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
