Projects

Universal Design means creating living spaces that are beautiful, flexible, functional and accessible for all age groups, regardless of ability or mobility status.

A semifinished basement became a "man cave" for a disabled homeowner and allowed him direct access from the garage. A lift was installed which allowed him to travel back and forth between the main living area and this newly designed space where his accessible bath was located. A four-foot-wide door provided entry into the tiled shower/toilet area.

This project won first place in the 2008 Alabama Remodeling Excellence Awards in the Universal Design category.

The homeowner experienced a sudden change in mobility status and needed a totally accessible bathroom.  She wanted the revised space to reflect the decor and style in the rest of the house, while avoiding an institutional look.

Result - a satisfied customer - This project won first place in the 2008 Alabama Remodeling Excellence Awards in the Universal Design category.

The bathroom in their newly purchased home was not functional for this homeowner. A major portion of the room was raised two steps so there was no easy access to the facilities.

The goal was to create ease of access without creating a handicapped appearance or compromising the decor of the home. The room is now all one level. The framed, arched openings contribute to the sense of elegance while providing privacy.

Moving the tub to the corner created seating space.

This project won first place in the 2007 Alabama Remodeling Excellence Awards in the Bathroom category.

Even though the owner was not currently confined to a wheelchair, the bath was made wheelchair accessible.  A vanity with a knee space, a roll-in shower, and a comfort-height toilet provide the amenities to make this a home for a lifetime.  Lever handles on doors and faucets provide ease of function if hand mobility becomes diminished.  The homeowner stated  we created "an assisted living in his home so he did not need to go to an assisted living facility."

 Other projects:

We also do grab bars and ramps and other adaptations for accessibility.  Bob has just completed a video, in conjunction with the Birmingham Independent Living Center, to demonstrate how to build a ramp for those working with volunteer groups.  To view the video, go to www.ilrgb.org/media and you will see "How to Build a Residential Ramp",or go to You Tube and search "residential ramp".  Our video is the first one that comes up. 

This home formerly had a dryvit exterior. The homeowners wanted that replaced with brick and stone. All new windows were also installed.

The challenge was to create an addition that matched the brick color and style of the existing home. End result – pleased customer and beautiful project.!

A sunroom was added to the back of this house to provide more light and a view of the back yard.

Project was a 2009 award winner in the Alabama Remodeling Excellence Awards competition.

BEFORE

This 100 year old historic house still had the original columns. They had deteriorated to the point where the roof was sagging.

BACK

The columns and all the railing were replaced with historically accurate reproductions. The rear porch and railings were also in need of total replacement.

FRONT

The result is a building that should not need any additional renovations for many years!

A semifinished basement became a "man cave" for a disabled homeowner and allowed him direct access from the garage. A lift was installed which allowed him to travel back and forth between the main living area and this newly designed space where his accessible bath was located. A four-foot-wide door provided entry into the tiled shower/toilet area.

This project won first place in the 2008 Alabama Remodeling Excellence Awards in the Universal Design category.

This basement received 1st place in the Alabama Remodeling Excellence Awards for 2008 in the Basement category.

This basement formerly looked like many others - an unfinished space for storage.

They now have added living space to entertain their guests and their family. When the grandchildren visit they have a place to play away from the main area of the house.

The area now contains a living/entertainment area, a media room, bathroom, kitchenette, and spare bedroom. The attractive and functional space created will be a good selling point for future resale and will increase the value of the home.