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Accessible Home > Episode 13: Accessible Unit Tour

Tour of the Completed Handicapped-Accessible Home

Project: Accessible Home, Episode 13, Part 3

The nine-unit affordable housing project in Roxbury, MA is complete. Kim Beasley, who consulted on the layout of the wheelchair-accessible unit, walks through the house with Bob.

Bob reviews the home's great new accessible kitchen, with its energy-efficient appliances installed to allow a wheelchair user to get cooking.

Bob also tours the Roxbury project's other finished units, and meets George Evans, who learns he is about to become the accessible unit's new owner.

Part 1: Wireless Home Security System Installed
Part 2: Touring the High-Efficiency Kitchen: Bob reviews the kitchen appliances, talking over the energy use details with representatives from the appliance manufacturer, Maytag, and from the Department of Energy.
Part 3: Tour of the Completed Handicapped-Accessible Home: Kim Beasley (from the Paralyzed Veterans of America) joins Bob on a tour of the house to look closely at the special accessible features that have been incorporated.

This project follows an urban renewal story, involving grass-roots activism and affordable housing. Bob Vila reports on nine newly built three-bedroom homes, including one with accessibility for people with disabilities.

Also from Accessible Home

Episode 1 - Housing Project Introduced
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Description:
Bob introduces the nine-unit affordable housing project in Roxbury, MA, by touring the neighborhood with the community-based developers from Nuestra Comunidad CDC. Bob shows that here, as is often the case in urban construction projects, soil decontamination is taking place at the same time as foundation excavation. At another site, we meet Arnold Johnson and George Chin, contractors for the accessible hour the job, who show Bob around a unit that's already been framed.
Episode 2 - Framing and Shingling
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Description:
Framing is underway on the unit of the Roxbury project that will be accessible for people with disabilities. George and Arnold (from Crosswinds Enterprises) explain the panelization process and what it takes to get the job done right with a building crew that's as culturally diverse as the community. On the roof, Jack Vieira installs asphalt shingles and flashing, while George installs special blocking inside that will be used to securely mount some safety handrails.
Episode 3 - Installing Siding
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Description:
Arnold (from Crosswinds Enterprises) and Bob demonstrate the easy installation of a special kind of weather- and fire-resistant cementicious siding. In the basement, plumber Gerry Folan and electrician Brad Owens are both busy at work.
Episode 4 - Insulation and Door Installation
Episode 5 - Designing for the Disabled
Episode 6 - Building the Railing System
Episode 7 - Landscaping and Stairs
Episode 8 - Installing a Tankless Water Heater
Episode 9 - Shower Stall and Drywall
Episode 10 - Accessible Fixtures and Elevator
Episode 11 - Energy Efficiency
Episode 12 - Lockset Installation

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