Home Improvements

[NanaCC]

My husband and I are empty nesters, we’ve lived in our home for 26 years. We’ve decided to ride out the rest of our lives in our current home. Thankfully it’s a ranch 3 steps to get in, converted the smallest bedroom next to our master turned it into a handicap walk-in shower. I am dealing with a broken ankle our front steps are crumbling. My kitchen is the Last big room I have to do over.

1. Have you redone your kitchen, did you include any handicap designs to your kitchen. I am also getting quotes on a new front walk one that takes you right inside the house, no steps but will not look like a HC ramp. 2. Anyone add a ramp, any thing I should consider.

few pic of ideas for front walk. My house is a ranch

[goatgal]

The only issue I have with my ramp is weather related. You write that you are getting quotes for a concrete slope. If you live in a climate where winter ice is a possibility I would ask what can mitigate a slippery surface. Salt is corrosive to concrete and damaging to plants.

I am grateful for railings on both sides of my wooden ramp. When it's merely slick, I can hold a rail as I inch down the ramp. When it's snow or ice covered, I have jute mats that help but I still hold the rail as I go up or down. Your ramp will be less steep and shorter as you have only 3 steps, but it's still something to think about. There are hundreds of doorbell camera videos of people (even those without MS or broken ankles) slipping on a perfectly dry slope!

[NanaCC in reply to goatgal]

great input yes I live in Mass so weather is an issue. My husband said we need rails so will definitely add them. Thank you

[hairbrain4]

In your kitchen remodel I would put in lower cabinets with drawers rather than doors & shelves. Also a waist high built in oven. If you are in or anticipating being in a wheelchair I would make the sink, stovetop & prep areas wheelchair accessible. I've had the lower cabinets with all drawers except under the sink & the corner & I loved it. As far as ramps go we have a redwood ramp & porch as we live in a mobile home in the woods. My only suggestion is follow ADA guidelines for the pitch as you don't want it very steep. Ours is really long due to the height of the floor from the ground.

[NanaCC in reply to hairbrain4]

hi been seeing the drawers instead of cabinets and realize their benefit. Don’t judge me but I dont want a lower sink stove etc in case of wheelchair I don’t need it now, what about resale. I know I know I said we are going to live out our years here but I can’t wrap my head around resale and preparing for a wheelchair. Mind you my husband had Parkinson’s who am I kidding. It’s my head I’m just starting to plan I will get over it. Thank you

[hairbrain4 in reply to NanaCC]

FYI handicap accessibility actually gives a home a better resale value, at least in our area.

[NanaCC in reply to hairbrain4]

especially a nice one

Hmm

[NanaCC in reply to NanaCC]

I think it needs a nice rail or edging I can see running off the side

[hairbrain4 in reply to NanaCC]

That one looks nice. I can see a handrail on the inside by the garage. I don't see where an edging would help. I think it would be more of a hinderance. My husband had to use a wheelchair for a few weeks & the more room the better. The chair won't go off the edge unless someone isn't paying attention.

[Tazmanian]

good luck

[mrsmike9]

We redid our kitchen and did no handicap changes. Most of them are shorter for wheelchairs and I'm 6' tall and this would be difficult for me now.

My husband and I went to a local festival yesterday and saw the most interesting thing on the ramp there. They had chicken wire (small square grid) flat and attached down, all down the wood ramp there. I thought it was so clever!

[BlanketTime1]

my mum put in a ramp for my dad (parkinson's) and left it for me. it's wonderful. even if you have 2 cars in a 2 car garage, they can fit one in that's like a lift, going up and down.

[CatMom3]

The only suggestion I have is to get an electric flat surface stove. I prefer gas, but I was worried about the flames if I was seated and reaching over. I looked for one with the controls on the front, for the same reason. I can use while seated.

[NorasMom in reply to CatMom3]

I have the smooth-top electric, although the controls are at the back, and I love it! Mine comes with a bright red light at the front that lets me know if any of the burners are still hot, long after I've turned them off. That comes in handy!

[CatMom3 in reply to NorasMom]

me too! Mine can also be locked, so that nothing is turned on by mistake. Whenever I am done cooking, I always make sure to look twice to make sure the display shows it locked. Of course, that is after I almost started a fire because I turned on a burner without noticing, lol.

[NanaCC in reply to CatMom3]

dang my new kitchen top item was going to gas stovetop appreciate feedback

[NorasMom in reply to NanaCC]

Word of warning: If you can or like cast iron, check with the manufacturer before buying one. Not all are made strong enough to hold really heavy pans, and canners must have a completely flat bottom no matter which glass-top you get.

[Sandydemop]

I have a metal ramp that’s sturdy but can be removed out the back door so now I only use the back door