to come and go.

The mailbox will be at a height on the front porch that someone sitting can reach into it.

The door leading in from the garage will be self-closing and will have a kick plate on the bottom so that someone using a wheelchair can shove it open using their footrest.

OK, I realize that is a lengthy post, but I'm still sure I've forgotten something. Anything we can do to make the house more navigable for the blind? Have I forgotten anything that would make things easier for those who don't have full use of their hands? I would really appreciate any input. I'll post pictures to illustrate some of this, as well.

C.

[justadildo]

no round door knobs, all L handle.....

[Tiger Racing]

no round door knobs, all L handle.....
Yup, got that (http://www.directdoorhardware.com/Weslock/BordeauLeverhandle.htm). Thanx!

C.

[justadildo]

EXACTLY......what about long rods on your vert and horz blinds??...and chain extensions on ceiling fans?

[Emi2]

we just put those type of faucets you questioned in our shower and I love them. My hands are 50% functional. Everything else sounds great.

[Broknwing]

You've put a lot of time & planning into this...sounds like it'll be great once it's done...I recommend a Dishwasher Drawer (http://usa.fisherpaykel.com/global/kitchen-products/dishwashing/dishdrawer.cfm) and This (http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?cat=Refrigerators&pid=04677556000&vertical=APPL&subcat=Bottom+Freezer+Refrigerators&BV_UseBVCookie=Yes) French-Door Fridge w/bottom Freezer...Specifically THAT fridge b/c the door on the freezer tilts open & it makes access into the freezer a lot easier for everybody(not to mention more energy efficient)...

The lever style handles would address your concerns better. I know that my dad who's got two fingers amputated and muscle damage in his left hand would have difficulty w/the old fashioned "star" style handle even though it's really pretty.

As far as light switches, rockers/paddles (http://lutron.com/diva/?s=17000&t=17200) are easiest, IMHO, b/c you can hit them w/anything to turn on/off...From my days of working w/their professional/theatre products, I'm a huge fan of Lutron (www.lutron.com). They have switches that will meet your remote control (http://lutron.com/maestroir/default.asp?s=17000&t=17200) desires to.

Regarding toilets, I'm actually one for lowered height toilets(mine is lower than standard), you may want to consider this for one of the bathrooms, makes it TONS easier for us short people...Also, if in any of your bathrooms space is a concern, you can put in a corner toilet made by Eljer (www.eljer.com) to help aleviate that. I got mine special order from Expo Center (www.expo.com). I can't find a direct link for the toilet on the eljer site right now though.

As you can tell, I've done a bit of investigation myself for my house...

ETA:Check out www.Outwater.com they have a little of everything imaginable...I'll probably be gettiing cabinet hardware from them...just recently found 'em

[Tiger Racing]

what about long rods on your vert and horz blinds??
Hadn't thought of that. Thanx.

...and chain extensions on ceiling fans?
I thought remote controls would be better than pull chains. Am I wrong about that? I thought that a pull chain that was long enough to be reachable by a child, little person or someone sitting in a chair would actually be in the way of people walking through the room.

I recommend a Dishwasher Drawer
We thought about that, but thought that since they cost as much as a regular size dishwasher, we should go with a regular size, but install it higher than normal. I really like those drawer one's though...

The lever style handles would address your concerns better. I know that my dad who's got two fingers amputated and muscle damage in his left hand would have difficulty w/the old fashioned "star" style handle even though it's really pretty
Yeah, I was afraid of that. OK, I'll stick with the lever style handles on the faucets.

As far as light switches, rockers/paddles are easiest
I kind of thought so.

Regarding toilets, I'm actually one for lowered height toilets(mine is lower than standard), you may want to consider this for one of the bathrooms, makes it TONS easier for us short people.
OK. We can do that in at least one of the bathrooms.

Thanx for the replies, everyone! I'll take all the advice I can get.

C.

[Broknwing]

what about long rods on your vert and horz blinds??
Hadn't thought of that. Thanx.
They also make aftermarket add on remotes for these...don't have a link handy, will look tomorrow...thinking of getting them for my blinds...

I thought remote controls would be better than pull chains. Am I wrong about that? I thought that a pull chain that was long enough to be reachable by a child, little person or someone sitting in a chair would actually be in the way of people walking through the room.

Agree 1000% on fan chains, we're in the process of retrofitting all our fans to remote. They only cost about $30-$35 each for the retrofit remotes.


We thought about that, but thought that since they cost as much as a regular size dishwasher, we should go with a regular size, but install it higher than normal. I really like those drawer one's though...


