Usable Design

Usable design refers to the act of creating an environment or products that are not only efficient, but also easy-to-use. When talking about usability there are three aspects to consider:

• Learnability: Can users easily learn how to operate the product, and can they remember how to perform tasks when they return to the product the next time?
• 
Consistency: Are product features clearly and consistently labeled?
• 
Efficiency and effectiveness: Can users perform tasks with a minimal amount of effort and achieve their goals successfully?

Accessible Design

Accessible design is a design process in which the needs of people with disabilities are specifically considered. It is about creating an environment that allows for independence and safety in day-to-day life. Curb-less showers are an example of this.

Universal Design

Universal design is the design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design. Grab bars or rollout drawers in the kitchen are popular universal design products.

showering and brushing his teeth. In order to accomplish this, the homeowners had a wish list of items that they wanted the exterior renovation and bathroom remodel to accomplish. This included: providing a way for their son to get outside easily from his bedroom which was on the main level of the ranch style home, creating protection from the elements outside when their son was waiting for a ride and easy access to and from the driveway once he’s outside. They also wanted to ensure that the exterior renovations to the home did not detract from the beauty of it. For the bathroom remodel their goals were: a roll-in shower for ease of access with a wheelchair, sink with room for a wheelchair to fit under and plenty of room in the space for him to easily get around.
Added Functionality
Both of the new spaces, the bathroom and the exterior modifications have greatly enhanced the functionality of the home. When the homeowners purchased this ranch home, they knew that some modifications would be necessary. Having a ramp to the outside provides a tremendous help in allowing access in and out of the house without much help from others. And the new bath with all of the accessible amenities allows the little boy to conveniently and accessibly get ready for his day. A new wall-mounted sink with cabinets helps maximize the space and provides convenient storage at the same time.

BEFORE THE RAMP INSTALLATION

BEFORE BATHROOM RENOVATION

Function and Beauty
The exterior renovation complements the rest of the home beautifully. If fact, it adds to the architectural interest of the home. The new portico and curved ramp with a stone wall were added seamlessly. The neighbors have commented how amazing the transformation looks. The bathroom is done in beautiful tones and offers a relaxing and clean atmosphere that anyone would enjoy using.

FLOOR PLANS

Seamless Integration
With an accessible design project, a major goal is for the modifications to blend seamlessly with the existing structure. The ramp was designed in such a way to not only provide the functional value that the homeowners desired but to add visual interest to the home as well. The curved layout added an interesting design element along with an attractive metal gate placed where the ramp meets the driveway. A stone wall adds to the overall beauty.

AFTER

End Result
Overall the project turned out beautifully and the homeowners couldn’t be more thrilled. This little boy now has the mobility and independence he and his family desired. The design team came up with a variety of solutions to meet the homeowner’s needs of greater accessibility for their son to and from the outside of the home. He has easy access to the driveway allowing him to get to school and other activities without much assistance. He has a beautiful new bathroom that’s all his and his own personal “suite”.

Unusual Challenges
The biggest challenge on this job was the fact that we had one month to complete the project and being on the 18th floor of the condominium building presented challenges in terms of ease of getting in and out of the building. Working in condos regularly; our team knew the ins and outs of being as efficient as possible when dealing with parking, elevator and other building issues. Working with limited design options, we had to choose materials that we knew would look great and be available to fit our timeframe for completion. Knowing which products are easier to get than others, we were able to select materials that would meet our time constraints while at the same time look great. And knowing that we had limited design options being a condo bathroom, we were able to come up with a plan that suited the space perfectly while accommodating the clients’ needs.

Before

Before and After Floor Plans

The Result

The result of this project was a re-designed condominium bathroom that looked beautiful and provided the functionality that the homeowner desired. An accessible shower, a toilet and sink along with grab bars transformed the room perfectly. The homeowner’s didn’t see the project until it was complete and were truly shocked by the transformation. They didn’t realize an accessible bathroom could look so beautiful at the same time. They couldn’t wait to show off the new space to their friends. View Project

“We could not have been more pleased! I can’t even describe the look on Curtis’ (my husband’s) face–the smile was enormous and so wonderfully genuine. You guys did an amazing job.” – C. B.

