Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why consider Accessible Home Consultants for my next remodeling project if my family is in good health?

Our design approach to remodeling addresses the many possible long-term health concerns most people do not think about until they are faced with them. As a preventative approach, home modification for accessibility is a cost-effective strategy to reduce health care costs and either delay or eliminate the need to alternativee outside care facilities. Even if you are in good health, there are several universal and accessible design ideas you can do include in your next remodeling project that can adapt later needs. With a little remodeling foresight, Accessible Home Consultants (AHC) can help you avoid unnecessary and costly alterations in the future.

2. Why shouldn’t I just selling my home, downsize or move into an assisted living facility?

For emotional, financial, and practical reasons, most people choose familiar surroundings. There is no place like home! Many older adults prefer aging in place. From a financial perspective, you will find that modifying your home might be far less costly than selling, moving, or assisted living. You may also want to consider the value of your home in the current real estate market. Universal and accessible design provides attractive selling point features, thereby reducing the time the home is on the market. If you decide that it is time to downsize to a more manageable home or find care outside the home, AHC will provide services to ease the transition. Our renovation services can reduce the time a home is on the market and increase your sales price.

3. What should the proposal submitted to me contain?

In addition to the final job price and schedule, the proposal should contain details including everything from model numbers of the materials to allowance costs budgeted for appliances, flooring, fixtures, doors, tile, lighting, etc.

4. What is the Universal and Accessible Design and Construction Process?

This is a general process outline. Actual project time and services may vary depending on scope.

  1. In-home evaluation - Needs assessment determined by working with the home health care specialist, client and family members.
  2. Budget Assistance/Funding Research - Evaluate every aspect of the project to insure that we can help you maintain an independent life style within your budget. If the client doesn't have the means, either by out-of-pocket, long-term care insurance or Medicare/Medicaid, we will locate funding sources.
  3. Design & Planning - Involves converting client dreams into a design plan. As required, we include product specification, drawings, cost estimate and project timeline.
  4. Scope of Services/Bid Package Creation
  5. Contractor/Subcontractor Bidding and Estimate
  6. Construction/Project Management - The construction phase, where we make your dreams a reality.
  7. Contractor Checklist and Final Walk-Through - Quality review walk-through, including product training as required.

5. How long will the project take to complete?

It all depends on the type of construction taking place. Remodeling projects often vary due to factors such as limited access to the work area, work areas that are already fully furnished, demolition of the current finishes, daily clean-up, and delivery schedule of special ordered items. Major remodels, additions and adding 2nd floors could take from 5 months to a year. Each project has its own timeline. New home construction will take between 4 and 8 months, depending on the size of the home.

6. Do we need to move out of our home while construction is taking place?

Not usually. It all depends on how extensive the project is and which areas are being renovated. You may be able to relocate to another area in your home while work is taking place. Some minor inconveniences are to be expected, but we make every effort to keep a safe and comfortable atmosphere during the project at hand. However, if you are adding a 2nd story to your home or performing a MAJOR renovation, for safety consideration you may need to temporarily move out.

7. What are change orders?

A change order is a written statement signed by the customer authorizing the contractor to do additional work which was not included in the original contract. The change order should be signed before the additional work is started, but often it is not in order to keep the project moving. A change order also may be written when a contractor comes across any unforeseen damage or problem that was not part of the scope of work that was bid.

8. I anticipate only needing temporary alterations for wheelchair access into and within my home. Do you lease ramps and other removable equipment?

Yes. We offer a modular ramp system that’s designed for both temporary and permanent use which can be leased on a ½-yearly basis. It’s possible we can even modify a first floor room in your home to temporarily serve as a fully functioning wheelchair accessible bathroom.