Breaking Down Barriers

By Debbie Hartzler, OTR/L, CAPS

Our booth at the remodeling show with our barrier-free shower on the right

We just spent the weekend manning our booth at The Remodeling Show in Kansas City.  The show offers a great opportunity to talk with a wide spectrumof individuals from all walks of life.  One of our displays features a walk-in shower with a sign above it that says “Barrier Free.”  As people passed by, many would stop to admire the clean, sleek look of the floor to ceiling tiled shower stall that features no curb or ramp at the entrance.  Some would ask, “What does barrier-free mean?”

As an Occupational Therapist, I think of barrier-free, or the removal of barriers, as the solution to many difficult situations I encounter when trying to transition an individual from a care setting back into their home.  For those who have mobility and balance issues, any time one foot must leave the ground to access an area, or if a threshold is present, or if there is an inadequate amount of space for them and/or their mobility device, there is a barrier to overcome.

The barriers I encounter the most often are:

• Steps leading into the home;
• Narrow doorways that don’t allow for access to rooms such as bathrooms or hallways;
• Stairs leading to both the upper and lower levels;
• Thresholds leading into a bathtub or shower.

Our specialty at LifeWise Renovations is developing solutions to these common barriers that meet both the physical and aesthetic needs of the client.

Overcoming Another Barrier

After speaking to some people at The Remodeling Show, I discovered there is another barrier looming out there.  That is the barrier of people’s mindset.  There are quite a few people who feel that the universal design and barrier-free solutions we offer are something that they will NEVER need.
In describing the features of a curb-less shower, the majority of the people commented on what a wonderful idea it was.  From others I heard, “I don’t need that,” “I am not old enough for that,” or “That would be great for my parents.”  Some of the individuals were saying this as they walked away with their canes.   While the former may be true for some, I reflect back on two situations that occurred in my own life within the last year.

Our house is a two-story with two steps to get in from both entryways, a half bath on the main level, and all bedrooms and full baths up or down a flight of stairs.  I was having a gathering of coworkers at my house and invited one of my friends who is in a wheelchair.  How eye opening for me!  We built our house 18 years ago at a different stage in our lives.  Neither the architect or builder suggested or made accommodations at the entrance that would have allowed my friend access on her own.  It took two of us to bump her up the two steps to get inside.  Once in, there was no accessible bathroom for her to use (the door opening on my half bath is only 24″ wide).  The issue we now refer to as “visitability” (having an accessible entry and bathroom on the main level) was confronting me in my very own home….and I’m an OT!

The second situation occurred on the day I received the phone call that my 21-year-old daughter had been in a car accident and was in the emergency room.  Thankfully, she survived and was left with a broken pelvis, vertebrae, scapula and wrist (that’s a lot of bones).  When she was discharged, she came back home to live with us while she was recuperating.  She was left using a walker, unable to put full weight onto her right leg, and using a wheelchair when traveling longer distances.  As you might have already guessed, we ended up with a hospital bed in the living room and a portable commode right next to it.

The “New” Barrier-Free

I have now expanded my definition of barriers to include those of denial and closed mindedness.  No one knows what the future holds for us, our friends, or our family.  It is my hope that as time goes on we will all see and appreciate the beauty and simplicity of universal design for what it is: an opportunity to safely use and access all areas of the home no matter your age, ability, shape or size.  Then we will all truly be what I describe and see as barrier-free.

Reflections On A Passing Icon

By Mike Dodd

I just finished reading Walter Isaacson’s novel about Steve Jobs.  I was fortunate enough to be in the audience when Mr. Isaacson journeyed to Kansas City last fall just after the book was released and Jobs had passed away.  I received a signed copy of the book and was privileged to listen to a ninety minute interview of Mr. Isaacson about his adventure.  To say that he was engaging would be an understatement.  His quick wit and engaging personality made me want to read the book immediately, even though I had never been a big fan of the iconic figure who built Apple into the world’s most valuable company.

I don’t read much.  I’ve always figured I wasn’t very good at it and that I was slow, so the task took on a laborious quality for me over the years.  I justified my position by reading lots of technically-related journals specific to my industry and participating in many ongoing continuing education courses and certifications, again specific to my work.  I never made time for recreational reading, however.  Over the holidays, I read several trashy paperback novels that were lying around the house.  By trashy I mean suspense and science fiction types of paperbacks, the type that really push the envelope as to how believable they are or not.  When I realized that I wasn’t as slow as I had previously though, I tackled Isaacson’s novel.  It is a long read, but well worth the effort.

