Dear Jane, I am an electrician and am working on a new construction project for a family where the mother uses a wheelchair. What should I be aware of as I am installing electrical outlets and switches in their home? Hank, Stillwater, Minnesota Dear Hank, The beauty of new construction is “customization.” Prior to rough-in you need to walk ...
Posts Tagged ‘Accessible Housing’
Bathroom Modifications on a Limited Budget
Dear Jane, We have spent the last few months working with a contractor designing our “dream” bathroom. We had big plans, but due to an unexpected financial situation, the amount of money we originally budgeted has been significantly reduced. Ultimately, we need to ensure the bathroom is safe for my husband, who uses a wheelchair. He ...
Legal Rights to Modify Rental Housing
Dear Jane, I live in a two-bedroom apartment and need a wider bathroom door and grab bars installed at the toilet and bathtub. My landlord has not responded to my request, and I am concerned that I will need to move. I have lived in this apartment for seven years and have developed strong relationships in ...
Remodeling? Check Contract Carefully
Dear Jane, My husband and I are in the beginning of a large remodeling project to our home. We have received three bids from different construction companies. We are surprised at how different the bids look. One contractor, the highest bidder, has a lot of paperwork (material lists, legal sounding forms and contracts for us to ...
What is “Visitability?”
Dear Jane, My husband and I are thinking about building a new home. Lately I have been hearing this term “visitability.” Is this something we need to be thinking about for our home? Julie Edina, Minnesota Dear Julie, Congratulations—building a new home is very exciting; unfortunately, it can also be quite challenging. The Visitability movement began in the early ...
Tax Deductions for Home Modifications
Dear Jane, My daughter was injured over the summer in a car accident and now uses a wheelchair for mobility. This past fall, we had to make many structural changes to our home to accommodate the wheelchair. The cost of modifications exceeded $75,000. Based on our income, we are not eligible for any grants or special ...
How to Make Transfers Easier
Dear Jane, My husband was injured in a car accident and is now a quadriplegic. I have been using a moveable patient-lifter to transfer him from his wheelchair to the bed or commode chair. I am finding this maneuver to be very cumbersome, and I am also worried I might injure my back trying to facilitate ...
A Bar, is a Bar, is a Bar. . . Or is it?
Dear Jane, We need to install grab bars in our shower. What do we need to be aware of? Art P., Elk River, Minn. Dear Art, Before beginning a grab bar installation, it is important to know what type of shower you have. The type of shower determines the installation method and products needed to have successful results. Grab bars ...
Cabin Design for a Flexible Future
Dear Jane, Thank you so much for responding to our last question (“Getting from the Cabin to the Lake,” Access Press, July 10, 2006). This got us thinking further. We have always known that when we permanently move up to our lake property, we will need to remodel and update our cabin to provide the “comforts ...
Bigger Doesn’t Always Mean Better
Dear Jane, I live alone in a small town-house. I have multiple sclerosis, and there are good days and bad days. There are days when I am very fatigued and do not have a lot of strength to reach items in my upper wall cabinets or at the back of shelves in base cabinets. There isn’t ...
Beyond the Equipment: When to Call an Access Specialist
Dear Jane, I am an occupational therapist and have a patient I have been seeing who has multiple sclerosis. I have been to his home and done training with bathroom safety products for increased independence and safety using a manual wheelchair which is his main means of mobility. He is able to take a few steps ...
Parading Through the Homes
Dear Jane, I have noticed billboards throughout the city advertising this year’s Parade of Homes. I was disappointed when looking at the guide book that there weren’t any builders advertising accessible single family homes, but I did notice several builders advertising accessible townhomes and condominiums. What are your thoughts? Sheila, Apple Valley, MN Dear Sheila, The Parade of Homes ...
Home Access Answer – Ramp “Hide and Seek”
Dear Jane, We need a ramp installed at our home. My husband can no longer climb stairs. We’re over 68 years old and are concerned about safety, but don’t want to advertise to those who pass by that we are vulnerable. Do you have any suggestions? Eileen, Minneapolis, MN Dear Eileen, Many seniors with disabilities are concerned about safety. ...
Thinking Bigger: Making the Most of a Small House
Dear Jane, I’m 47 and live by myself in a small, Cape Cod style home in a Minneapolis suburb. I have only 750 square feet on the main level (two bedrooms, bathroom, kitchen and living room) with a half story above (where my guests stay) and a full unfinished basement below. It’s small, but paid off. ...
Helping Your Contractor: Ideas for Visually Impaired Homeowners
Dear Jane, We are currently building a home in a Minneapolis suburb. I have MS that is affecting the use of my legs and arms, as well as my vision. Our builder has some ideas as to what could be done for future wheelchair access, but we are at a loss as to what features we ...
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