Design
While the configuration of the space remained the same, the products and materials that were chosen helped accomplish the homeowner’s goals. To help alleviate clutter in the space, a large existing vanity was replaced with a wall mount sink free of cabinets. Instead, a cabinet unit was installed above the toilet so as not to take up additional floor space. A glass enclosed shower was also incorporated replacing an old heavy feeling shower that took up a lot of space. With the glass enclosure the room is significantly opened up. A shower niche was designed to handle any products needed in the shower in a clean, sleek fashion. A full wall of warm tone tiles with a wood accent helped create the spa-like atmosphere the client desired along with warm tone bamboo cabinets. Clean, sleek fixtures were incorporated throughout. A custom backlit full-wall mirror and vanity mirror completed the desired look.

Results
Beautiful fixtures, bamboo cabinetry, backlit mirrors, clean storage and a gorgeous glass surround shower make this the perfect space for the homeowner to start his day addressing all of his needs both functionally and aesthetically.

For the exterior, our clients desires consisted of having a ramp installed that leads to the driveway from the exterior door in LJ’s bedroom. They wanted this door to be electronic and to have a touchpad for him to independently press it open and closed.  An important factor was to have an awning over this doorway to protect LJ from the elements while waiting for his ride.

Our solution for these exterior needs were extensive but turned out great. We widened the exterior door and built a portico roof over the door entrance to mimic the overhang of the house for shelter. Having as much independence as possible was very important so a special wireless key was installed on LJ’s door both inside and outside. This way LJ can carry an automatic door opener and open the door. All of the modifications were made so that he could use his left hand to operate things.

For the interior the main focus was on LJ’s bathroom, which was already a full size bathroom. The client wanted the bathroom to be widened more to hold a wheelchair. Not to mention making the whole bathroom easily accessible for LJ to utilize.

We made these modifications plus added some more touches that would allow for updating, if the client desires at a later time. We used the closet in LJ’s bedroom to enlarge the bathroom taking special care to reinforce all walls, especially around the toilet, to be able to handle grab bars. The toilet is wheelchair height and we installed an electric outlet for hot water to use a Toto Washlet at a later date. The sink is also wheelchair height and is bowed out for easy use. A great feature for LJ is the motion sensored faucet we installed. There are two grab bars in the shower, a hand held shower head and a permanent shower head. The shower is curbless for wheelchair access and easy turning.

This was a fantastic project and we are so glad that we were able to help!

~ SVA Construction Corp Design Build – Seiff Project 2014

~ Janice Shack-Marquez via LinkedIn regarding Blog on SVA Construction Corp Design Build becoming a valuable member of The National Aging in Place Council – May 2014.

The first task was to lower the floor to the loft of the garage about two feet. This move left a comfortable eight feet of vertical space in the garage, but yielded more than enough headroom for a new 270 square-foot master bathroom above.

Next, the SVA Construction Corp team knocked out the wall separating an unused bedroom and a small study. A step-down entrance now created a master bedroom/bathroom suite exceeding 614 square-feet.
Stepping down into the bath from a beveled glass door, the room reveals a mosaic of French Beaumanire soapstone and marble trim tiles, cherry wood vanities, antique verde marble countertops, and a custom glass-and-gold shower for two. Finally, recessed and brass lighting echo the room’s brass fixtures, completing the look.

By incorporating a little creativity, the SVA Construction Corp team fulfilled the homeowners desires of creating their dream master suite, utilizing existing unused space in their home, saving both time and money.

~ SVA Construction Corp Design Build Newsletter, May 2014 Homes for Life

Retrofitting homes to provide ease and comfort for the disabled takes more than simply meeting accessibility standards. “You have to listen to your clients,” says Robin Burrill, a co-owner of Curb Appeal Renovations in Fort Worth, Texas.

