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”.

The scope of work for this whole house renovation was extensive. This was originally a one- story brick home with a partially finished basement. The project involved remodeling the basement, reconfiguring the first floor and putting a second floor addition as well as substantial modifications to the exterior of the home.

This family had simply outgrown their space and wanted to enlarge and update the main living room area to include a kitchen with breakfast area as well as expand upward to move the master suite and kids bedrooms to their own level.

(Above) Left to Right: Front Before and Front After Renovation

The first floor footprint was redesigned and expanded to include a new open living space area complete with the following: a kitchen with walk-in pantry, a breakfast area, a living room, a dining room, a mudroom, a screened-in porch, and a guest bedroom with a full bathroom.

The second floor addition includes: A master suite with bedroom and bathroom, his and her walk-in closets, an office, two additional bedrooms each with walk-in closets, a jack-and-jill bathroom and a laundry room.

The basement work consisted of refinishing the existing space to incorporate a gym, den, game room, bathroom, and utility and storage area.

One of the major requirements for the homeowners was to modify the current entryway from a ground floor entrance to a first floor entrance. The existing garage and driveway were located at the basement level. They wanted to incorporate a new, detached rear garage into the design. Outside, a new ground level rear deck was added along with a new front entry porch, detached garage with a storage shed and a concrete driveway.

This 1940’s home sits on a great lot in a wonderful neighborhood but no longer functioned for this growing family. With a complete exterior redesign, detached garage, deck, renovation of the entire basement and first floor and addition of a second floor, the home is now not only absolutely gorgeous but functions perfectly for this busy family. With over 2000 square feet of additional space, it is truly a brand new home and one this family will enjoy for many years to come.

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