Steve Jobs may well be not only one of the most famous individuals of his generation, and certainly among the wealthiest, but he will almost certainly go down in history, along with Thomas Edison and Henry Ford and others, as great visionaries who shaped and changed our world.  His ability to determine what people wanted before they even knew it was only part of his genius.  His attention to the minutest detail is legendary, as was his style of micromanagement.  I think he is revered by most folks because of the great organization that he built from scratch and because so many of the products that Apple designed are woven into the fabric of our everyday lives.

My distaste for Steve Jobs is even more pronounced after reading his authorized story.  He didn’t read it before he died.  I don’t know what he would have thought.  I suspect that he would have ranted and raved as to the indiscretions that littered the pages of the novel, even though they were true.  There is no denying the significance and place in history of his accomplishments…..my problem is the way in which he went about it.  I won’t belabor the details here.  Suffice to say that Mr. Jobs’ style does not resonate with my own, fundamentally or philosophically.  I have never believed that it was necessary to berate people in order to achieve the greater goal, as he did.

There’s a message in all this…..at least for me. LifeWise Renovations will never rival Apple for market penetration or size.  We are trail blazers, however, much like Apple was in their beginning and throughout its glorious history.  We have an opportunity to change the world by not compromising our approach.  Like Apple, we have borrowed ideas and technologies from others who came before us.  For whatever reason, the timing hasn’t been quite right for acceptance of our expertise and the medical component that we have incorporated into our continuum of care model…..until now.  As we boomers make demands on the marketplace to satisfy our very specific desires, it will be incumbent upon companies like ours to deliver on that.  We do so without cutting corners and by adhering to the values that define business longevity.  A company like Apple comes along once in a generation, but that doesn’t mean that we don’t have an equal opportunity to make a difference in the world.  It is our mission.

Aging In Place With Style

By Katy Dodd

In this day in age, no one is really getting older, we are all just aging with style! Here at LifeWise Renovations, we decided to expand on the fact that most of us, young and old alike, prefer style with options. What better way to avail yourself of all the options than to remain at home? Why go somewhere where you are given a cookie cutter apartment that has less than desirable aesthetics? There are so many options available to consumers today, there is absolutely no reason that anyone should be settling.

With that being said, here are some hot design ideas for those looking to age in place. Please note that all the following photos came from recent aging in place client projects:

Trend #1: Storage cut outs that are sleek and large enough to fit all bottles. Ladies, if you are anything like me, you have those big bottles of shampoo that don’t fit into most storage cut outs so your left putting them on the floor of the shower. Bottle on floor no more!

Sleek storage cut outs

Trend #2: Using the same color in different hues to brighten and open up a dated room. Add accent colors with towels, throw rugs and various decorations.

Same color in different hues with glass tile

Trend #3: Glass tile. Pictured above in both instances, the clients decided to install glass tile throughout the shower and bathroom. The end result was truly beautiful.

Trend #4: Shower steamers. Gone are the days of having to install a sauna in your home to get your steam on. More and more of our clients are electing to install a steamer in their shower which is great for a cold day or for stiff bones. I personally just like it because it makes me feel refreshed!

Shower Steamer

We would love to hear about some of your favorite designs and trends! Please feel free to post your comments below.

Happy shopping!

Tackling the Unmentionables: Coming Out of the (Water) Closet

By Debbie Hartzler

Toileting. There I said it. Talk about a topic of high avoidance. As an Occupational Therapist working with people on increasing their independence in functional tasks, independence in toileting is one of the key tasks that determine if a person can stay in their home or will require the additional assistance of a caregiver or an outside facility.

In looking through a book the other day, I came across a table that broke down the task of toileting all the way from being able to identify the need through the acts of washing and drying hands. There were over 20 steps involved. In OT speak that means there are well over 20 different solutions and modifications available depending on what aspect of the task is creating the problem.

As food for thought, I am addressing a few of the common problems and offering some solutions for consideration.

Problem: Getting On and Off the Toilet

As in physics, the higher the surface, the easier it is to get up from (not exactly the terms used in physics, but the principles are the same).

