HK Construction Honors Elderly, Remodeling Homes for Aging in Place

SAN DIEGO - June 23, 2015 - PRLog -- HK Construction is celebrating 25 years of experience in remodeling for the elderly, the handicapped and those with special needs who desire unrestricted access and freedom of movement in their home.

"Twenty five years is a very long time, and we are happy to have been there providing for the special needs of the elderly and the handicapped, particularly as it relates to their special needs in housing design and remodeling," said Marc Gieselmann, head of HK Construction San Diego, who specializes in housing construction and remodel of homes using universal design concepts for elderly aging in place.

"Universal design (also known as 'Barrier Free' design) refers to broad-spectrum ideas meant to produce buildings, products and environments that are inherently accessible to older people and people of all ages with disabilities," said Gieselmann, who believes "universal design to be the best aging-in-place remodeling" approach for home owners with special needs or limited mobility in and around the home.

Explaining that the term, universal design, is used to describe the concept of designing the environment to be pleasingly aesthetic and usable to the greatest extent possible by everyone, regardless of their age, ability, or status in life, Gieselmann pointed out that as life expectancy rises and modern medicine increases the survival rate of those with significant injuries, illnesses, and birth defects, there is a growing interest in universal design.

Universal design, a building concept that emerged from slightly earlier barrier-free concepts, provides for the broader accessibility movement which encompasses adaptive and assistive technology that seamlessly blend modern aesthetics into these core considerations of today's home construction and remodeling.

"Curb cuts or sidewalk ramps, which are essential for the free movement of people in wheelchairs, but also used by all, are a common example of Universal Design concepts," noted Gieselmann, who is offering San Diego homeowners with special construction and remolding needs to take advantage of their free in home Universal Design consultation to discuss their special needs.

The underlying principles of Universal Design concepts takes into consideration the usage of equity and flexibility, thus providing th4e simple and intuitive, particularly as it relates to perceptible information, tolerance for error, low physical effort, and the size and space for approach and use.

Read more about Universal Design home remodeling here: http://hkremodel.com/aging-in-place-remodeling-for-elderly/universaldesignhomeremodelingAmong the examples of Universal Design Construction Services offered by HK Construction include:

* Smooth, ground level entrances without stairs
* Surfaces that are stable, firm, and slip resistant (especially in bathrooms and primary walkways)
* Wide interior doors 3ft., hallways, and alcoves with 60” × 60” turning space at doors and dead-ends
* Extra floor space in whatever areas you need most
* Functional clearances for approach and use of elements and components
* Lever handles for opening doors rather than twisting knobs
* Single-hand operation with closed fist for operable components including fire alarm pull stations
* Components that do not require tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist
* Components that require less than 5 pounds of force to operate
* Light switches with large flat panels rather than small toggle switches
* Buttons and other controls that can be distinguished by touch
* Bright and appropriate lighting, particularly task lighting
* Clear lines of sight to reduce dependence on sound
* Ramp access to various structures.

"Some universal designs features just make good sense," said Gieselmann. "Once you bring them into your home, you'll wonder how you ever lived without them."

Among such examples are, according to the HK Construction spokesperson, are:

- Floors and bathtubs with non-slip surfaces help everyone stay on their feet. They’re not just for people who are frail. The same goes for handrails on steps and grab bars in bathrooms.

- Thresholds that are flush with the floor make it easy for a wheelchair to get through a doorway. They also keep others from tripping.

- Good lighting helps people with poor vision. And it helps everyone else see better, too.

For further information contact Marc Gieselmann, expert in aging in place remodeling for the elderly and owner of HK Construction San Diego, at 858-748-6580 or visit: http://hkremodel.com/aging-in-place-remodeling-for-elderly.