Thanx for the replies, everyone! I'll take all the advice I can get.

C.

Understand about the dish drawer cost, did you see they have a double? independant controls, so you can run a small load if you want/need...I know, it's quite costly though...I got a single...not yet installed...kitchen is next major project...LOL

Glad I can share my vast remodeing shopping finds w/someone...

[doingtimeonmyass]

Anything we can do to make the house more navigable for the blind? Braille wallpaper.
Have I forgotten anything that would make things easier for those who don't have full use of their hands?
A service dog on the premises that also acts as a security system.

Seriously though it sounds as though you put a lot of thought into it. In 2005 I had built and it was a pretty nerve-racking process. One of the things I wish I would have done differently was make a larger master bathroom and closet for all my medical supply crap. :(
How about an intercom system at the front door?

[amarillogal]

Sounds like you've done a pretty good job. I also had a house built and I really wish that I had used casement windows in my house instead of regular, double hung windows because casement windows have a lever crank on them to open and close the window. The windows I have now are very drafty and difficult to open, some of them I cannot open by myself which is a huge bummer since I like having my windows open on nice days. Also, If you live in a windy place like I do, the windows are more energy efficient since the wind will blow the window toward the house and create a tighter seal. (gotta love the windy texas panhandle :) )

[wheeliecoach]

TR-

I used to coach visually impaired people...and the one thing you want to make certain of is that you do not have anything "in the way". What I mean by this is that if you have an open floor plan, which it sounds like you may have, you do not want to have a load bracer in the middle of the room. The visually impaired person will (eventually) get used to it being there...but until they are familiar with their surroundings, that will certainly be an issue!

Any appliance that has buttons on it (dishwasher, etc) may be difficult if the buttons are not raised. If they cannot feel the outline of the buttons, they will not necessarily know which one they are pushing. That may be something to keep in mind.

If I think of other things, I will let you know.

[LaMemChose]

Sounds as though you have it covered, Carol. Enjoy your new home! :)

[Emi2]

that fridge that Broknwing speaks of was delivered yesterday and will be installed in 2 weeks, it is so sweet. I've had regular fridges, fridges with pullout shelves, side by side fridge/freezer but this new one takes the cake. I looooooooooooovvvvvvvvvvvvveeeeeeeeeeeee it,.

[Broknwing]

Emi-
I'm glad ya like it :) sorry ya hafta wait to install it...I'd be goin' crazy!

Oh, yeah...it has an alarm if the doors are left open....Violet can never leave it open too long on ya ;)

[Emi2]

Emi-
I'm glad ya like it :) sorry ya hafta wait to install it...I'd be goin' crazy!

Oh, yeah...it has an alarm if the doors are left open....Violet can never leave it open too long on ya ;)

i didn't know that when we chose it but its a sweet feature...

[68cougar]

I thought remote controls would be better than pull chains. Am I wrong about that? I thought that a pull chain that was long enough to be reachable by a child, little person or someone sitting in a chair would actually be in the way of people walking through the room.

I have long pull chains in my living room and dining room. They are in the way of people walking through the room even though I have metal cutouts haging from them which should make them more visible. I wouldn't suggest having long pull chains unless you are slightly sadistic (like me) and enjoy watching your friends forget to dodge the chains and getting hit in the head. lol
~Kristi

[Tiger Racing]

I used to coach visually impaired people...and the one thing you want to make certain of is that you do not have anything "in the way". What I mean by this is that if you have an open floor plan, which it sounds like you may have, you do not want to have a load bracer in the middle of the room.
That's logical. We removed one "decorative" wall that blocked the front door from the living room. I'm trying to figure out a layout for the furniture that will fit what we already own, but will leave plenty of room for a wheelchair to move through and doesn't block obvious walkways for people with impaired vision.

Any appliance that has buttons on it (dishwasher, etc) may be difficult if the buttons are not raised. If they cannot feel the outline of the buttons, they will not necessarily know which one they are pushing.
Crap. This is exactly the kind of thing I was looking for. Neither my husband nor I had thought of this. We'll have to look at the appliances we already bought and will definitely use this info in deciding on the other appliances.

If I think of other things, I will let you know.
Please do! Much appreciated.

C.

[Tiger Racing]

A service dog on the premises that also acts as a security system.
Oh, we already have one of those. Well, kind of. I always know when someone is approaching the house because my cat, True, runs under the bed. She's a feral baby and is still extremely skittish.

