Access Construction  & Design

HELPFUL HINTS

1. Hire a contractor who specializes in barrier free construction.  They should be familiar with:
   1. Roll in showers
   2. Proper ramping slopes
   3. Lift systems
      1. Overhead lift systems
      2. Stairway lifts
      3. Vertical lifts
      4. Incline platform lifts
      5. Elevators
   4. Barrier free entries and foundations
   5. Cost of modifications vs. new construction
   6. Manufactured homes, modular homes, and "stick built" homes
2. Check licensing, insurances and references
3. Have a "Pre-Construction Meeting" with client and contractor
   1. Discuss scope of work
   2. Have client sign contract or agreement
   3. Discuss additional work client may want performed
4. Make sure contractors or architects provide detailed specifications
   1. Type of tile
   2. Faucets, sinks, tubs, grab bar locations
   3. Construction of showers
   4. Flooring type and reinforcement of floors
   5. Wall and door protection if necessary
   6. Window types and sizes
   7. Door sizes and types
      1. Solid core vs. hollow core
      2. Handle type
      3. Width
      4. Power Openers
   8. Kitchen Specifications
      1. Cabinet layout
      2. Countertop height
      3. Appliance specifications
      4. Fixture specifications
      5. Electrical layout
5. Bathroom Blocking
   1. Plan for a 36" grab bar behind the toilet and a 42" grab bar next to the toilet.  Both should be 33" to 36" from the finished floor
   2. Put blocking where toilet paper dispenser will be
   3. Watch out for bouncy toilets - provide plenty of support where the toilet will be
   4. Towel racks need proper support
   5. Plan for a pedestal sink - blocking should be centered at about 26" above the finished floor
6. Barrier Free Guidelines
   1. Download & View Barrier Free Code 1998 - 91 Pages
7. Buying Carpet
   1. Bend the carpet sample backward.  If you can see the backing easily, it is a lower quality carpet that will crush more easily.
   2. Buy pad based on density not thickness.  6lbs - 8lbs of density.
   3. Buy 34oz to 40oz face weight carpet.
   4. A tuft twist of 5 or higher.
   5. At least a 10 year "texture retention" warranty.
   6. Get 3 estimates.
   7. Nylon out performs all other fibers in durability, resilience and easy maintenance.
8. Painting a Room
   1. To calculate the amount of paint you will need for a room measure the length and width of the wall you want to paint and multiply them together to get the square footage of the wall.  A gallon of paint should cover about 400 square feet.
   2. To save money, use reject paint (paint that has already been mixed and was unwanted by the original purchaser.)
   3. To neutralize the strong smell of any type of paint, add one tablespoon of vanilla extract (a natural deodorizer) per gallon.  It won't affect the color of the paint.
   4. To clean up spilled paint on carpeting, remove as much paint as possible with a paper towel.  Cover the spill with a large amount of white flour, which will absorb the paint  Vacuum clean.
   5. Contact  Northeastern Paint for additional information.

Last modified: 01/19/12             • Helpful Hints • Products/Services • Information Request • What's New • Links & Downloads • Privacy Policy • Contact •