A home modification is a specific type of remodel or renovation meant to help increase accessibility and safety in your home. There are many types of home modifications including addition of ramps, elevators and handrails.
Here are some more facts about home modifications to help you understand the basics:
What is home modification?
Home modifications are made for individuals with disabilities to meet specific requirements under the Americans With Disabilities Act, or ADA.
While ADA regulations primarily apply to businesses and public properties, home modification helps elders and people with disabilities live independently or in safe conditions.
How a home modification works
The scope and cost of a home modification depends on the individual property and resident's needs. For example, you could install safety bars on the walls in the bathroom for a few hundred dollars over thousands installing a wheelchair accessible shower.
Depending on the size of the project, financing options are available.
The American Housing and Home Remodeling Association is the largest resource in the country offering education, training, courses and support. You may also be able to obtain a special renovation loan to cover the expense of your changes.
Evaluating your needs
Before any home improvement changes, consider all of your needs room by room. Some changes are simple, like adjusting the height of furniture and shelving.
However, if you have an older home with narrow doorways and stairwells, making them accessible is a much larger project to plan for.
Budgeting for home modifications
A clear understanding of your particular accessibility needs will be the best place to begin when budgeting for home modifications. To get started, you can consult the ADA's official guidelines for accessible design.
Once you have an idea of the cost associated with your project, contact a professional contractor for a quote.
Some contractors may offer reduced rates for qualifying elders and people with disabilities. You can also apply for a home renovation assistance loan through various lenders to fund your improvements.
About the Author
Marsha Charles
Consistent top listing and selling agent receiving Chairman's Club award for superior sales achievement almost every year while associated with Preferred Properties, Inc. Consistently receive the International Presidents Premier award for sales volume since joining Coldwell Banker Realty and ranked in the top 1% of agents in Connecticut and Westchester County. In 2021 I received the International Society of Excellence award for sales volume in excess of $100,000,000. I have been named a Top Five Sales Agent for customer satisfaction since 2010 (longer than any other agent in Connecticut) and listed in Connecticut Magazine. Named one of the Top Agents in Connecticut by Real Trends since 2018.
I work with sellers and buyers and also have a strong understanding to needs of those who are relocating . Background and experience in advertising, public relations and photography offer creative and innovative marketing plans for sellers.
Realtor designations include: Graduate Real Estate Institute, Certified Residential Specialist, Certified Residential Marketing Specialist, and Pricing Strategy Advisor. Served as President of New Canaan Board of Realtors (two terms), Director (three terms) and currently serve on Professional Standards Committee. Named Realtor of the year by the New Canaan Board of Realtors in 1994and again in 2022.
Married and mother of other of four children who attended and graduated from the New Canaan School System, Member of New Canaan, Darien, Greenwich and Statewide MLS systems. Areas covered include New Canaan, Darien, Greenwich, Rowayton, Norwalk, Wilton and all of lower Fairfield County.