In 2005 I had built and it was a pretty nerve-racking process.
What a PITA, eh? I'm going to hate this house before we ever get a chance to move in. The number of decisions that have to be made is mind boggling. Everything from major stuff like roof materials and garage doors, to minor stuff like switchplates and base boards. Who knew that there were different base board designs??

One of the things I wish I would have done differently was make a larger master bathroom and closet for all my medical supply crap.
Plenty of accessible storage space was important to me, too. In fact, I just finalized the layout of the cabinetry in the bathroom today. It's all built in and there is a nice, big cabinet that is within reach of the toilet, so that nothing is sitting out and visible that doesn't need to be. It's not a huge bathroom, but I believe it's plenty big enough for even a power wheelchair to move around. At least, I hope so. The truth is, we didn't have space to make the new bathroom and bedroom addition any bigger than it is. We were limited by the existing layout of the house.

How about an intercom system at the front door?
Hey! That's another good idea. Somebody's gotta make an intercom that has a hand held piece that can be taken from room to room. I can't tell you how many packages I've missed because I didn't get to the front door fast enough when the mail carrier rang the bell. We finally left a note for her saying that I use a wheelchair and she needs to give me more than 30 seconds to get off the couch or get to the door from another room!

C.

[JenJen]

TR,

My SO is blind now as a result of our injuries. We had issues with putting things where I could reach but not bonk him in the head. That's just creativity.

For the blind, you need places for things to live permanently. So they're always in EXACTLY the same place everytime they are searched for. We added baskets in the cupboards to keep certain things together.

We have a talking thermostat. http://www.enablemart.com/productdetail.aspx?store=10&pid=1412&dept=23

On the appliances, we've put Lock Dots, little raised dots, that serve as anchor points for him to find all the other buttons. Most of our appliances talk or give audio feedback of some sort so he knows they have received his commands.

textual cues on the floor help him know where he is too. a change from tile to carpet. A small raised border that doesn't create problems for my chair. ETC.

We have space in both the bedroom and Kitchen for his labeling equipment (small really but it needs a home in both places) and a spot for his cane, backpack, GPS etc. everything important to him has to go in the same place every time. That's the milk and mustard, etc in the frig, the spices in the cabinet, clothes, razor, etc.

Thats the big challenge to day-to-day life with a visual impairment.

[doingtimeonmyass]

Hey! That's another good idea. Somebody's gotta make an intercom that has a hand held piece that can be taken from room to room. I can't tell you how many packages I've missed because I didn't get to the front door fast enough when the mail carrier rang the bell. We finally left a note for her saying that I use a wheelchair and she needs to give me more than 30 seconds to get off the couch or get to the door from another room!

C.

Here you go. An intercom that will ring your telephone. If you have one of these and a cordless phone, you'll be able to take it anywhere in the house.
http://www.smarthome.com/5070ca.html

If you Google "doorbell telephone intercom" even more stuff should come up that's similar.

[Tiger Racing]

Sounds like you've done a pretty good job.
Thanx! We're trying. It was really important to me to at least try to think beyond my own, current needs. I figured if we were going to be doing all this work and spend all this money anyway, why not try to end up with something that functions well for the widest range of people? Depending on how long we live in the house, my own needs may change and we'll be happy we did some things, but I also think that it can only add to the value of the house or at least make it appealing to a wider range of buyers when we go to sell it.

I also had a house built and I really wish that I had used casement windows in my house instead of regular, double hung windows because casement windows have a lever crank on them to open and close the window.
We have both. It was a compromise decision between how we wanted the how house to look (we preferred the double hung windows for that) and what we thought would be easiest to open and close (the casement windows with the lever cranks). So the front rooms and the master bedroom have both kinds of windows.

This is a bad picture, but it shows some of windows in one of the front rooms.

[JenJen]

Another couple of things that came to mind. In the backyard I have sound cues. a fountian in one place, a wind chime in another, so he never gets twisted and loses his orientation out back.

I have a little bell out front with a remote button he carries in his pocket so he can ring it from the sidewalk to make sure he's at our house.

accomodations for a service animal are a must. We have a doggie door and several "safe" areas for his future dog to rest so I won't run over it's tail or something. we put in a raised bib for the hose so it can be reached easier. (He has severe head pain when he bends)

[Tiger Racing]

An intercom that will ring your telephone. If you have one of these and a cordless phone, you'll be able to take it anywhere in the house.
Hey, that is cool! Thank you!

C.

[Chris Chappell]

Good luck with your new house.