Solutions:

The toilet was relocated to allow for greater manuverability with a wheelchair.

• Install a comfort height toilet. You will generally gain 2 to 3 inches of height which can make a big difference in your ability to go from sitting to standing. There are also wall mounted toilets that allow for height flexibility.
• Place a toilet frame (3 in 1 commode) or a toilet seat riser over the top of an existing toilet to increase height. They come equipped with arms on either side which allows you to push up when going to a standing position.
• Place a grab bar on a wall close by the toilet that will allow you to pull and/or push up from the seat using your arms. Options include a standard grab bar, a fold down/swing away grab bar, or a wall to ceiling transfer pole if there is no wall close by.
• If remodeling the space, consider the location of the toilet. Moving it to a different location in the bathroom can open the space up and allow for the better use of a walker or wheelchair (see picture). It can also make things easier on the caregiver.
• Oval vs. Round: The oval seat is generally favored for people in wheelchairs or with hip problems as it usually offers more surface area to transfer on and off.

Problem: Getting the Job Done

The only physics involved here is the ability to shift your weight from side to side in a sitting or standing position and sufficient upper body mobility to reach around to the back.

Solutions:

• Consider purchasing a reaching device. There are many available on the market that will lengthen your arm effectively increasing your reach (Google “toilet aids” on the web and you will see what I mean).
• Install a Toto toilet. Toto has come up with a solution that works on the concept of the bidet. Not only will it wash you at the temperature of your choice, it will air dry you as well (very cool if you ask me!) All versions come equipped with push button control panels and are placed next to the toilet.
• Place the toilet in a shower room. Yes, it can be done (see above) and makes a lot of sense for some people.

While toileting remains one of those issues that are uncomfortable to discuss, the list gets pretty short when you think of who you would want helping you with this task.

Our Refusal To Grow “Old”

By Mike Dodd

I am a Boomer.  I’m right smack dab in the middle of that generation.  At 58, I’m actually a lot closer to the leading edge of the generation than the trailing one, but I’m not going to split hairs.  The reason that we decided to launch LifeWise Renovations in 2009, in the midst of the worst economic downturn our industry has experienced in perhaps forever, was because the Boomers were getting close to turning that magical age of 65.  That actually happened this calendar year when the first of our generation reached that age.

There are many things to like and dislike about our generation.  I’m not educated enough to articulate them all…..I’ll leave that to others, as this is a topic that many have written about.  In short, we have achieved and enjoyed tremendous success in our lifetimes.  We have been witness to the birth and growth of innovative companies like Microsoft, Apple, Intel, Nike and many, many more, far too numerous to mention.  We have also been spectators to the collapse of giants like Lehman Brothers, Enron, Tyco and Chrysler.  The best of times and the worst, economically speaking, all rolled into a single generation.  The constant has been the belief that our generation could achieve whatever it set its mind to.  We were raised by parents who taught us that anything was possible…if you could dream it, you could have it with hard work and perseverance.  A lot was sacrificed along the way, as witnessed by the 50% failure rate of that grand old institution, marriage.  To a large extent, we embraced the concept of the end justifying the means.  I’m pretty sure, in retrospect, that our methods might have been better served with a little more forethought and consideration of the outcomes.

The current recession has caused many of us to take a step back and take stock of those things that we hold dear.  Our families and homes are among the most treasured of all possessions.  We are looking at our homes in an entirely different light today, however.  The vast majority of us want to remain there as we age.  That premise, combined with the psychology of our generation being used to getting what we want, makes for an interesting future for America’s aging housing stock.  We have the expertise and technology to adapt anyone’s home to suit their specific needs, regardless of age, physical abilities or medical diagnosis.  We have enhanced our platform by incorporating the expertise of registered occupational therapists into the continuum plan, rendering us more of a health care concern than a construction company.  In order to satisfy the needs of the changing marketplace, it will require that kind of partnership in the future to provide solutions that will accommodate a very large (and growing) class of consumers who are used to having their needs met.

