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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
I've been listing and selling in Wilmington and surrounding areas since 1987 and have been affiliated with Fudge Properties since 2007. I have a strong reputation for outstanding quality of both work and interpersonal relationships, knowing what needs to be done and how to elicit cooperation for getting it done. I'm also proficient and knowledgeable about the Mass Housing program guidelines, successfully completing numerous housing lotteries for first time home buyers, over 55 buyers and renters. Whether you're buying or selling, I can help you get the best deal. Just looking? That's OK. Use my website all you like, but you'll have to create a free account to unlock all the best search features. Once you sign up, you'll be able to save listings, save your search criteria, get automated email updates for new homes matching your saved search criteria, and more. Good luck on your house hunt! I hope to hear from you soon.
