By Scott Sevon, GMR, CAPS, CGP

The staff and owners of my remodeling firm, MAW Chicago, have earned many NAHB designations. When we first became CAPS designees we did so to allow us to work with the aging baby boomers as their special needs increased because we felt this would be a significant market i

Wheelchair lift (Credit: MAW)

n the future. What we didn’t expect was the market in our area for families with injured or disabled children.

Our first job in this remodeling niche came from a potential client who wanted to remodel their home for their disabled child. A trust fund had been set as a result of a legal settlement to make the house accessible. Although we worked with the client on the design and construction, the trust company controlled all of the payments and spending.

Working with the trust company provided as many challenges as the actual remodel. For example, there was no down payment, and 10% of all payments were held until the work was totally complete. We were required to get a performance bond and the trust company required much more paperwork than usual. However, the work was profitable and very satisfying, knowing we were able to help this family.

We have completed a number of similar jobs since then by letting our fellow remodelers, suppliers, banks, trust departments, and physical therapists know of our expertise. We give seminars to help others understand our certifications and the value we can bring to this type of work. Our designations have allowed us to diversify into a previously unknown market.

Elevators, Track Systems and Harnesses

Years ago we built many large homes with elevators in them, often for ease of access but sometimes for bragging rights. Today the elevators we are installing have a completely different purpose.

In the last three years, all of our elevators have been installed on projects that have been personally rewarding for us and significantly life altering for the families for whom we work. The elevators we install now give children with disabilities and severe injuries full access to their homes and allow them to interact with their families and lead a fuller life.

Track lift into accessible shower (Credit: MAW)

In all of these projects, we have also installed tracked lift systems. This is a necessity as the child (or adult) becomes too big to lift and a need develops for a method of transporting them. Two such brands are the Horcher single track overhead mounted system and the Egrolet dual track wall mounted slide rail tracking system. Each system takes a very detailed and defined site layout and intense embedded support to carry the tracks and the individual. Engineered headers, beams and support systems are frequently required. These systems not only assist the parents or guardians, but also the physical therapist working with these families. Their uses are many, including transferring in and out of bath tubs, showers, personal sanitary facilities and sleeping areas.

Use of the track system allows family member to have some family time and personal independence. Through the use of a zero gravity harness the children get to spend time out of their wheel chairs and, if able, can bounce, crawl or walk with their families. This is a big deal for a family that may have struggled with a wheelchair access for many years before being able to have these life-assisting products. Family members in charge of their day to day care may sustain injuries due to years of caregiving and lifting, and may themselves require physical therapy or surgery to correct these injuries. The products we have mentioned significantly reduce the likelihood of these injuries and remove stress from an already stressful situation. To create a situation where a disabled child or adult is able to interact with their family in their home is a great feeling and to know we have helped create that is even greater.

Other areas and items within these homes that we modify include enlarging overhead garage doors. This allows the families’ conversion vans to fit inside the garage and safely unload family members. We also provide ramps inside the garage and outside of the homes including the use of short lift systems such as Bruno or Tysen-Krup manufactured units. Heating garages so the disabled family member is warm upon loading or unloading into the house is necessary as sensitivity to temperature can be a significant issue.

Some of our ramps have been constructed from cement, wood, recycled products, stone pavers and pre-manufactured systems. Remember: all ramps must conform to ADA grades of 1” in 12” (or less) and conform to ADA minimum dimensions and have wheel stop toe plates.

Track lift over chair (Credit: MAW)

On the interiors of these homes we make many changes including handicapped heights of electrical devices, remote pads, screens and devices if the disabled family member is able to use their hands and arms. We always include a natural gas backup generator with an automatic transfer switch system to allow for air conditioning of the home, provide emergency lighting, keep elevators and lifts functional, keep refrigerators operational for any needed medicine, keep basement sump pumps operational, and garage doors operational for safe entry and departure.

We also add better lighting and often security cameras so that family members can monitor the disabled individual. Other items include intercom systems for communication, needed access and grab bars, ADA plumbing faucets and fixtures, door accessible tubs or therapy tubs, roll in showers and comfort height toilets.

In a recent home we fabricated a custom changing table and soaking tub combination made of solid surface materials. This was totally custom designed and constructed for our client’s exact needs.

Some clients need a very warm or very cool living space and some really need a quiet living space. In these instances we use both closed and open cell spray foam systems and Pella triple insulated glass units with blinds or shades between the glass.

We design floors and exterior doors with low rise thresholds and create transitions that flow comfortably. We modify doors to allow for wheelchair access and provide cabinetry to meet ADA specifications. Every detail must be thought out thoroughly and mesh with the specific needs of the family.

In closing there are many opportunities in our remodeling world and sometimes you need to diversify and step outside the box. One’s passion for this work is significantly enhanced through the experience of helping others live a fuller life.

Email Scott Sevon with questions or requests for additional information.