Home Barrier-Free Home
Originally published in Arthritis Today

By Beth Blaney

Select an Accessibility-Savvy Contractor
Is your home suited to fit your needs? While it's cheaper to build in accessibility features as part of the original design, rather than to go back and modify an existing home, renovations typically can be made. Robert Gorcenski, vice president of construction services at the Corporation for Independent Living in Wethersfield, Conn., offers the following tips for choosing a contractor who can assess your needs and make your home more accessible:

• Ask for references. Make sure the contractor you're selecting is reputable. "Find out how long the company has been in business and if it has successfully dealt with accessibility issues," says Gorcenski. Ask for the names and phone numbers of previous customers and speak with them. Ask to see pictures of past projects, or visit the homes to see the quality of the contractor's work, he adds.
  
• Consider the aesthetics of the design. "Modifications for accessibility don't have to look institutional or create an eyesore," says Gorcenski. "People have the impression that modifications, such as entrance ramps, must inevitably become a monstrosity that doesn't fit in. Choose the contractor that pays attention to blending the ramp into the landscape, rather than just slapping one onto the front of a house." Accessible designs are created to look pleasing and should not negatively affect the resale value of a home.
  
• Choose experience over low cost. The lowest price isn't necessarily the best deal, warns Gorcenski. "When evaluating competing quotes for a job, homeowners should keep in mind that they are paying for expertise, not just construction. The contractor with the most experience with accessibility will also have the most effective solutions. Look for a contractor who focuses on your individual needs rather than promising a rock-bottom price."
  
• Expect customer service. Ask all contractors who bid on your job what type of warranty they offer. "A quality contractor will stand behind the work," Gorcenski says. Another component of customer service is how the job site is managed - contractors should have respect for clients and their property.
  
• Determine if timing is a factor. Sometimes, a homeowner can't come back into the house until the modifications are complete. In such cases, a contractor's ability to get an experienced crew on site quickly is critical from the homeowner's perspective, says Gorcenski.
  

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