[cali]

http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/showthread.php?t=65648&page=2

here's the thread to all the pictures of my house after it was remodeled.

i wish i had one of those intercom things!

[JenJen]

Oh, another one more thing. We worked with the local Fire Department and put in their approved key vault. In case of an emergency, they can get in without busting down the door

[Tiger Racing]

here's the thread to all the pictures of my house after it was remodeled.
Cool! I love the colour in the kitchen. What's your deck made of?

C.

[Tiger Racing]

For the blind, you need places for things to live permanently. So they're always in EXACTLY the same place everytime they are searched for. We added baskets in the cupboards to keep certain things together.
That makes sense. I've known a few acquaintances who were visually impaired, but haven't had any close friends that had trouble seeing. My mother has glaucoma and her eyesight is dimishing though. This is something I want to keep in mind.

We have a talking thermostat.
It's good to know those exist. The thermostat in our old condo was mounted so high on the wall, I could barely see it. There was a new one installed in the house we just bought shortly before we purchased it so we aren't planning on changing it. It's mounted very low on the wall.

On the appliances, we've put Lock Dots, little raised dots, that serve as anchor points for him to find all the other buttons.
Is that something that came with the appliances or is it something you printed out after the fact?

textual cues on the floor help him know where he is too. a change from tile to carpet. A small raised border that doesn't create problems for my chair.
Marble in the kitchen, hardwood floors in the main room and hallway, carpet in the master bedroom, tile in the bathrooms...

Like that?

Thats the big challenge to day-to-day life with a visual impairment.
Thanx for the info. This is exactly the kind of thing that one may not consider without living through it.

In the backyard I have sound cues. a fountian in one place, a wind chime in another, so he never gets twisted and loses his orientation out back.
OK. We plan on putting a fountain in the front yard and in the backyard. Windchimes are easily doable too.

I have a little bell out front with a remote button he carries in his pocket so he can ring it from the sidewalk to make sure he's at our house.

accomodations for a service animal are a must.
Very interesting info. We will keep this in mind as well.

We worked with the local Fire Department and put in their approved key vault. In case of an emergency, they can get in without busting down the door
I don't think I know what this means.

C.

[cali]

Cool! I love the colour in the kitchen. What's your deck made of?

C.

thanks, the deck is just pressure treated wood

[JenJen]

TR,

Lock dots (tactile locator dots) are clear raised dots that resemble texturally the little bumpers on you cabinet doors to keep them from slamming too hard. I tried to find a pic online but I was unsuccessful. I get sheets of them from the Center for the Blind locally. You can contact them as a resource for the dots. They'll probably give them to you or charge you a couple bucks for the sheet. I put them on the 5 button on keypads. I have one on the start button, etc... Sadly, they do not come with the appliances and you can’t print them. I suppose you could create them with caulk or hot melt glue but they would probably fall off periodically.

Your flooring choices should help a visually impaired person find their way, especially if the sound changes with the material change.

In the back yard I have 6 bumpy spots spaced along the walk so my SO can count to know how close he is to the gate and garbage cans.

The talking thermostat has been great for me too b/c I didn't want to put another hole (albeit small) in the wall to lower it. In my last place, I couldn’t reach the thermostat either.

The key vault... Contact your local FD. Ask them if they have an emergency entry program. I have a special little lock box near my front door that only the FD can (supposedly) open. If I need emergency assistance, PFD won’t have to kick in the door. Each municipality has their own system to handle this. Further to this, I have a 911 premise alert so that if the PD or FD show up here for any reason, they know that 2 disabled people live here, 1 blind and 1 para. Plus, it’s good to know if your municipality assists with changing smoke detector batteries, etc and how that program works. I have not figured out a way to be independent in smoke detector maintenance or changing light bulbs. J

For my convenience, I put in a raceway all the way around the backyard with a material called quarter minus; a fine gravel that, once settled and watered, hardens like concrete. Makes the back yard so much more friendly to my chair. I have raised beds coming so that I can return to gardening soon.

Hope you get much enjoyment from your home.

[wheeliecoach]

Hey TR...I do not know if you are also looking for what things you want to do for someone who is hearing impaired, but any smoke alarms/CO2 alarms should not only sound, but flash so that there is a sound queue as well as a visual queue. It helps for those of us who sleep soundly as well, as I tend to block out noise, but the combination of lights and sound make it difficult for me to sleep through.

