WASHINGTON, D.C. – October 15, 2012 – (RealEstateRama) — The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Remodelers announced two winners of its annual Homes for Life awards, recognizing excellent remodeling work for aging-in-place and universal design. Sponsored by Whirlpool Corporation, the awards were presented on Oct. 11 at the NAHB Remodelers’ gala during the 2012 Remodeling Show in Baltimore.
Terry Jones, CAPS, of Compass Builders in Miramar Beach, Fla., won in the Major Space remodel category. Marnie Renda, CAPS, of Destination Home, LLC in Cincinnati, won in the Single Space remodel category. In addition to the award-winning projects, Donna Brightman with the Housing Authority of the Township of Woodbridge was honored with a special recognition for the renovation of a 75-unit building for low income seniors in New Jersey.
“These creative remodels by Certified Aging-in-Place Specialists show off universal design and aging-in-place remodeling concepts that enhance both the function and look of the home,” said NAHB Remodelers Chairman George “Geep” Moore Jr., GMB, CAPS, GMR, a remodeler from Elm Grove, La. “The Homes for Life award winners completed a transformation that improved ease of living and matched each resident’s abilities and sense of style.”
Jones earned the Major Space honors for developing a functional space for a young disabled veteran that would improve the home’s marketability and provide room for entertaining guests. The kitchen was enlarged for wheelchair maneuverability with appliances and controls mounted lower for easy access from a wheelchair. The addition of pull-out drawers, cabinets to conceal extra knee space and lowered seating made for easier dining and cooking. Laundry access was improved with sliding doors and in the bathroom multiple grab bars were installed at transfer points. Knee space and height-appropriate linen storage were added to increase the bathroom vanity’s functionality and the overall look of the room.
Working within the confines of a 48” bathroom, Renda designed the Single Space award-winning room to accommodate the physical needs of a couple both affected by stroke. To transform the narrow room into a stylish but accessible bathroom, space-saving fixtures and a barrier-free shower were installed along with safety features like attractive shower seating and preset water temperatures for the shower. The couple built the home 30 years before, and with the help of Renda’s design and caregivers, they will be able to continue living there.
For more information about remodeling, visit www.nahb.org/remodel.
