You don’t have to be disabled to appreciate the benefits of universal design and aging in place features in your next remodeling project. Whether you want to adapt your home for retirement or just make it more welcoming for visiting parents, Murphy Bros. can help. We are committed to making a real difference in your living spaces and your lives.
I have more trouble doing some things now than 30 years ago and I’ve seen how age has affected my own parents’ vision, hearing and mobility. You can be sure Murphy Bros. will approach the accessible design process with sensitivity and respect. It begins the moment we walk through the door as we look for clues such as a cane, hearing aids or grab bars. Many of our older clients appreciate having a son or daughter present during early meetings when needs, features and products are discussed. We welcome their involvement, but count on us to treat you like family.
At Murphy Bros. we value you time, so we’re big on checklists. They help us keep organized and not overlook anything. That way we don’t have to backtrack during a meeting or, worse, after the project is underway. Although the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards aren’t required in private residences, our Certified Aging in Place (CAP) training keeps us abreast the guidelines, new products and surfaces, and best practices. This ensures that you have access to the latest and greatest ideas from across the country.
Every Murphy Bros. remodeling project delivers two kinds of benefits. The first is the personal satisfaction, safety and convenience our clients enjoy. The second is how much the new investment will raise the value of the home when it is sold. The longer you have to appreciate a gourmet kitchen or accessible bath the less important the financial payback becomes. But one thing is certain: When accessible, low-maintenance design is done right and looks good, it instantly makes any home more appealing to the largest segment of the population, aging Baby Boomers.
Here are five popular accessibility features to consider for your next project:
- Multi-height counters – So you don’t have to bend when standing at the sink but have the option to work while sitting or at more comfortable height when using large mixing bowls.
- Hard surface floors – Laminates and engineered wood products offer an affordable alternative to solid hardwoods and fit the trend away from carpeting to reduce falls and allergens.
- Grab bars – We install ¾-in. CDX plywood blocking in key walls and integrate the bars’ shapes and finishes with other fixtures so they look like they belong and add to the décor.
- 3-0 doors – They are ideal for people in wheelchairs but can impact other room dimensions.
- Accessible showers and tubs – Either elevate the tub so the rim matches the height of comfort-height toilet or install a curb-free, roll-in shower with a nice seat.