I don’t believe that the Boomers are necessarily afraid of aging any more than previous generations were.  We are clearly healthier than our parents and preceding generations.  The new 50 of today is probably our parent’s 60 or 70, assuming they even lived that long.  Aging is a fact of life, just as the fact that we are all dying is equally true.  We are striving to insure that our twilight years have contingencies factored into them that will include comfort and convenience as tenets to that end.  It’s not so much a refusal to age, although there are many who would characterize it that way, as it is a belief that the worldwide marketplace that can deliver the goods to create an environment that is healthy, safe and comfortable.  We no longer have to accept that growing old must be accompanied by pain and suffering.

How To Open Up Your Kitchen

By Katy Dodd

For some time now, one of the biggest trends in remodeling has been to create a more open floor plan. No one likes to feel cramped in their home, especially in the kitchen. We work in a lot of older homes that have a timeless look on the outside and would like to keep that integrity on the inside. Right now, we are in the process of renovating a kitchen for clients whose main goal was to create a more open space that was functional and big enough to accommodate their growing family. Instead of putting an addition on the house which would cost more money than they were willing to spend, we decided to move some things around.

Glass cabinets and lights above create the illusion of a more open space

One of the best things to start with when attempting to open up a kitchen is to get rid of all the old, bulky cabinetry that gives you that “claustrophobic” feeling (a common complaint and descriptor used by clients). Cabinetry with glass doors that stretch to the ceiling do an amazing job of creating the illusion of a bigger space. Placing canned lighting right above the top of the cabinets also helps in enhancing that illusion. Not only does it create a better lit workspace, but it also illuminates the light back into the room making it appear more bright and open.  As you can see from the picture (right), the two simple changes mentioned above made the kitchen appear larger even though we doubled the cabinetry and took out a window.

It is also important to remove as many barriers as possible as this will enhance the overall flow. In this particular kitchen, we placed an island in the middle which will have space for 4 to sit. The cooking space was built around this centerpiece with plenty of room to move about and cook without hindrances.

These are just a few of the many things you can do to create a more open feel in your home. For more great ideas, please visit our website and look at some of our past projects. To hear our resident expert Nick McIntyre speak more about this particular project and other great insights, tune in to The Living Large Show on KMBZ 98.1 FM this Sunday at 10 AM.

Happy Remodeling!

Double Vision: Seeing The Home Through 2 Sets Of Eyes

By Debbie Hartzler

As an Occupational Therapist in health care, I am used to working with team members. While commonly engaged with physicians, nurses, physical therapists, social workers, and speech pathologists, working with a remodeler was something new. (The only experience I had with remodelers was a man who helped refinish our basement that worked out the back of his truck and had never heard the words universal design).

A Marriage Made in Heaven

Nearly 2 years ago I entered into this relationship with slight skepticism. I knew what I had to offer in the way of home modifications with my medical background, but was not sure the remodelers would have a whole lot to add or that we would even speak the same language.

Our “1st date” was a great eye opener. The design remodel team at LifeWise is CAPS (Certified Aging in Place Specialist) certified through the NAHB (National Association of Home Builders). Not only were they aware of universal design principles, they had also done their homework on products, searching the market for the latest technologies that offer increased flexibility, safety, and reliability. We were able to go into the home of a newly diagnosed spinal cord injured person and quickly focus in on the same areas.  Not only were we speaking the same language, we began problem solving and generating many more possibilities than I would ever have developed on my own. Somewhat like an old married couple, we were able to finish off each other’s ideas and thoughts. These guys were good, but together we were great.

Parallel Universes with Common Goals

Occupational Therapists focus on enabling people to perform everyday activities (or occupations) in the context of their surroundings. They analyze how a person interacts with his/her environment to complete a task and then provide suggestions or tools to modify the environment and maximize the individual’s ability to fully participate safely in these daily tasks.

Remodelers who incorporate universal design focus on creating spaces that provide increased safety and functionality. Through the utilization of universal design and aging in place principles, they create user friendly environments for people of all ages and abilities.

Benefits of “Double Vision”

The optimal assessment occurs when the OT and the remodeler go into the home together. The OT gathers data about the home owner’s physical abilities (balance, mobility, coordination, general strength, cognitive and sensory abilities) and medical conditions (if any). The remodeler gathers data about the home environment looking at accessibility, structural layout, the condition of the home, the physical layout,etc

A walkthrough of the home is performed together, looking for areas that can be changed to increase safety and accessibility based upon the homeowner’s individual needs and desires. Afterward, a meeting of the minds occurs where ideas are exchanged and specific home plans and recommendations are developed for the home owner.

