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.

The Baltimore Chapter was founded in 2008 and their goal is to provide “one stop shopping” for information and education for seniors. With great reverence, SVA Construction Corp Design Build has become a valuable Member of the NAIPC, Baltimore Chapter! Through Russ SVA Construction Corp’s high standards of ethics and commitment to helping seniors his value as a vendor will be unsurpassed!

Visit the NAIPC website at http://www.ageinplace.org/ for more information.

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

Warman Home Care is the Washington area’s premier home care provider. For over 25 years, they have helped seniors continue to live at home safely and happily by providing non-medical care and companionship. At Warman, they are passionate about providing consistently superior care. Their caregivers are carefully screened and trained, and must be experienced Certified Nursing Assistants. They are also proud to be accredited by the Joint Commission – healthcare’s top designation – something few home care providers can boast. They can respond very quickly and provide from 2 hours a day, to live-in support, to care for loved ones with Alzheimer’s, Dementia or other chronic conditions. Don’t hesitate to contact them!