Curb Appeal recently renovated a home for a wheelchair-bound man who was 6’7″ tall and his wife, who also was 6 feet tall. He uses a higher wheelchair and requires other adjustments to standards for typical disabled people. “You should follow the guidelines, but you have to meet their needs,” Burrill says.

Current standards, for instance, require 36-inch-wide doors, but remodelers consider those to be “knucklebusters,” to use the term favored by Bill Mavrakis at T&L Design-Build in Canton, Ohio. He tries to create 42-inch-wide doorways to aid wheelchair users who have to pilot themselves.

Exterior home entrances pose the first challenge for designers. Most stay away from the home’s front, putting ramps at the rear or in the garage. But the required 1:12 slope ratio “can take up an entire garage stall,” Mavrakis says. He often uses reconditioned or used lifts, building a 4.5-foot-square platform for maneuvering. Dennis Gehman, president of Gehman Custom Builder Inc. in Harleysville, Pa., typically creates L-shaped ramps to compress the needed space. “Each one is really custom,” he says. Landscaping often helps the ramps blend with the home’s exterior.

Bathrooms create the largest challenge, as they typically are small spaces that lack maneuvering room. “We try to expand the bathroom into an adjacent room or create a new bath from a spare room,” Gehman says. “Curbless” showers that allow wheelchairs to roll right into them are popular for these spaces. Dave Cerami, president of Home Tech Renovations in Philadelphia, sometimes notches the existing floor joists to slope the shower correctly.

In kitchens, removing floor cabinets around sinks and installing plumbing pipes tight against the back wall can allow wheelchair users to roll up to the sink. Setting sinks and other countertops at 30 inches rather than 36 also aids disabled cooks.

The key challenge for remodelers is that homeowners want a look that is functional but also aesthetically pleasing. “When they have to sell their home,” explains Burrill, “they don’t want to sell it as having a handicapped bathroom but as having a very nice, high-end, larger bath.” That can be achieved by placing half-walls rather than bars around the toilet and installing thin but sturdy rails that resemble towel racks. Mavrakis often uses the curbless shower base but installs it with cultured marble or ceramic tile walls “so it doesn’t look like a barrier-free shower.”

Designers expect that this type of work will grow and product lines are expanding to accommodate that growth. The need will become particularly great as aging baby boomers look to remain in their homes or see their own parents move in with them. “Some are finding that it’s cheaper to remodel the home to fit their needs than to move into a nursing home,” Mavrakis says.

For more tips and requirements for designing for disabled homeowners, visit the Americans with Disabilities Act website.

By Craig A. Shutt

Original Article: http://www.hgtvremodels.com/interiors/creating-accessible-homes/index.html

Here is the link to the actual interview:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/themaryandmelissashow/2014/03/12/the-accessible-home–its-not-just-for-wheelchair-users-anymore

“There is no reason why our homes and places of work shouldn’t be built and designed for all people to use and enjoy.  We are joined by Russell SVA Construction Corp, Founder and Owner of SVA Construction Corp Design Build LLC, which specializes in accessible, universal, aging-in-place & multi-generational projects.  We will learn why we – at any age and even if we do not have physical limitations – should follow universal design principles.  Also, we are pleased to have with us Mark Friese, Vice President of Merrill Lynch Special Needs Group, who will share with us the financial aspects of housing for loved ones with disability.”

To follow Mary & Melissa’s questions and flow of interview:

What does the term universal design mean?

·   In home design, in essence  – it means one size fits all

·   The design of products or environments to be usable by all people to the greatest extent possible without the need for specialized design

What does the term aging-in-place mean?

·       I am aging right here at this spot right now; I just moved 3’ age now I am aging there

·   Aging in place is a term used to describe a senior living in the residence of their choice as they age, while being able to have any services (or other support) they might need over time as their needs change, for as long as they are able.

