The Stebnitz Experience: A Reflection by our clients Thomas & Lynn Koonz.
In every project we complete, design, form, function and safety are all important aspects to a successful space plan. For the Koonz family, it was an absolute must. The Koonz family had some unique needs that needed to be addressed. As physical abilities continued to change, the accessibility and safety in their master bathroom was a significant concern.
From price to process, Stebnitz Builders exceeded the Koonzes’ expectations.“It makes my life much easier than before,” Thomas says. “I’m glad we did it now rather than wait until the last minute. It didn’t take too long, and they were really good at cleaning up after they did their work for the day. The process was just outstanding.”
BEFORE BATHROOM REMODEL PHOTOS:
From the photos above, the challenges the Koonz family faced was the ability to maneuver a wheelchair in and around their master bathroom, clearly access the vanity and safely use the shower and toilet. The current layout and fixtures didn’t allow for that easy access nor did it provide that extra sense of security that strategically placed grab bars can provide.
AFTER BATHROOM REMODEL PHOTOS:
The layout of the bathroom was the first to change. We swapped places with the tub and vanity to give better access to both. A beautiful chrome grab bar was added along with matching towel bar and towel ring.
The vanity was changed out and now included an angled cut-out for easy access for a wheelchair to pull completely up to the sink while protecting knees and legs from exposed plumbing and looking gorgeous doing it. The toilet came out of the corner and we eliminated the privacy wall, giving it full access with a wheelchair. The original toilet was in great shape, so we were able to reuse it. But now, it was equipped with much-needed chrome grab bars for added safety and convenience.
The shower was moved and reconstructed to allow for a large walk-in tile shower with stylish chrome grab bars, an adjustable handheld showerhead and a comfortable fold-down shower bench. The new design layout also included a luxurious Kohler Devonshire soaking tub – proving a bathroom can (and should) be functionally safe AND aesthetically beautiful at the same time.
This project was featured on At The Lake Geneva Lakes Area Magazine - Read More Here!
CLIENT TESTIMONIAL:
"Our bathroom remodel to make handicap assessable was planned and discussed at length. More than one design was presented for our review. Stebnitz was very professional in the presentation at their office all the way to completion of the job. We are extremely pleased with our new bathroom. We highly recommend Stebnitz to anyone who is looking for remodel project."
See more of our client reviews on our GuildQuality.com page here.
Aging-in-place Design and Accessible Home Modifications
Stebnitz Builders offers aging-in-place design services and/or accessible home modifications as part of our home improvement design services home. These specific design and programmatic solutions help residents continue living in their homes as they grow older and/or face physical challenges. Contact Stebnitz Builders today to perform a free needs assessment to identify and prioritize your needs, wants and wishes. Live in your home longer and more safely with the proper planning and design.
Stebnitz Builders is a NAHB Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS)
The Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) designation program teaches the technical, business management, and customer service skills essential to competing in the fastest growing segment of the residential remodeling industry: home modifications for the aging-in-place.
The baby boom generation has many choices as this large population of potential clients for remodelers, builders, contractors and occupational therapists considers where to live – but overwhelmingly, seniors would prefer to stay in their own homes. The CAPS designation offers our clients what they need most: reassurance that you’ll help them make the choices that will help them stay in their homes safely and securely.
In addition, the CAPS designation helps us make our clients’ homes more “visitable.” Even if the homeowners don’t think they need additional task lighting, grab bars, and other home modifications for their own use, their family members and visitors might. CAPS helps us help you make the right choices, and it gives you more security to live in your home even longer with greater freedom.
Learn About Aging In Place and What a Professional Can Do for You
A Safe, Accessible Home for All Abilities and Ages
If you’re like the majority of Americans over the age of 45, you want to continue living in a familiar environment throughout your maturing years. According to AARP, older home owners overwhelmingly prefer to age in place, which means living in your home safely, independently and comfortably, regardless of age or ability level.
The NAHB Remodelers of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) in collaboration with Home Innovation Research Labs, NAHB 50+ Housing Council, and AARP developed the Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist (CAPS) program to address the growing number of consumers that will soon require these modifications. While most CAPS professionals are remodelers, an increasing number are general contractors, designers, architects, and health care consultants.
How should you modify your home to make it more comfortable?
To age-in-place you will probably need to modify your house as you mature to increase access and maneuverability. These modifications range from the installation of bath and shower grab bars and adjustment of countertop heights to the creation of multifunctional first floor master suites and the installation of private elevators.
Who can you rely on to modify your home?
CAPS professionals such as Stebnitz Builders have the answers to your questions. We have been taught the strategies and techniques for designing and building aesthetically enriching, barrier-free living environments.
The CAPS program goes beyond design to address the codes and standards, common remodeling expenditures and projects, product ideas, and resources needed to provide comprehensive and practical aging-in-place solutions. As a CAPS graduate, we pledge to uphold a code of ethics and are required to maintain our designation by attending continuing education programs and participating in community service.
What is the CAPS designation?
A Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) has been trained in:
- The unique needs of the older adult population
- Aging-in-place home modifications
- Common remodeling projects
- Solutions to common barriers
Stebnitz Builders Designations:
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Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist (CAPS)
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Certified Green Professional (CGP)
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Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR)
Designation Year: CAPS - 2005, CGP - 2011, CGR - 2007
Keep in mind that when you hire Stebnitz Builders, a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist, you are buying a service rather than a product. Each CAPS professional draws from a different knowledge base and will approach your project in a different way. No matter where you start in the process, you will eventually need to hire a professional remodeler to actually make the modifications to your home. That's where Stebnitz Builders can help!
"My mother was 80 years old and losing her vision. I had a CAPS remodeler build an addition onto my home. The barrier-free bathroom and the new, wide walls have made all the difference for her. The impact on my mother’s life was profound. She became more self-sufficient, more confident and happier."
--Roy Liard
Millions of Americans are living longer and more active lives.
With their changing lifestyles, maturing Americans are also looking to revitalize their homes. Contact Stebnitz Builders today to perform a free Needs Assessment to identify and prioritize the goals you have for your home. We can then recommend specific design solutions and home modifications that can transform your house into a safe, attractive, and comfortable home for life.
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