I have learned many new things as the result of working closely with remodelers. When transitioning people home from the hospital setting, I would frequently recommend minor bathroom changes such as grab bars and tub seats. While effective, these can be short term solutions. The remodelers have expanded my repertoire of adaptations from barrier free showers to the toilet that cleans and dries your backside. In turn, I have provided the medical knowledge crucial to determining specific adaptations given an individual’s condition and potential future physical issues.

With no background in construction and building codes, I was previously ignorant to the many options available. I have developed a great respect for what my remodeling partners bring to the table. This relationship has enhanced our individual and collective knowledge base and has afforded me a greater appreciation for seeing things through 2 sets of eyes. As we say at LifeWise Renovations, it has enabled me to imagine the possibilities.

Transforming A Kitchen Into An Entertainment Dream

By Nick McIntyre

LifeWise Renovations has been in the business of creating beautiful spaces on the interior of  homes for decades. One of the biggest requests we receive are for kitchen remodels. The following is a project we performed in the cozy and historic area of Kansas City known as Brookside. This is a wonderful community with houses nestled close together where children play freely, mothers take their kiddos on stroller runs in one of the many parks, and people ride their bikes on trails. The local grocery store, coffee house, shopping, various mom and pop stores, and outstanding dining are within walking distances.

Several of the Brookside homes are wonderfully designed in the English Tudor style. Many of them were Edward Tanner originals. These homes are rich with architecture and character, but their kitchens are very cramped and usually outdated. While the rest of the home works very well, the kitchen and eating areas just don’t seem to work with today’s lifestyles. We all love to entertain and cook, and with most of the social activity of a household taking place in or near the kitchen, that’s reason enough to want to make the space both beautiful and functional.

LifeWise Renovations was asked to create an attractive space that would highlight the home’s natural architecture. We initially inquired about the client’s dislikes about the space. The response was that it was dated with too many doors and rooms, had little counter space, poor lighting, was difficult for entertaining, and lacked continuity in its ability to provide a connection between the rooms on the main level.

The next objective was to determine wants and desires for the new space. Their hope was to create an open floor plan with a wet bar and serving area to the dining room, lots of natural light, specialty lighting features, visual connection to the dining room, abundant counter space, a mudroom area at the rear entrance, pantry storage, a media area for music and technology, rollout shelves, decorative ventilation hood, and a look of timeless elegance that would be apparent throughout the new space. Special attention was given to the traffic flow of people into the kitchen from the adjacent areas (including outside) while allowing for seating at the island and enough cooking space for two. It was quite a laundry list of wishes!

Media Cabinet and Mudroom

We elected to strip all the substrate material at the interior walls in the kitchen, breakfast nook, bathroom, and hallways. We then squared off the outside by constructing an addition that added a small amount of square footage. Relocating the back door directly in line with the hallway made for better traffic flow to the deck without interrupting those working in the kitchen. A new bench seat and window were installed beside the new door, creating the mudroom area. The media cabinet was placed next to the mudroom with glass doors at the upper cabinets for cookbooks and decorative items. This cabinet houses iPods, telephone charging, and laptop computers.

Backsplash Tile and Cabinetry

At the primary sink, the upper cabinets were located away from the sink so additional windows could be installed to allow for more natural light. The doors on the cabinets had glass inserts to create a more open feel. The backsplash tile extended to the full ceiling height and around the window to highlight the understated elegance of that element.

48" Commercial Range

The client wanted a 48″ wide commercial range to compliment her cooking prowess. Because it is such a focal point of the kitchen, the large ventilation hood is detailed with decorative corbels that don’t overpower the design. Because of its width, the area under the hood contains specialty lighting for both function and ambiance. The refrigerator placement is at the end of the general work area, but still connects the kitchen to the wet bar and adjacent dining room. More natural light was achieved with a window over the wet bar sink and the same backsplash element that is over the primary sink was installed at this location.

Pantry and Serving Area

Relocating the half bath to the center of the floor plan worked well. We were able to provide a pantry and serving area with custom cabinetry across from the wet bar and near the dining room. The dining room door was removed and the opening was doubled in size. This allowed for interaction between the two rooms while maintaining a separation.

