Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Extreme Makeover!

We have had so many subcontractors working on top of each other, I feel like we are on one of those "Extreme Home Makeover" shows! Every doorway is now 4 feet wide. The front and back doors will be electronically controlled by a fab and will swing out instead of in to the room. The entrance to the bathroom is totally flat
which will be wood to tile. The shower is evolving and the client has already tried out the  "mock up" bench to make sure it is going to work well for her. The front of the bench is angled backwards so she will be able to drive her scooter closer to the bench and do a self transfer. It is so satisfying to see her smile with the thought of regaining some of her independence that she has lost since her stroke. I hope to have some pictures to post soon.

Saturday, July 9, 2011

ADA Aesthetic creativity

I have had several meetings with my new client's so far. They have sold their other home and are living in a hotel until I can get most of the demolition done on the new home they purchased. All of the hallways are being
made to a 4 foot width and all interior doors will become pocket doors. The entry door, as well as, a door that goes out on to a deck, will be motorized so they will be controlled by an electronic push button from the outside.
I will be making one room into a multi-use room to include a washer/dryer with a pullout folding table. The new master bathroom will be very accessible. I will be dropping the entire floor and creating a large heated shower
without a curb. It will have an ample bench and hopefully some creative grab bars. The other plumbing fixtures
will all be accessible as well. I will be posting before & after photo's as well...so stay tuned!

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

"Aesthetic Accesiblity"

Hello Everyone,

We are very happy to announce that Lori Jolin Design LLC has embarked on a new project! Although every client's story is unique, this particular situation is a reminder that life can change very quickly. One day my client was healthy, the next day she found herself in a hospital bed unable to walk or talk. The last year and a half has been a quite a challenge adjusting to her new lifestyle but also test of her courage. Her determination to still have some independence has been a struggle in a 3 story home now that she is in a wheelchair.Thankfully, she has a devoted husband who is looking out for their future. They sold their current house which wasn't working for their new lifestyle and purchase a new one story ranch home to remodel. I brought along alot of my subs to the first visit to the home. We did a lot of measuring and met for several hours afterward to brainstorm with the clients. It will require the entire house to be renovated into an ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) appropriate house. Although some would think that remodeling to make something handicap accessible would be easy, one must remember that all things must be taken into consideration. This includes tearing out and replacing all of the door frames and openings, including ramps or elevators to get to multiple level areas. Accessibility within the bathrooms, turning radius's, floor surfaces, counter heights...it's a lot to think about!  You never realize the simple things we all take for granted! As a designer, my challenge is to create a space for them that will feel like home, not a hospital. As a contractor, my job is to give her as much independence as possible. I'll need to keep within a budget and stage the work so they are able to live in parts of the home temporarily, while working on other areas. I will be posting pictures of this project, as well as others...so stay tuned!


For more information on ADA standards, visit: http://www.ada.gov/regs2010/2010ADAStandards/2010ADAstandards.htm