[Tiger Racing]

Hey TR...I do not know if you are also looking for what things you want to do for someone who is hearing impaired
Absolutely. Any ideas to make my house as functional as possible, for as many people as possible, are welcome.

any smoke alarms/CO2 alarms should not only sound, but flash so that there is a sound queue as well as a visual queue.
I can't believe I didn't think of that. Our telephones have flashing lights that go off when they ring and of course I've seen smoke alarms in hotels with visual cues, but I still hadn't thought of that for my own home.

Thanx again.

C.

[Tiger Racing]

Lock dots (tactile locator dots) are clear raised dots that resemble texturally the little bumpers on you cabinet doors to keep them from slamming too hard. I tried to find a pic online but I was unsuccessful. I get sheets of them from the Center for the Blind locally.
I just did a search and found a few variations of these. This is easily doable! Neat.

Your flooring choices should help a visually impaired person find their way, especially if the sound changes with the material change.
We'll find out! The floors aren't in yet, so I'm not sure if the sound will change as someone is walking. I'm very much hoping that once the hardwood floors are refinished, they don't make the wheels on my chair make that awful, squeaky, rubber noise. I hate that.

In the back yard I have 6 bumpy spots spaced along the walk so my SO can count to know how close he is to the gate and garbage cans.
Our garage is attached to the house via a covered patio and the majority of the backyard will be concrete. We're going to add a wooden deck off the patio at some point. I'll have to look back there and see how navigable it is. I would like to put a fountain in the back corner, furthest from the back door. We're also going to put a decorative border around the driveway. The stamped concrete will be bumpy, so that would signal someone that they were at the edge of the driveway. (pic below)

The key vault... Contact your local FD. Ask them if they have an emergency entry program.
Okie doke. I get it now.

I have a special little lock box near my front door that only the FD can (supposedly) open. If I need emergency assistance, PFD won’t have to kick in the door.
Having my front door kicked in would be especially upsetting for me because we had a custom, stained glass door put in. :) (pic below)

I have a 911 premise alert so that if the PD or FD show up here for any reason, they know that 2 disabled people live here
I Googled this and couldn't find anything local. I'll look into it further.

it’s good to know if your municipality assists with changing smoke detector batteries, etc and how that program works.
The smoke detectors are being hard-wired in.

Hope you get much enjoyment from your home.
Thanx. If we survive the renovation, I'll be amazed. We just met with the contractor at the house yesterday. When we got there, they were just installing the cabinets in the master bathroom. They were a lovely, cherry wood colour. They matched the kitchen cabinets that are already in. Unfortunately, they were supposed to be done in maple. Oh, what fun.

C.

The pic of the backyard is taken from where the fountain will go in, looking across the driveway (which hasn't been poured yet) towards the backdoor/patio area. In front of the chimney and the big window is where the deck will be put in. The driveway curves around the side of the house and up to the garage.

[Foolish Old]

TR,

Hardwired smoke & carbon dioxide detectors should have battery back-up. with fresh batteries.

[darkeyed_daisy]

That is the way my smoke detectors are wired.

The door is really pretty TR...and different.

I was wondering why did you decide to remodel an existing as opposed to building new. Yall have definately put alot of work into it. The back yard sounds like it is going to be my kind of place. I want an outdoor kitchen and a fire pit on a huge concrete patio at our cabin. We are also going to figure out how to do a concrete path to the creek also.

[Tiger Racing]

The door is really pretty TR...and different.
Heh. Thanx. I'm lucky that I married a man that is so easy going. Spiders are NOT his thing, but he was still OK with me designing the front entrance to our house that way. He's even offered to make the driveway gate to match.

I was wondering why did you decide to remodel an existing as opposed to building new. Yall have definately put alot of work into it.
It's certainly been a lot of work. What a pain! I've been told that designing an entirely new house is easier than remodeling an old one, but it seems like it would just mean more decisions had to be made. The reason we bought this house is that we wanted to live in a rather specific area and were having trouble finding anything accessible for less than half a million. Finding an empty lot to build on would have meant going way outside the area we want to live. We lucked out on this house and got a really, really good deal on it. (It was in pretty sketchy condition when we bought it.) It's literally a mile from where we work, too. We didn't have to do ALL this work in order to make the house functional for me, but we decided that since had to do A, B and C, we might as well make a full commitment and do D, E and F. We better like it, because we're going to be living in it for at least 5 years.

