10 Tips on Selecting a Contractor for Your Accessibility Home Modification Project

Planning a home improvement project? Accessibility modifications can not only benefit your health and well-being but can also increase the value of your primary residence or investment property. Accessibility modifications include handrails, power shower installations, ramps, walk in bathtubs, roll under sinks and many other items to help you live your life more independently within your own home.  Accessibility changes are now within the reach of most homeowners thanks to an ever-expanding network of local general contractors who specialize in making homes more accessible.

While accessibility modifications are often thought about as being for seniors or those with disabilities, everyone can benefit from these types of home modification projects. Accessibility modifications can help aging loved ones remain living within their own homes longer and give parents additional peace of mind when leaving young children at home alone. Accessibility modifications can also help with tasks many people take for granted but may prove difficult without the safety improvements they provide. Accessibility modification clients include busy stay-at-home mothers looking to install roll under sinks so they can continue cleaning up after their kids, a busy family on the go that wanted to install power showers so they could quickly wash up after playing outside in the backyard, or even a young single professional who wanted to install handrails in their home's bathrooms for added safety while enjoying an evening glass of wine. 

No matter your needs, there are thousands of local general contractors across the US who specialize in making homes more accessible. Accessibility modifications can be completed within just days in some cases, and you'll only pay one reasonable price when working with your local general contractor. Accessibility contractors typically own the tools and supplies needed to complete accessibility projects. 

10 Tips When Selecting a Contractor for an Accessibility Home Modification Project:

1. Make sure your contractor has all necessary permits, licenses, and insurance 
2. Ensure all workers who enter your home have been background checked and drug tested
3. Never start a project without an estimate from your contractor 
4. Avoid contractors who ask for any payments upfront 
5. Accessibility improvements are highly specialized work so work with a contractor that specializes in accessibility projects 
6. Ensure the company is insured to complete any requested project 
7. Find out if your local general contractor has past client references you can call 
8. Find out if your local general contractor is willing to offer a warranty on materials and labor 
9. Accessibility modifications should be completed by a company with many years of experience 
10. Accessibility modifications can be completed within days, but may take weeks depending on the scope of the project 

Your local general contractor will ensure you receive all necessary permits before getting started, work closely with you throughout each step of the project and provide a final walk-through when the project is complete. Accessibility improvements are highly regulated by local building departments, so when in doubt, always reach out to your city's building department before starting any home improvement project. 

Some of the most popular accessibility projects include:  

• Accessible showers
• Accessible handrails installation
• Walk in bathtub installations
• Ramps and door widening for wheelchairs and scooters
• Roll under sinks and vanities    

If you have questions, would like more information, or would like to be recommended to a contractor in your local are, email support@accessrose.com and we'd be able to direct to you a trusted contractor!