·   Adaptations to your home which accommodate your needs as you get older

What does the term accessible design mean, and how does that differ from universal design?

·   While universal design is more of a “one size fits all” approach, like a floodlight; without the need for specialized design – in my mind, accessible design is very specialized design…it is design & planning intended to meet one person’s particular needs, like a laser beam vs. a floodlight

·   For example, there were significant challenges in my own home to meet the needs of my son Mikie, born with cerebral palsy, CP, who is now 25 and grew up at home. Certain universal design features helped, (such as widened doorways, large turning radiuses, no step entry’s), yet Mikie needed specialized design to meet his particular needs. For example Mikie needed help with all of his ADL’s (activities of daily life) such as dressing, pottying, bathing, feeding, and transferring into and out of equipment such as wheelchairs, gait trainers, & standers. However, due to Mikie’s special needs, he did not use a sink and he did not transfer himself from the wheelchair to the potty. So there was no need to create extra space beside the potty or in front of the sink, nor have a roll-under sink. Yet, bathing in a bathtub was critical for Michael. The bathtub relaxed Mikie’s tense muscles, and gave him great comfort & joy, especially while listening to his favorite music. As Mikie got older it was difficult for caretakers to lift him. Injury to caretakers was a concern. Finding strong caregivers and using only them proved challenging for many reasons.

·   Creating a lift system which could be used by any caregiver was the best solution; this allowed for better choice of caregivers, better safety for Mikie and caregivers & stress reduction for our family & caregivers

·   Importance of learning on-the-job vs. book training

·   My personal experience allows me to help families w/ specific needs. It taught me to know what questions to ask. I became passionate about what has become my life’s work, and I am empathetic because I have lived it

If baby boomers are considering doing some updates on their home, are there certain things to keep in mind if they may eventually want to stay in the home forever?

·   Universal design. Potential plans to convert into accessible design

·   Create a master-plan; implement in phases

Can certain things be done during a standard (non-accessible) remodel which can save money in the future if the home later needs to be made more accessible?

·   Yes, in a master plan include certain universal features now, and allow for other features to be phased in

·   Rough-in elevator

·   Curb-less showers

·   Other universal design features: wide hallways, 3’ doors, no step entry into home

If an aging person is having mobility challenges while still living in their home, what are the top concerns?

·   Safety concerns;

·   injury from falling is the #1 safety concern

What are reasonable options for an adult child to consider if they have an aging parent who is living on their own with mobility challenges?

·   Make existing home work better

·   Safety evaluation with PT or OT and/or certified aip spec… (CAPS) with 10+ years’ experience & personal life experience

·   Universal design on parents’ own home…in a way which allows future conversion to accessibility

·   “In-law Suite”. describe what that is

·   Multigenerational home – other countries ahead of the US in this

·   Game plan, monitoring

 Are many baby boomers beginning to plan ahead for future possible accessibility needs even though they do not need the features now?

·   Just beginning to consider it now

·   Not quite realizing the realization of the demographics.

·   The aging population needing aip solutions will soar in 5-10 years

·   The demand for universal design homes will soar

·   Universal homes which are as beautiful as standard home will be sought after

·   Due to supply and demand, those homes will sell faster and bring higher returns

·   Mather – elevator 4 stop, chose us because we solved difficult challenges

Regarding homes you have remodeled which were designed for people with multiple disabilities; I would like to hear you describe some of those case studies including problems and solutions, for example:

 Have you done a remodeling project for anyone suffering from a spinal cord injury?

·   Tevnan – renovated and fixed previous rush job

·   Racster – rush

·   Coatzee – rush

Have you designed and built to solve problems for other medical conditions?

·   Auto immune disease – similar to MS – Saad

·   MS – Reilly

·   CP – Seiff

·   Polio – Marquez

I understand you were recently featured on CBS Television, WUSA-9 in a segment entitled “Invisible Visitibility”. Can you tell us about that project?

