I provide residential assessments and individualized designs for physical accessibility, energy efficiency, hazard remediation, and climate-change adaptability. I also assist with finding and acquiring qualified contractors and will monitor their activities during the duration of your project.
Living At Home is a philosophy that recognizes that as we age or experience disabilities from accident or illness, having an accessible home is necessary, but not sufficient, to enjoy a high quality, independent life. Just as important is to live in a home that is free from hazards, energy efficient so that utilities are affordable , and capable of withstanding extreme weather events caused by global warming.
As we age and as the planet warms, challenges to our ability to stay in our homes are increasing at a rapid pace. Our homes must not only be accessible, remain affordable, and be free from common hazards like radon, mold, insect infestation and structural deterioration, but now they must withstand the increasing weather extremes brought about by climate change. Increasing heat, greater rainfall, more extreme storms, more frequent tornadoes will occur, creating challenges that most homes are not equipped to withstand. My mission is to provide you with affordable design solutions to these challenges, and to assist you with turning them into reality.
After serving in the military then getting a Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Kentucky, I embarked on a 30 year public sector career designing and assisting nonprofit agencies develop accessible, affordable, energy efficient housing. Since then I have operated a consulting practice using my expertise to help homeowners preserve their homes and ensure they will spend as much time as possible enjoying independent lives.
As a homeowner and a senior with impaired mobility, I know how important it is to have a safe, accessible, and affordable place to live. That is why my designs will provide innovative solutions that are both cost effective and esthetically pleasing.
During my initial assessment, I will work with you to identify the entrance to your home that will be the accessible entrance, which may, or may not be the main entrance. We will discuss accessibility strategies, which could include ramps, site work, or outside lifts. We will then designate an accessible route through your home connecting vital rooms, including the kitchen, at least one bathroom, and at least one bedroom. During the designation of the accessible route, we will detail any needed modifications to doorways and hallways. In cases where a vital room is upstairs, a stair lift might be necessary.
Next, we will evaluate the rooms connected by the accessible route and produce a preliminary plan for modification or remodel of those that require it. After a preliminary plan for accessibility is agreed upon, I will produce a final plan that includes more detailed construction information and cost estimates. Should you decide to hire one or more contractors for this work, I will assist you with procurement and if needed, will monitor their work for the duration of the project.
Making existing homes more energy efficient benefits us all by reducing the greenhouse gases that cause global warming. Individual homeowners benefit by paying less for utilities, which are expensive now and will increase in cost in the future. I will assess your home in light of guidelines for existing residential structures and will recommend energy-efficient retrofits. Should we agree that more intensive inspections are called for, I will assist you with finding qualified professionals. If you choose to implement any of the suggested energy improvements, I will assist,if requested, with procuring qualified contractors and monitoring their work
In addition to being accessible and energy efficient, for a home to be a suitable environment for long-term, independent living, it must be free from environmental, physical, and structural hazards. I will visually inspect for such things as tripping hazards, structural deterioration, mold, and insect infestation. Should you wish to have any follow-up inspections and remediation work done, I will assist you with locating and acquiring the services of qualified professionals.
In order for us to continue living in our homes as long as possible, they need to be capable of surviving the extreme weather conditions created by global warming. Examples of adaptations that can assist with this include roof hurricane clips, larger gutters, landscaping for better drainage, and tornado safe rooms. I will provide designs for these improvements and, if desired will assist with contractor procurement and monitoring their work.