Accessible Solutions: Residential Design and Construction

Architects or other professional designers can assist homeowners in realizing their goals for the project. The completed design should reflect the desires and needs of the clients within the relevant legal, structural, and budgetary constraints. Design Development - Once the homeowner selects a satisfactory design scheme, the architect will develop the plan to a greater level of detail. Major decisions are made during this phase such as the size and location of the new rooms, doors, windows, and other functional elements. The basic exterior "look" of the new home or addition should be decided. The project's structural framing should also be considered. Building systems such as heating, cooling, and electric service should be discussed in the context of the proposed design. Construction documents, the next phase, are expensive to produce and more difficult to change. This final phase should not begin until all the important issues are resolved, including the estimated project costs. Construction Documents - Construction documents describe and specify almost every aspect of the final design. They are used by the builder to accurately construct the project. Construction documents include both detailed drawings and written specifications. They are used to secure a building permit and are necessary for reliable project cost estimates and comparable bids. If the homeowner wants to use a specific manufacturer's accessible product, these desired products should be specified in the construction documents. Building Permits - When the design and construction documents are complete, the homeowner can ask contractors to prepare bids or estimates. The owner, architect, or contractor can apply for building permits. Permits for electrical, plumbing, and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning work are typically secured by subcontractors. At this time, the homeowners can also apply for construction financing. This project added a new accessible entry porch to an existing ranch-style house. The carport was converted to a single-car accessible garage. The completed project enhances the facade and provides wheelchair access to the home. Construction Financing Most home construction is financed with bank loans, although some veterans may qualify for VA grants such as the Title 38 702 Grant or the Home Improvement Structural Alteration (HISA) Grant. Banks or other lending institutions typically provide short-term loans that initially finance construction and are then converted to long-term home mortgages. Since the completed project serves as the equity for the mortgage and construction loan, the bank appraises the proposed architectural plans and written specifications before financing is approved.

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