·   Cassidy

Have you built projects for homeowners who– after doing the math– decided in favor of an aging-in-place solution over a retirement community or another option?

·      AARP studies indicate that most homeowners prefer to live in their home as they age

·      Prior to undertaking any large renovation project, universal or not, most homeowners analyze costs, benefits, resale value, options of selling & moving elsewhere vs. remodeling

·      Many in-home care providers along with other resources – everything from food delivery, in-home Dr. & therapy visits, etc. — assist owners to live at home as long as they wish.

·      Increasingly, owners analyze the cost of ongoing care in a facility and compare that to in-home care. They find it is significantly less expensive and more comfortable to remain at home. In many cases long-term care insurance will cover in home care.

·      Some owners even use reverse mortgages to fund large renovation projects so they have no mortgage or loan payments.

 You essentially absorbed most every dimension of full service remodeling, then specialized. Given the projected demand for effective aging-in-place solutions, it is fair to say homeowners recognize field experience as the critical component distinguishing service providers?

·      Yes, until they realize that the experience gained by living with a family member who has multiple disabilities and undertaking modifications to meet those needs is magnitudes above simply doing modifications for others

 Can you talk about the process you use to assist homeowners with their planning and remodeling needs?

·   1st phone discussion

·   Next, set an in home assessment

·   Enter DB process

·   DB1

·   DB2

·   Fixed price construction agreement

Are there any tax credits or tax deductions available for universal design or accessible modifications?

·   new “Design for Life” tax credits in Montgomery County for accessibility features

o   “Housing with ‘Design for Life’ features is critically important for many of our residents, including those living with mobility impairments and our seniors,” said Leggett.

The new law will provide:

• a property tax credit for an accessibility feature installed on an existing residence;

• a property tax credit for meeting a Level I or Level II accessibility standard on a new single-family residence;

• Improvements for meeting a Level I accessibility standard;

o   tax credits to builders and homeowners for including Level I visit-ability (up to $3,600) and Level II live-ability (up to $10,000) accessibility features in new and existing residential housing;

·   (federal tax deductions for medically necessary modifications)

o   Capital Expenses – Home Improvements

o   You can include in medical expenses amounts you pay for special equipment installed in a home, or for improvements, if their main purpose is medical care for you, your spouse, or your dependent. The cost of permanent improvements that increase the value of your property may be partly included as a medical expense. The cost of the improvement is reduced by the increase in the value of your property. The difference is a medical expense. If the value of your property is not increased by the improvement, the entire cost is included as a medical expense.

o   Certain improvements made to accommodate a home to your disabled condition, or that of your spouse or your dependents who live with you, do not usually increase the value of the home and the cost can be included in full as medical expenses. These improvements include, but are not limited to, the following items.

• Constructing entrance or exit ramps for your home.

• Widening doorways at entrances or exits to your home.

• Widening or otherwise modifying hallways and interior doorways.

• Installing railings, support bars, or other modifications to bathrooms.

• Lowering or modifying kitchen cabinets and equipment.

• Moving or modifying electrical outlets and fixtures.

• Installing porch lifts and other forms of lifts (but elevators generally add value to the house).

• Modifying fire alarms, smoke detectors, and other warning systems.

• Modifying stairways.

• Adding handrails or grab bars anywhere (whether or not in bathrooms).

• Modifying hardware on doors.

• Modifying areas in front of entrance and exit doorways.

• Grading the ground to provide access to the residence.

The Virginia Livable Home Tax Credit (LHTC)

The Virginia Livable Home Tax Credit (LHTC)

program is designed to improve accessibility and universal visibility in Virginia’s residential units by providing state tax credits for the purchase of new units or the retrofitting of existing housing units.

Tax credits are available for up to $5,000 for the purchase of a new accessible residence and up to 50 percent for the cost of retrofitting existing units, not to exceed $5,000.

Well, for starters, when the owners themselves decide to occupy the new accommodation as their primary living space.

