A home modification is a specific type of remodel or renovation meant to help increase accessibility and safety in your home. There are many types of home modifications including addition of ramps, elevators and handrails.
Here are some more facts about home modifications to help you understand the basics:
What is home modification?
Home modifications are made for individuals with disabilities to meet specific requirements under the Americans With Disabilities Act, or ADA.
While ADA regulations primarily apply to businesses and public properties, home modification helps elders and people with disabilities live independently or in safe conditions.
How a home modification works
The scope and cost of a home modification depends on the individual property and resident's needs. For example, you could install safety bars on the walls in the bathroom for a few hundred dollars over thousands installing a wheelchair accessible shower.
Depending on the size of the project, financing options are available.
The American Housing and Home Remodeling Association is the largest resource in the country offering education, training, courses and support. You may also be able to obtain a special renovation loan to cover the expense of your changes.
Evaluating your needs
Before any home improvement changes, consider all of your needs room by room. Some changes are simple, like adjusting the height of furniture and shelving.
However, if you have an older home with narrow doorways and stairwells, making them accessible is a much larger project to plan for.
Budgeting for home modifications
A clear understanding of your particular accessibility needs will be the best place to begin when budgeting for home modifications. To get started, you can consult the ADA's official guidelines for accessible design.
Once you have an idea of the cost associated with your project, contact a professional contractor for a quote.
Some contractors may offer reduced rates for qualifying elders and people with disabilities. You can also apply for a home renovation assistance loan through various lenders to fund your improvements.
About the Author
Linda Cappello, Broker, GRI, ABR
Linda A. Cappello, Owner/Broker of Cappello Realty Shoreline Properties. Cappello Realty is a full service boutique Real Estate firm that specializes in 06855 - East Norwalk, and services all of Norwalk and Fairfield County, CT. Linda has been in the Real Estate business for 20+ years, spending 18 of them as a Owner/Broker. Being a Broker adds a lot responsibility to her job. She is responsible for overseeing every transaction and agent in the office. This is a challenge that she looks forward to and takes very seriously. She is constantly taking continuing education classes and attending seminars to keep abreast of the ever changing market as well as the industry standards, rules and regulations.
She is a native to East Norwalk, and has an in-depth knowledge of the city that she loves, as well as the intricacies of the many unique neighborhoods and areas that Norwalk offers. Linda offers her clients a network of professionals ranging from Attorneys, Mortgage Brokers, Home Stagers and Home Inspectors to any and all pros that you may need for a successful transaction and for the convenience of her clients.
"My job doesn't end at the closing table. It goes far beyond that, keeping in touch and staying friends who refer their family and friends. A lot of my business is referral business which is the greatest accomplishment and honor of all. Earning my clients trust."
