At Stebnitz Builders, every project is an opportunity to enhance a home to suit the lifestyles of its owners better. But some transformations are truly life-changers.
For Stella and Gilbert, their remodeling project wasn’t about luxury or curb appeal. It was about regaining independence and ensuring their home could adapt to meet life’s new realities.
After Gilbert underwent a leg amputation, even simple tasks like entering and leaving the home became significant challenges. When Stella contacted us for solutions, we determined that installing a ramp at the front entry wasn’t feasible due to the steep elevation change from the driveway to the house. Building a ramp inside the garage was also difficult because there wasn’t enough space without sacrificing valuable parking spots and compromising accessibility for entering and exiting the vehicle.
The solution we developed involved installing a wheelchair lift at the garage entrance and widening key doorways to enhance accessibility throughout their home.
“We knew we needed help, and we knew who to call,” said Stella. Both she and Gilbert had connections to Stebnitz Builders, and Gilbert’s relationship with company owner Chris Stebnitz, who also uses a wheelchair, made the decision clear. “Chris had been down this road and gave us the guidance we needed to make the smartest, most effective changes to our home,” Gilbert said.
The Stebnitz team approached the project with care and expertise. “The carpenters were incredibly polite and knowledgeable,” Stella recalled. “They kept us informed every step of the way. The communication was excellent.”
According to Chris, the key to success for this project was coordinating the various players involved. “Efficiency was crucial for us to provide Gilbert and Stella a safe entry into their home, before he returned from the hospital. We had a tremendous collaborative effort from Brian Leitner, our Mobility Specialist at Access Elevator, materials and labor donated for the electrical work by Mike Essman of Essman Electric in Elkhorn, materials donated by Home Lumber in Delavan, and of course, the meticulous attention to detail by our carpenters, Grant Schaefer and Max Bochat.”
“Gilbert is thrilled,” Stella said. “He can now use the lift to get in and out of the house on his own. That freedom means everything. And the lift and landing—they’re not just practical, they’re beautiful. We’re proud to have them as part of our home.”
For our clients, this remodel was more than just construction; it was about restoring confidence and independence. For our team and everyone involved, it was an honor to be part of that transformation.