Such was the recent choice of the Saads, two seniors who started investigating options for retrofitting their three-level home when Mrs Saad transitioned from a walker to a wheelchair.

The idea was to improve everyday mobility and even incorporate equipment needed for physical therapy treatments while largely preserving the home’s upper two levels should the couple later decide to sell the house and move to a retirement facility.

After weighing several scenarios, the couple summoned Aging-in-Place specialist Russ SVA Construction Corp, president of SVA Construction Corp Design Build, to explore feasibilities.

“We began by looking at ways to add an elevator, SVA Construction Corp recalls. “But soon learned that modifications required would negatively impact the existing second floor plan without really accommodating a lot the necessary the accessibility solutions.”

The home’s mostly unfinished 2,000 square foot lower level, however, provided a footprint to conjure with, and soon the SVA Construction Corp team proposed a plan for a largely self-sufficient suite complete with accessible bath, kitchenette and other amenities.

Open Plan Custom-Designed

Configured as an “open” floorplan that incorporates a sizeable master suite, the new layout is nicely differentiated into “use” zones that provide privacy within a pleasing visual continuum.

Key components include:

•  A 11′ x 13′ kitchenette and dining zone finished with cherry Shaker-style cabinet facings, granite counter
• surfaces and ceramic tile flooring. NOTE: As per local code requirements, the kitchen is equipped with a microwave rather than a full stove.
•  A den/family room contiguous to the dining area that offers direct access to the rear yard. The space has been fitted with a large-scale plasma TV and a “Sensurround” sound system. This is the family’s primary entertainment zone.
•  A private master suite with spacious bedroom conjoined to a luxury bath that includes a 5′ x 8′ curbless “roll-in” shower with a pull-down seat. The bathroom connects to a fully-equipped laundry room. There is also a large walk-in closet.

To increase natural light availability, SVA Construction Corp added a pair of windows to the master bedroom. The room also accommodates an easy-to-access hospital bed.

Beyond the floorplan, the builder exercised every option to make the new suite both aesthetically-cohesive and directly responsive to the couple’s needs.

To assure a suitable locale for physical therapy treatments, SVA Construction Corp custom-designed a wall cabinet in the dining area that contains a pull-down table. The casing has been reinforced with a steel frame that keeps the table firmly in place once its in the upright position.

To accommodate a necessary incline wheelchair platform lift, the steps leading to the suite from the first floor were widened from 30” to 46”. The builder also enlarged the stairwell and rebuilt the staircase from scratch.

In the master bath, plans called for a curbless “roll-in” shower with a pull-down shower seat and grab bars. There is also pair of vanity sinks– one 30” from the ground for wheel-chair access.

To make it easier for the Saads to identify visitors, the home’s front door has been equipped with a security camera linked to a laptop. SVA Construction Corp also introduced technologies that enable the couple to lock and unlock the front door from the lower level suite.

Aesthetically, the suite’s carefully developed interior design details confer both warmth and spatial cohesion in all directions..

Mosaic tile flooring differentiates the kitchen/dining zone from the adjacent den and entertainment area. Typhoon green granite surfaces and lightly stained cabinet facings lend colors and textures to the kitchen area that easily integrate into a great room dominated by a large-double slider.

The master bathroom features porcelain flooring and walls accented with a decorative course of multi-colored mosaic tiles.

In short, it’s a pretty, comfortable home…that’s also healing and supportive.

“Our goal was to satisfy immediate needs while implementing a makeover that will add re-sale value, “SVA Construction Corp says. “In this sense, the house has simply been re-defined as a traditional single family home that includes a full-size in-law suite. It’s a very marketable improvement, yet meets all the present requirements.”

SVA Construction Corp periodically offers workshops on accessibility solutions for seniors. For information: see www.SVA Construction CorpDesignBuild.com, or call 301/444-4663

Written by John Byrd –email: byrdmatx@comcast.net