The Island

The island is a focal point as well. We selected white painted cabinets with inset doors and black stone countertops around the perimeter and wanted to compliment that with a wood species at the island. Accordingly, in keeping with the antique furniture theme that the client prefers, the island was produced from quarter sawn White Oak. We included a bead board on the outside panels to accentuate the look. The island comfortably seats four people and allows for loads of social interaction between the cooks and guests. Given that the island top is almost eight feet in length, it is both the functional and aesthetic centerpiece of the kitchen.

Deck and Rear of House

At the exterior, a new deck was installed to replace an older one. The deck is much larger than the original and creates a smooth connection to the back yard. The deck wraps around to the sunroom with cascading steps down to a patio and the driveway. LifeWise even recreated a planter and an old milk delivery box on the back of the house where the client keeps her gardening gloves and shovels.

Before and After

Thanksgiving Therapy Lessons Brought To You By The Letter “C”

By Debbie Hartzler

I have been practicing Occupational therapy for 30 years in hospitals, clinics and care centers around the Kansas City area.  In those years you might say my “bag of tricks” has grown fairly large.  But it was through a recent encounter with a gal named Cookie that my eyes were opened to what the word creative really means.

I met Cookie through a request of her sister to come and do a home assessment with our company LifeWise Renovations.  Cookie’s sister was concerned that she was having increased difficulty getting around, that she was a potential fall risk, and was fearful that she would end up in a care facility.  Upon our arrival we learned that Cookie has been in a car accident in her 20′s leaving her paralyzed on the right side of her body.  Now in her 60′s her good side knee and shoulder are wearing out.  She can no longer ambulate long distances, leaving her wheelchair as her primary mode of transportation.  She has difficulty pushing herself up out of her chair, and now has to pull herself to get to a semi-standing position.  Despite all this, Cookie manages to live alone in the home where she grew up with the outside support of her sister.

Cookie wasn’t sure about me at first; not keen on making changes to the way she got things done.  As a part of my OT assessment, I look at transfers in various situations.  She agreed to show me how she got herself into and out of bed, as well as in and out of the bathroom, tub and toilet.  She got to the bed and showed me that by reaching for the strap on the mattress she could pull herself up and pivot into her bed. Once there, she reached out with her good arm and struggled to turn the wheelchair around in the opposite direction so it would be ready for her to pull over to when she was ready to get out of bed. She then took me next door to the bathroom, the door of which would not allow her wheelchair to come through.  She showed me how she was able to pull herself up using what I call drawer handle pulls that were screwed into the door frames at various intervals throughout the house. She then pivoted inside the bathroom door to a folding chair which she used to shimmy across the floor toward the bathtub.  Mounted on the wall with another drawer handle pull was a leather belt, which she creatively used to pull herself into a half stand to then pivot to the tub bench. The toilet transfer was done in much the same way, using the strategically placed drawer handle pulls.

The kitchen presented some other challenges. She had difficulty reaching the faucet and no accessibility to the microwave from the wheelchair. She then proceeded to show us how reaching to the bottom of her clothes washer could be accomplished by using the large wooden spoon to scoop out the wet clothes.  The woman was an amazing combination of grit, determination and creativity.

We came up with and discussed some ideas over cookies (seemed like a good idea, given the nickname).  She was still not sure she really wanted to change anything, but recognized that in order to save her good knee and shoulder, she needed to make some changes.

So here’s what we came up with….

Master Bathroom

Before and After

Installed a super pole that would  go from floor to ceiling, enabling Cookie to pull up to transfer from either direction and not have to reverse the direction of her wheelchair

Widened the doorway to bathroom by removing a linen closet enabling her to enter the bathroom with her wheelchair.

Replaced the bathtub with a roll in shower enabling her to use a shower chair and hand held shower that she can position to her strong side.

Replaced existing sink with a pedestal sink.

Angled the mirror so she can do her grooming from her wheelchair.

Installed a comfort height toilet and another super pole near the toilet to help with transfers.

Kitchen

Functional Kitchen Table

Replaced the top loading washer and dryer with a front loading model.

Replaced the kitchen table with a new counter space and pull out drawers that would accommodate a microwave and food prep area.

Installed a sloped skirt vanity at the kitchen sink to allow for easier sink access with a wheelchair.

Relocated the kitchen light switch and the hallway thermostat controls to a level that could be reached from her wheelchair.

