Unfortunately there are millions of people who do not have the physical freedom to function in a standard home and kitchen. Special considerations need to be made when planning a kitchen design. Once again Susan Serra, CKD, from thekitchendesigner.org steps in to show us the way.
For those with special needs, a preliminary analysis of the household member(s) needs is critical. For situations in which modifications need to be made to the interior of a home, a joint meeting with all parties, including the contractor and an occupational therapist to the household member with special needs is advisable. A design professional with a CAPS designation (Certified Aging in Place Specialist) awarded by NAHB National Association of Home Builders is verification of completed course work in this area.
It is to everyone's benefit, and often a strong desire of a household member with special needs, to preserve the homeowner's independence for as long a period of time as possible. In a situation that includes wheelchair accessibility within a home, adequate space must be provided for wheelchairs to turn, particularly in a bathroom and kitchen, in areas of the home where a hallway and doorways intersect, and to plan for adequate, and smooth flooring materials and transitions inside and outside the home via ramps.
When designing a kitchen for seniors and the physically challenged, you need to consider more than just the tile or countertop choice. Kitchen layout, counter and cabinet height, and appliances are just a few options that need to be thought out more carefully.
We asked Susan Serra, who is a Certified Kitchen Designer (CKD) and also a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS), to share her thoughts on designing for senior homeowners and those with special needs and she didn't disappoint.
Designing a kitchen for all generations, at the very least, can easily, and beautifully, include elements of Universal Design, design that is safe and functional, for all ages. It is design that is personal, yet adaptable to everyone.
My passion is helping people remodel and renovate their homes and businesses. Not only is it how I make my living, it is how I spend much of my "free" time. (OK, as much "free" time as a parent of two kids under 4 has...)
I love the excited look a client gives me when they begin to see their mental image come to life; a magical transformation from mere thought to real life space. I love seeing them enjoy their new creation. I love seeing an increase in their happiness/productivity/enjoyment as they acclimate to their new environment and figure out all its parts and pieces. I love having a job where I see a finished, tangible product that will be enjoyed for years to come.
Why do I tell you this? Because I want to help you too. I want to hear from you about what tools, resources, council, etc. would most benefit you in your current or future projects. The reason? I enjoy developing products (books, spreadsheets, schedules, lists, etc.) for people to effectively use to save time and money on their projects.
So, use the comment section below to share your needs, or email me at editor@charlesandhudson.com. Please don't limit yourself. Be brutally honest regarding your needs.
Perhaps you need help assembling a project schedule, or you need assistance in establishing project costs, or your contractor is quickly piling on the change orders and you are a bit lost. Whatever the case, let us know what you need and we will get you the information. After all, this site is here to see you succeed, and have fun doing it!
Nothing ruins a fantastic remodel more quickly than exceeding the project budget. Why is this phenomenon so common in residential remodeling? Simple: Many homeowners struggle to establish a detailed budget at the appropriate time in the course of the project.
Why is establishing remodel cost one of your most important remodeling tools? Determining your budget at the beginning of your project helps in the following ways:
-Prevents wasting time and money on a project that turns out too expensive for your current budget.
-Allows you to more carefully analyze bids from general contractors.
-Forces you to decide emphatically on what you want and what you can afford.
-Puts you in charge of the project costs, not the general contractor or subcontractors.
-Provide your designer (if needed) with cost parameters that help keep costs reasonable.
