This issue of the Dimension Design-Build-Remodel e-newsletter includes information on…

• Designing Accessible Spaces
• Project Highlight
• Renovating Historic Homes
• Project Manager Opening
• Following us on Social Media
• Client Feedback
• Easter Recipe

Let us know how we can help you to improve your home and create spaces that best serves your needs. Best wishes to you and your family for a blessed Easter.

When you’re ready to remodel your home, the planning phase comes first, before any demolition and building. If one of the goals of your project is to create accessible spaces within your home, there are several design aspects you can expect to find in the preliminary drawings and estimate from Dimension Design-Build-Remodel, Inc.

After completing a preliminary design agreement, professional home designers from Dimension come out to the home to begin establishing the project scope and develope the floor plan. Then they formulate a proposal that outlines the project goals, the budget, and the cost of preliminary design drawings. This includes exploring floor plan options to find the best solution to then create an accurate cost analysis to determine if we can move forward as is or need to make different design decisions to meet the established budget. These detailed drawings are one of the services that sets Dimension Design-Build-Remodel apart from other companies –the guesswork is removed from estimating. With Dimension’s accurate project estimate, you’ll be able to trust that there will be no surprise charges.

Dimension’s president and CEO, David Kallie, is a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) through the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). He is knowledgeable about home modifications and solutions for those with differing abilities.

When the purpose of your project is to create accessible spaces, there are three main aspects of accessibility remodeling that you can expect to find in the preliminary design agreement and drawings from Dimension Design-Build-Remodel.

• Increasing the width of doorways and hallways, and opening up the floor plan. “Accessible house plans have minimal walls and obstructions,” David said. The design will allow for 5-ft. x 5-ft. turning room in all accessible spaces, and doorways and hallways that are at least three feet wide.
• Reducing trip hazards and stairs. All living spaces will be on the main level or accessible by ramp or elevator. In addition to floor clutter, the most common tripping hazards are rugs, carpeting, and uneven surfaces like a threshold or step between rooms. The design plan will correct these hazards and include additional safety enhancements like improved lighting.
• Installing accessible hardware and appliances. Modifications can be made in every room of the house to improve functionality. Knobs will be replaced with levers, light switches with toggles, and high counters with slide-out shelving. Faucets, showerheads, and toilets will be at optimal heights with enhanced technological features. “Smart devices can also be used to manage lighting, heating and cooling, and more,” he said.

According to the Center for Disease Control, 13.7% of people have a mobility disability. Not all disabilities are alike, so every aspect of the design plan will be customized to the homeowner’s unique needs.

“Safety and independence must be a priority,” David said. “You can count on Dimension Design-Build-Remodel to provide you with a beautifully remodeled home that functions for you.”

To arrange an appointment, call 262-402-6602 or complete our contact form. We look forward to designing accessible spaces for you.

Our client, a wheelchair user, wanted to update her ranch home in order to maximize her accessibility when traveling in and out of the home. She aspired to increase her independence by strengthening her connection to the outside world. To achieve this goal, we created a series of concrete decks and ramps in the front of the house, which provided her with the freedom she so desired. The back deck was also fitted with a gas fire pit, so she could enjoy being outdoors more often. Additionally, the entire exterior was updated to include new composite siding and window trim. All exterior doors and windows were replaced with Marvin’s aluminum clad exterior/wood interior windows as well. 

From the inside, many windows in the bedrooms were reframed into taller windows, which involved lowering the sills so our client could have better views to the outside from her perspective as a wheelchair user. All interior doors, along with the door and window trim, were replaced with new stained wood. On top of that, all existing wood floors were refinished in the bedrooms and front room. We installed a new wood floor in the fireplace/den area as well as a new fireplace and wood mantel too. Plus, we added can lighting to create a cozy, cooler weather space. Some doors were also widened to accommodate wheelchair access for better movement between rooms.

Historic homes in Wisconsin have stood through a century or more of change. With all the ongoing maintenance and challenges, they are a labor of love for those who own them. If you enjoy the timeless details and architectural bones of your old house, but you’ve reached the point where renovation is necessary to make it safe and functional, the professionals at Dimension Design-Build-Remodel, Inc. know the ins and outs of these unique projects. Here is what you need to know about renovating historic homes.

Click here for the rest of the article.

Dimension Design, Build, Remodel Inc. is growing quickly and seeking a project manager to join our design/build team!

If you are hardworking, self-motivated, detail oriented, and possess strong leadership and communication skills, you are the ideal candidate. You must enjoy working alongside the team and thrive in a team environment.

Click here for additional information regarding the opening. Submit your resume and cover letter to davekallie@dimension-dbr.com.

I wanted to reach out to thank you for the wonderful job done in our home. Everything turned out so nice and we were so pleased with all of the contractors here and their work.

The flooring transition pieces turned out beautiful and sturdy, and I appreciate your team taking the extra time to revisit that part of the project. They really look great and I know this was a bit of a curve ball having to connect to the other different floors.

It means a great deal to us the attention you give to making these projects and materials as inert and low tox as they can be. It’s definitely a dream of ours to one day build a healthy home, so I hope to be in touch again in the future. It’s a blessing to have your businesses in our community.

Janeen and Chuck H., Delafield

Ingredients

• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• ¼ cup sugar
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• ¼ teaspoon paprika
• 1 dash Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon butter
• ½ cup slivered almonds
• 1 quart strawberries
• 2 romaine hearts, chopped into bite size pieces

Directions

1. In a bowl, mix the vinegar, sugar, oil, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce. Cover, and refrigerate at least 6 hours.
2. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in the almonds, and cook until golden brown. Remove from heat, and cool.
3. In a bowl, toss the strawberries, romaine, and almonds. Mix with the dressing just before serving.