KDE Construction
Licensed and Bonded
Universal Design
Reality is that we are getting older or may experience some kind of disability. It has been predicted that within 10 to 15 years 50% of the American population will be 60 years old or older.
As we get older most of us want to live or retire in our own homes. KDE has solutions to achieve that goal. We specialze in 'universal design' building to accommodate people of all ages and all abilities.
KDE Construction's owner, Ken Earlywine is certified as an "Aging-in-Place" specialist (CAPS) thru the National Association of Home Builders in collaboration with the NAHB Seniors Housing council and the AARP. We would be proud to discuss with you and your loved ones the best solution to make your life easier and safer for any disability you may have. Whether you need entrance ramps, grab bars, or kitchen and bath renovations, we are available to accommodate your needs.
These modifications when renovating an existing house, improves the comfort and usefulness of the home without making it "clinical" or "different" for those using a wheelchair, cane, crutches, or walker. The best part of universal design is its timeless appeal. These ideas won't go out of style. In fact, they are likely to increase the value of your home and make it more marketable to a broader base of homebuyers.
Univeral Design...
Universal design is a gift to the active adult and to people with physical challenges, such as visual problems, hearing problems, arthritis, or limited mobility, enabling them to enjoy a handsome and safe home. Growing numbers of active adults- especially baby boomers- also are choosing homes with the universal design advantage. Why? One reason is that they are easy, attractive places in which to live. Another is that they are adaptable quarters where the residents can "age-in-place", staying in their homes and living independently even if they develop health or mobility issues in the future.
Some homeowners find themselves in the "sandwich generation", caring for their own children as well as live-in parents or other older relatives. For these families, universal design is ideal. Likewise, it's a smart way to prepare homes that elderly people, handicapped people, or young children may visit. These homes make bright, open, and well-planned living enviroments.
Ramps and Chairlifts...
A home should have at least one entry that has no steps with flat or very low thresholds at the doorways. Ramps are used for individuals who can't use stairs safely or need an easier way to get in or out of their homes. Chairlifts aid in carrying the person up to the second floor of their home.
Kitchen Remodels...
Kitchen features are not the same for all disabled users. For some individuals just a few unique modifications are needed. For others a full kitchen remodel can include the wheelchair accessible sink, adjustable countertops and cook-tops along with reachable shelving, maneuverability issues, and many other safety features. Appliances and work surfaces should be designed and placed at various heights for convenient use from a standing or seated position.
Bathroom Remodels...
Grab bars increase safety when installed around chair-height toilets, in and around bath tubs and showers. A roomy shower with a wide entry and an easy-to-negotiate threshold make access possible. Whether you're ready to make small changes or completely remodel your bathroom through the use of innovative products and accessible design, it's possible to preserve personal independence and maintain safety for your whole family.
Whole or Partial House Renovations...
Thre's no limit to the creative possibilities for making a home easy and safe to use. Other universal design options are:
~ An open plan with wide doorways, halls, and passageways
~ At least a 5-foot diameter clear turning space in rooms
~ Easy-grip door, faucet, and drawer hardware
~ Plenty of lighting throughout the house including natural light, ambient lighting, and task lights
Working in conjunction with an architect and a builder who specializes in accessible design will make the building process and the finished home tailored to your designs. Your home should be able to be enjoyed by the entire family yet should suit your needs and be safe to live in. KDE Construction has built and remodeled many homes over the last 26 years and each one is unique in itself.
As we get older most of us want to live or retire in our own homes. KDE has solutions to achieve that goal. We specialze in 'universal design' building to accommodate people of all ages and all abilities.
KDE Construction's owner, Ken Earlywine is certified as an "Aging-in-Place" specialist (CAPS) thru the National Association of Home Builders in collaboration with the NAHB Seniors Housing council and the AARP. We would be proud to discuss with you and your loved ones the best solution to make your life easier and safer for any disability you may have. Whether you need entrance ramps, grab bars, or kitchen and bath renovations, we are available to accommodate your needs.
These modifications when renovating an existing house, improves the comfort and usefulness of the home without making it "clinical" or "different" for those using a wheelchair, cane, crutches, or walker. The best part of universal design is its timeless appeal. These ideas won't go out of style. In fact, they are likely to increase the value of your home and make it more marketable to a broader base of homebuyers.
Univeral Design...
Universal design is a gift to the active adult and to people with physical challenges, such as visual problems, hearing problems, arthritis, or limited mobility, enabling them to enjoy a handsome and safe home. Growing numbers of active adults- especially baby boomers- also are choosing homes with the universal design advantage. Why? One reason is that they are easy, attractive places in which to live. Another is that they are adaptable quarters where the residents can "age-in-place", staying in their homes and living independently even if they develop health or mobility issues in the future.
Some homeowners find themselves in the "sandwich generation", caring for their own children as well as live-in parents or other older relatives. For these families, universal design is ideal. Likewise, it's a smart way to prepare homes that elderly people, handicapped people, or young children may visit. These homes make bright, open, and well-planned living enviroments.
Ramps and Chairlifts...
A home should have at least one entry that has no steps with flat or very low thresholds at the doorways. Ramps are used for individuals who can't use stairs safely or need an easier way to get in or out of their homes. Chairlifts aid in carrying the person up to the second floor of their home.
Kitchen Remodels...
Kitchen features are not the same for all disabled users. For some individuals just a few unique modifications are needed. For others a full kitchen remodel can include the wheelchair accessible sink, adjustable countertops and cook-tops along with reachable shelving, maneuverability issues, and many other safety features. Appliances and work surfaces should be designed and placed at various heights for convenient use from a standing or seated position.
Bathroom Remodels...
Grab bars increase safety when installed around chair-height toilets, in and around bath tubs and showers. A roomy shower with a wide entry and an easy-to-negotiate threshold make access possible. Whether you're ready to make small changes or completely remodel your bathroom through the use of innovative products and accessible design, it's possible to preserve personal independence and maintain safety for your whole family.
Whole or Partial House Renovations...
Thre's no limit to the creative possibilities for making a home easy and safe to use. Other universal design options are:
~ An open plan with wide doorways, halls, and passageways
~ At least a 5-foot diameter clear turning space in rooms
~ Easy-grip door, faucet, and drawer hardware
~ Plenty of lighting throughout the house including natural light, ambient lighting, and task lights
Working in conjunction with an architect and a builder who specializes in accessible design will make the building process and the finished home tailored to your designs. Your home should be able to be enjoyed by the entire family yet should suit your needs and be safe to live in. KDE Construction has built and remodeled many homes over the last 26 years and each one is unique in itself.