The back yard sounds like it is going to be my kind of place. I want an outdoor kitchen and a fire pit on a huge concrete patio at our cabin.
We're thinking of enclosing that back "breezeway" between the house and the garage with one of these (http://www.sunroombuilder.com/patio330.htm). That's why we want to build a deck out in front of that space. My husband already has a nice BBQ, but I'd like a firepit, too. With the sound of the fountain back there, I think it'll be nice.

We are also going to figure out how to do a concrete path to the creek also.
My folks have a house on Elkhart Lake that is pretty darned accessible, but we decided the last, little bit of pathway down to the pier was too steep to ramp. We would have had to cut too far into the property to make it safe and attractive, so instead, my dad built me a funicular. (I just love that word). It's my own, personal, cable car. Takes my chair down to the pier and it's easy going to the boats from there.

C.

[Kendell]

Very kewl house, TR. Functional and beautiful!

Bout the only thing I can think to add - and maybe it was mentioned and I just missed it - is a temperature control valve.

http://www.mckenziecorp.com/amot.htm

If ya need someone to do a powerchair test drive thru your new abode, I"m sure Debbie would be happy to help. ;)

[Tiger Racing]

Very kewl house, TR. Functional and beautiful!
Thank you, thank you! I'll post interior pics when things are a bit cleaned up.

Bout the only thing I can think to add - and maybe it was mentioned and I just missed it - is a temperature control valve.

http://www.mckenziecorp.com/amot.htm
I feel like an idiot for asking this, and I should probably read the website a bit closer, but... is that for water temp?

If ya need someone to do a powerchair test drive thru your new abode, I"m sure Debbie would be happy to help.
Hey! I was actually thinking of something like that. I know that I've done some stuff wrong and I also admit to not doing a few things that have been recommended. I'm curious as to what the net result is in terms of universal accessibility and I figure having people with different abilities and limitations looking at it will make for a better assesment than if I try to judge it on my own.

I suppose you guys live too far to make it to our open house, but you could come to the National Championship race at Mid-Ohio in September. You can check out how accessible our race trailer is and help us convince the team owner that next time we need a slide-out for the toterhome.

C.

[Kendell]

Yeesh! This is what happens when I"m in a hurry and only look at the headlines. Don't even bother looking at that link, Tiger. Not at all what I had in mind. Try this one instead..

http://www.keidel.com/design/select/showers-valve.htm

And, yeah, the idea is to control water temperature so you don't get your tootsies scalded..

You're right that your hometown is a bit of a trip for us. Mid-Ohio, however - could be possible and that would be very cool! When we get closer to September, let me know the pertinent info. and we'll see if we can pull it off!

Looking forward to more pics!

[Tiger Racing]

yeah, the idea is to control water temperature so you don't get your tootsies scalded..
Ah-ha! Yes! That makes sense and I've got it covered. Thermostatic valves are included in the handheld showerhead assemblies that we're putting in.

Mid-Ohio, however - could be possible and that would be very cool! When we get closer to September, let me know the pertinent info. and we'll see if we can pull it off!
Very cool! I'll keep you posted.

Looking forward to more pics!
OK, here are two pics of the kitchen in progress. It actually looks better than this already, but I forgot to bring the camera yesterday when we went to look at the new granite, countertops and backsplash. The first pic is looking from the living room into the kitchen. You can see the cutout under the sink, the space where the fridge will be and the fancy, custom, stained glass window we put over the sink to camouflage the ugly view of the neighbor's motorhome next door. The colour on the walls is actually primer. We are painting the kitchen a light, grape green colour, but it's a bit darker than what is in the pics. The second one shows the lowered oven in the wall and the space where the adjustable cooktop will be. It looks from about where the sink is across the kitchen and into the living room towards the fireplace and backyard. You can just see a bit of one of my wheels in the doorway leading into the laundry room.

[Tiger Racing]

We are months overdue and there are still 100 little things that are either not quite right or just not finished, but we are finally in the process of moving! Half our stuff is packed and 2/3 of that is stacked up in the new garage. We spent all last weekend cleaning the house from ceilings to floors and everything in between. I literally got down on my hands and knees and scrubbed the hearth. Having the hardwood floors refinished left a layer of fine, fine dust over everything, but it was totally worth it! I love my floors, but I don't seem to have a pic of them. I do have some pictures of my swanky new kitchen though!

These pics show the adjustable cooktop (damn, now I need to learn how to cook!) minus the finishing panel that will go underneath to cover the mechanism and wiring, one of the accessible pantries and the raised oven (where I just noticed that the outlet and light switch is mounted too high) and a view of most of the kitchen looking towards the laundry room and the back of the house.

