Home Remodeling and Modifications for People with Special Needs

By US Insurance Agents

senior-veteran-in-wheelchairIs it difficult to remain independent and get things done at home because of the lack of modifications in a standard house or apartment? The U.S. government, as well as a multitude of private not-for-profit organizations, is doing its best to make sure that each person with a definable need has a home that accommodates their limitations and requirements. There are resources available for determining what modifications need to be made and what needs to be done to get them completed. In addition to that, funding is available for the disabled, elderly, veterans, low-income, and even for students and others who are just getting started in life.

Federal Laws

If you own your own home, you have the right to make modifications, although it is very likely that a local inspector may have to approve them and make sure that they meet safety standards and that the construction is being done properly.

However, it’s not just home owners who have rights. According to the federal Fair Housing Act and Fair Housing Amendments Act, disabled renters are allowed to make reasonable modifications to make life easier, as long as the property is not left in a way that it cannot be reasonably used by the next tenant. As long as you have a disability that can be confirmed by a doctor, you are protected by the law. The property owner has some protection as well. To avoid people abusing the right to modify a home, a property owner may ask to see a letter from your physician confirming the disability, especially if it is an invisible disability, such as a mental disorder, that may not be easy for a nonprofessional to identify.

Federal Resources

The U.S government has many programs that offer assistance with home modifications. Here are a few of our top picks:

The Process

To begin with modifications, the first thing you will need to do is consider your needs.

Assess your space and your needs. It is easiest to make a checklist that clarifies what you currently need assistance with at home, what are your current safety concerns, and what would make your life easier.

Things to consider:

  • Handrails – Are they already provided in all areas where you may need them, such as along ramps, stairs, in the bathroom, or by the bed?
  • Stairs – Do you need to climb stairs to get into the building or to access areas within the building such as laundry facilities or rooms in your apartment or house?
  • Tripping hazards – Are there rugs or other aspects of flooring that may cause a tripping hazard?
  • Lighting – Is there enough lighting and can motion sensors turn it on or is the switch easily accessible?
  • Non-slip surface – Are there areas in the kitchen, bathroom or elsewhere that may be a slipping hazard?
  • Doors and door handles – Are the handles easily reachable and is the door maneuverable?
  • Safety – Can you see who a visitor is without having to open the door first?
  • Your own unique needs!

To learn more about creating a checklist and assessing your needs, visit The Assistive Technology Advocacy Center (ATAC) of DRNJ’s Home Modification Resource Guide.

You can also visit AARP. They have an excellent page, Make Your Home a Safe Home.

disabled youngsters

The Next Steps

Now, it is time to start the process, but where should you begin? Planning!

Planning

This is a good time to bring a contractor in to help create a design for the adaptations. It is important to find someone who is qualified. Ask locally, look into their references, and do not be afraid to reach out to more than one before making a decision. You can also check with theBetter Business Bureau and your local Chamber of Commerce to see if they have any complaints filed against them.

  • If you are looking for ideas to share with your contractor, the Fall Prevention Center for Excellence has a great Video Library.
  • The Federal Trade Commission has a section on Hiring Contractors.

Designing

This is where all of the ideas come together. Work with a professional and make sure that all of the details that you need are included in your design. You want your home not just to be adapted to your needs, but also to be a pleasure to live in.

For ideas for how to go about designing a home, you can visit:

Remodeling

Remodeling can be a big step, and not every home needs major alterations. Some can do with just temporary and removable modifications. The process of major modifications may also leave the space unusable during the construction process; however, the long-term results may be more than worth the temporary inconvenience.

To learn more about remodeling, visit:

Other Things to Consider

There is a lot to consider when making changes to the home. Take your time, consider all of the pros and cons, and look into as many resources as you can.

Temporary vs Permanent Changes

Do you plan to stay in the residence, or will you be moving at some point? Investing in major changes to a building that you cannot bring with you may not be suitable if you see yourself changing locations in the future. However, permanent changes may be sturdier and long lasting, which can be beneficial in the present as well as the future.

disabled vets

Tips and Advice

Look into what adaptations are used in other residences. Do not forget to consider the materials, available space, and how you will be using that space. Most importantly, never be afraid to ask questions!

You should also take into consideration your own specific needs.  Will recommended changes make a big difference to you?  Are there other changes that could improve your daily life more than others?

Don’t take the retail prices of items at face value.  There are different ways of paying for updates which means certain updates may be less expensive than the sticker prices you see.

Additional Resources

Costs

When making estimates, make sure to include all labor, materials, permits, consultations, and extra expenses such as alternative accommodations while the area is under construction.

Funds

When added all together, the costs can seem unattainable, but remember the government programs listed at the beginning of this article, and also look into the following organizations:

Additional Information for College Students

Disabled students are protected under the law. You have the right to reasonable accommodations, and that includes either on-campus or off-campus housing that is adapted to your needs. In addition to a suitable living space, if you have a proven disability the university must also assist in making sure that you can access courses and course materials.

Additional Information for Renters

As a renter, you may feel as if you lack the rights of a homeowner. However, that is not the case when it comes to U.S. law protecting the rights of the disabled. You simply need to know your rights, and know who to reach out to when those rights are not being recognized.

To learn about your rights, you can visit:

Complete Article HERE!

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