Final Thoughts

On my last visit to Cookie’s house she opened the door beaming with newly coiffed hair, explaining to me that she can now see herself in the bathroom mirror, making it easier to work her hair. She was very happy with all of the changes we made and was finding it easier to get around and do her daily care.  She told me that the neighborhood girls were stopping by to marvel at her front loading washing machine trying to understand how it could get the clothes so clean without using very much water.  It was the talk of the neighborhood!

Cookie’s sister was thrilled that the modifications we made were giving her more peace of mind.  She felt that Cookie was safer and, more importantly, that the changes made would enable her to stay in her home longer thereby avoiding assisted care for the time being.

I left with a big smile on my face and a warm spot in my heart. I am grateful for the lessons Cookie has taught me that I can now add to my “bag of tricks.”  One being that “bigger and better” is not always the best option for someone who has been used to doing things their own way for many years.  Secondly, that human nature will truly devise a way to accomplish the task if the will is there.  Thirdly, it is the simple things in life e.g. caring for yourself and being independent, that are so important to the human spirit.  So…”C”  is not only for Cookie, but also for creativity and I am thankful to the woman who embodies both.

The 3 Biggest Mistakes Made When Selecting A Contractor

By Mike Dodd

The three biggest mistakes in remodeling are extremely subjective and complex issues.  My biggest three are almost certainly going to be different than what another contractor’s perspective might be.  We’ve all got to put it out there once in a while, though, so here is my list….in no particular order of importance:

• Establishing a realistic budget and insuring that the design supports the budget.
• Leveling the playing field when it comes to selecting a professional organization.
• Making an objective and fair comparison between competing organizations.

This really is an age-old scenario in our industry.  These questions have been asked since the very beginning.

There is a wealth of information in the marketplace as it relates to realistic expectations as to what things cost, whether they are automobiles, homes, financial offerings or remodeling services.  There is a plethora of media sources that regularly discuss costs and expected budgets for the types of projects that typically are performed in the home.  The internet is an encyclopedia of knowledge and the number of shows on television are too numerous to count.  Twenty-five years ago, this was not the case.

In this age of diminished home values, it is critical to ascertain what is realistic for your personal finances as well as maintaining a consciousness of not overbuilding for the neighborhood.  The process has to begin with the design and the design must be supportive of the budget.  A $35,000.00 budget for a kitchen probably won’t allow for stone countertops, custom cabinetry and upper-bracket stainless steel appliances.  By the same token, plastic laminate countertops, box cabinets and reasonable appliance selections can validate a budget in that range.  The unknown is always whether someone elects to remain in their home and defy neighborhood values by undertaking improvements that may not make financial sense, but that will enhance their ability to enjoy his or her surroundings.

Leveling the playing field when selecting a contractor is a lot simpler than you might imagine.  Again, the internet is full of information.  The Better Business Bureau has been a trusted resource for decades.  National trade organizations such as NARI (the National Association of the Remodeling Industry) and NAHB (the National Association of Home Builders) maintain high standards of ethical and financial accountability.  Both organizations have a multitude of educational offerings and certifications that allow their members to engage in continuing education.  Training in our industry should be viewed as an investment in one’s future and in the industry, not as an expense.  Organizations who shun membership and ongoing education are destined, in my opinion, to become irrelevant.  Hiring a contractor who is a member of a trade organization means that you are supporting a professional who is committed to his or her industry.

Comparing bid proposals between contractors and assessing the competency of an organization will be impossible unless a design has been established and a uniform set of specifications developed that each organization can interpret.  Communicating one set of parameters to one company and another to a competitor is a recipe for disaster.  There is absolutely no way to compare apples to apples in such a scenario.  A design dictates the scope of the work and technical specifications define the types of materials, finishes and models that will be incorporated in a project.  Just as it is important to level the playing field when comparing contractors, it is equally important that the specifications and design are fundamentally identical in order to assess one bid proposal against another.

I have made the following statement many, many times over my time in the industry, and I find them to be as true today as when I first uttered them some twenty-five years ago: “If I could offer one piece of advice to a consumer, it would be to solicit three bids from like-minded contractors and automatically dismiss the lowest before evaluating the other two.”  Lowest bid contracts almost always have problems associated with them.  Food for thought.