[Tiger Racing]

Here're some pics of the master bathroom. What a hassle this was! No matter how many times we met with the contractor and the cabinet maker, no matter how many times I pointed out that I use a wheelchair and therefore I'm not very tall, they still kept getting it wrong. The cabinets were remade twice and the doors had to be redone three times so that the handles were in the right places and the hinges opened the correct way. Sheesh.

The first pic is looking in from the master bedroom. The second pic is to the right of the sink and shows the toilet with the grab bars and how the cabinet is within reach of that and the last pic shows the sink and the tub. This pic was taken before the mirror was installed over the sink and there's no shower curtain yet and no shower bench, but you get the idea.

[6string]

I moved into my "accesible," house two yrs ago. If I didn't miss anything you wrote, I had the wall sockets raised up about 6 inches higher than norm, so I wouldn't have to bend over so far.

[Tiger Racing]

OK, here's a look from the living room towards the kitchen where you can see the custom stained glass window we put in over the sink. That window looks into our side yard and into the neighbor's side yard where they have a big, dirty, RV parked. It ain't a pretty view, but we didn't want to lose the light by covering it up with shades of some kind so we had a stained glass window with a grape theme designed for us. The clear glass lets in tons of light, but it has a texture to it that blurs the view. The second pic shows a closer view of the glass cabinets that open into the living room. It's the best pic I have that sort of shows the colour of the hardwood floors.

[lynnifer]

Absolutely gorgeous TR! I love, love, love the colour of the cabinets in the bathroom with that tile floor. I like lighter woods than the darker ones but the darker wood in the kitchen looks brilliant with the green walls. I'm currently trying to find a satisfying colour between clay and green myself.

The kitchen looks a tight fit - but maybe that was the camera angle. I know I whip around from stove to sink which are opposite each other when cooking and I love the fact that I can turn 360 degrees without being too careful - while balancing a cutting board or pot/dish on my lap.

And hey, you're in California - perhaps you can find Curtis Stone from Take Home Chef to cook for you and your husband .. lol.

[Tiger Racing]

I had the wall sockets raised up about 6 inches higher than norm, so I wouldn't have to bend over so far.
Yup! Anywhere we added new electrical outlets or got into a wall where there was an existing outlet, we had them raised to about a foot and a half off the floor. Light switches were lowered a bit from the norm also. I'm also inordinately pleased that the thermostat is at eye level for me now. My husband put a thermostat with a digital display in our old house and it's almost impossible for me to read the damn thing.

C.

[teach1]

My folks have a house on Elkhart Lake that is pretty darned accessible, but we decided the last, little bit of pathway down to the pier was too steep to ramp. We would have had to cut too far into the property to make it safe and attractive, so instead, my dad built me a funicular. (I just love that word). It's my own, personal, cable car. Takes my chair down to the pier and it's easy going to the boats from there.

C.

TR...

I just finished reading this thread...thanks for sharing! We are going to build a cabin soon and this gives me a lot of ideas. Also, can you take a pic of how you get to the pier at your parents' lake house? We will need something like that also as the bank is too steep. Thanks!!

teach1

[Tiger Racing]

I just finished reading this thread...thanks for sharing! We are going to build a cabin soon and this gives me a lot of ideas.
No, problem! I'm glad this is helpful.

can you take a pic of how you get to the pier at your parents' lake house? We will need something like that also as the bank is too steep.
I'm actually going to visit my folks in a couple of weeks. I will get some pictures of my funicular while I'm there.

C.

[Leif]

Yup! Anywhere we added new electrical outlets or got into a wall where there was an existing outlet, we had them raised to about a foot and a half off the floor. Light switches were lowered a bit from the norm also. I'm also inordinately pleased that the thermostat is at eye level for me now. My husband put a thermostat with a digital display in our old house and it's almost impossible for me to read the damn thing.

C.

C. You’ve been thinking of adding some smart house/intelligent house components to the electrical system? You could avoid many of the things you address here then. When I built this one I installed such a system, here I used a profibus standard - basically just a pair of 24 VDC wires running through the house where all the signal givers like switches, thermostats etc. is connected to onto a PLS (computer) in the switchboard panel operating I/O (in/out) modules. The signal givers and different I/O modules then gets their own hex code which then again is programmed as you please by a computer and uploaded to the PLS. I installed it before I got SCI and was surprised how soon I would have real use of it (lol). Like now, I have several “lazy” set-ups, like a master switch when I leave the house, master switches next to bed in bedroom and the same with a “morning switch” and so on, which puts the house electrical system into a predefined mode.

