Safety Inspections
We inspect your house for existing and potential hazards: loose rugs, clutter walkways, broken and non-compliant stairs, poor lighting, uneven floors, glare sources, lack of grab bars, safety glazing and much more. We also check to see if smoke detectors function, deadbolts are adequate,window locks work. We look for adequate fire egress.
At the same time we offer a basic state-of-the-house analysis: inspecting condition of the roof, gutters, appliances, light fixtures, electric service, plumbing, faucets, flooring, paint, energy elements, seismic performance and more.
We submit a verbal report, discuss what repairs and improvements should be made, prioritizing by urgency as appropriate. Once a punch list is established, we will submit an itemized estimate for the work.
We will also discuss the general suitability of your house in its current condition and geometry for you given your particular physical abilities. This often leads to further evaluation of ways to make your house work better for you in supporting your daily life.
Evaluation
In our evaluation we gather the information we need to understand your physical and mental condition, the condition of the premises and the difficulties you are having living in your house as it is. We inspect on our own and also consult with family members, medical advisers, anyone you suggest as a contributor. Early in our investigation we begin to develop a strategy of accommodation, that is, of making the house more usable.
But we also are looking at context, the greater circumstances which might bear on determining the appropriate scope or timing of work; issues such as medical prognosis, life expectancy, condition and needs of spouse or co-habitants such as caregivers or other renters, value and eventual disposition of the property (Is the strategy of upgrade and resale or of eventual tear-down?); or which may impede or facilitate the decision making process or actual construction; mental acuity, finances, level of family support.
Design & Construction
Once we have determined what the general scope of the work is and have established program objectives, we then consider the project from a number of angles; timeframe available for construction, logistical problems such as working around occupants, permitting requirements, budget; and develop our strategy accordingly, seeking your input as the design evolves until we have a project which will be functional, beautiful, as well as build-able.
This is, more or less, the design development process for any remodeling project. In an Elder Friendly renovation, the focus will likely be on hazard remediation, improvement of accessibility and mobility, and general accommodation of your changing needs. These issues are usually the must-haves of the program.
But there is a wide array of improvements that can be incorporated and benefits that can be derived during the project with little increase in cost. Providing opportunity for exercise, cognitive challenge, and sensory stimulation, supporting socialization, increasing marketability and property value, are some examples.
Read more aboutElder Friendly Design.
Read more about Elder Friendly Construction.
Maintenance & Repair
We provide a full-range of repair services. Though we are capable of delivering large and complex projects such as adding a second story or installing an elevator, most of the problems we encounter are smaller in scope and urgent in nature. Broken windows, flooding water heaters, backed up drains. If we can’t fix it we’ll find someone who can.
Our Safety Inspections usually generate a list of repairs to be addressed from installation of grab bars, fixing broken stairs, installing ramps, replacing light fixtures.
Heavy Lifting & Clearance
We have strong men and women. We have trucks. We have know how. When you need something cleared out, taken to the dump, moved from place to place. We’ll be happy to help. When we are at your house doing anything, don’t hesitate to ask for help in lifting or moving.
When the time comes to leave your home. We are there for you and your children to clean up, repair, and refurbish the house to get it ready for the next chapter in its life with new owners or tenants.
Elder Friendly Gardens
We also design, plant, and maintain gardens which are appropriate to your particular limitations and desired level of commitment to maintenance.
Raised beds, wide, even paths, shaded resting places, are elements which invite stroll through the the flowers beds and a chance to enjoy the birdsong. Careful plant selection will reduce the need for weeding and watering while attracting birds and butterflies and adding fragrance in season.
We can work with an existing garden or start from scratch. We can install and leave the rest to you, provide full-maintenance, or just help out now and then with the digging and pruning.
We also install and care for window boxes and potted plants.
Consult Us Before You Build or Buy
We have been assisting home buyers for over 20 years, giving advice on general condition and the possibilities for remodeling. Let us inspect your potential buy with an eye towards expansion, improvement, and accommodation for aging in place. We will also comment on the general condition and structural soundness of the building and its integral systems.
If you are building new, consider us as your architects and your builders. We will incorporate marketable, equity increasing Universal Design features into your program. If you are remodeling, we can design the project for you, build it, or review the plans and suggest features which will make it possible for you to enjoy your house as you grow older.