It is best to install such systems when building a new house but there are several manufacturers out there which also supplies different components and systems to be used when renovating a house.

Nice place you have, bet you will enjoy it and good luck. Can see you also are avoiding carpets on the floor, same here, just wood and tiles.

[sjean423]

I really like that pantry cabinet. We are in the process of redoing my kitchen, and I would like to incofrporate something like that if we have the space.

What did you do in the corners? We are planning a corner cabinet with a turntable, I hope it will do what we need. I like the adjustable cooktop, and mid height oven, We have gone with a standard stove, only lowered, so I will really have to bend for the oven. Not enough space to go your way. (I can;t convince my husband that he is going to HATE working at that height, he even wanted to lower ALL the counters.)

[JenJen]

TR it turned out great!

Jean, in my kitchen EVERYONE uses a chair to cook! It's a little empathy training in the kitchen! I have a rolling office chair for them to use

[Tiger Racing]

I really like that pantry cabinet. We are in the process of redoing my kitchen, and I would like to incofrporate something like that if we have the space.
The cabinet maker used Rev-A-Shelf (http://www.rev-a-shelf.com/Common/ProductFamily.aspx?Class=Tall/Pantry%20Acc.&Family=Chrome%20Accessories) for the pantries. The style we used is the best I've seen to allow for shorter people and wheelchair users to be able to reach everything on the shelves. You can reach in from both sides and the slideout feature lets you reach things at the back that you might not be able to in standard shelves.

What did you do in the corners? We are planning a corner cabinet with a turntable, I hope it will do what we need.
We don't really have any corners. It's a galley kitchen, long and skinny with countertops on two sides. The pullout pantries are at one end and at the opposite end there are drawers on one side and the dishwasher on the other. All the cabinets in the middle have pull out shelves.

(I can;t convince my husband that he is going to HATE working at that height, he even wanted to lower ALL the counters.)
There really isn't a lot of countertop space in our kitchen so figuring out if we should lower anything was tough for us. My husband is almost six feet tall and does most of the cooking. He's got a bad back too, so leaning too much isn't good for him. I'm used to using the dining room table for prep work, but just last night we were talking about some ideas for adding some kind of moveable, temporary counter space in the kitchen. They would function like the pullout cutting boards. If we end up doing something, I'll post pics.

C.

[Tiger Racing]

Absolutely gorgeous TR! I love, love, love the colour of the cabinets in the bathroom with that tile floor. I like lighter woods than the darker ones but the darker wood in the kitchen looks brilliant with the green walls. I'm currently trying to find a satisfying colour between clay and green myself.
Thank you, thank you! The cabinets in the bathroom are maple. I was really surprised at how beautiful they turned out. I thought our bedroom furniture was maple or at least a sort of natural maple colour. Boy was I wrong! The bathroom cabinets are much, much prettier than our bedroom furniture.

Good luck picking your colours. What a pain! It sounded like fun to pick paint colours, but when it came down to it, it felt like a huge responsibility. What if we picked the wrong colours? What if people thought they were ugly? What if they made the rooms look tiny? What if, what if??

The kitchen looks a tight fit - but maybe that was the camera angle. I know I whip around from stove to sink which are opposite each other when cooking and I love the fact that I can turn 360 degrees without being too careful - while balancing a cutting board or pot/dish on my lap.
The kitchen's definitely not big, but it's not tiny to move around in either. I can easily spin around in circles in the middle of the room. It will be cozy with more than one person working in there, but functionally it's still such a huge improvement over the kitchen I've had for years that I think it'll be fine.

And hey, you're in California - perhaps you can find Curtis Stone from Take Home Chef to cook for you and your husband .. lol.
That would be fun! But does he only pick women in grocery stores to work with? 'Cause my husband has been doing most of the grocery shopping lately.

C.

[sjean423]

Thanks for the pantry link, it may come in handy. We need something in the corner, as our kitchen is basically an L. We are lowering the stove and sink, as well as the corner counter in between. The rest will be high. I am also getting a cutting board that fits over the sink, which will give me another work space, but I too have been using the kitchen table to work at. We have a pull out cutting board now, that I want to keep after the renovation is finished as well. I am also thinking of a rolling cart .... it would help me move things from counter to table, and be an additional workspace. I am not sure we have the room to make it worthwhile tho.

Good luck with the new house ..... it looks great.

[fuentejps]

i had my breaker box and gas/water main shutoffs lowered so i could get to them easy.