Build/Remodel: Process

Incorporating accessible, universal and/or visitable design features into a home typically requires the services of professionals skilled in personal assessment, design and construction.  Even a basic feature like a ramp, which otherwise-qualified do-it-yourselfers often tackle, still requires a very good working knowledge of specific performance and safety criteria the layout must include. 

A growing number of professionals in the occupational therapy, physical therapy interior design and related fields are becoming specialists in providing home assessment services - evaluating the needs of residents and recommending what features and products to install.  Their recommendations are typically used by architects and/or contractors to complete projects.  Some assessment professionals operate independently; others form teams with design/construction professionals and/or product vendors to coordinate in serving clients.

The Project has prepared guides about the qualifications assessment and construction professionals should have and the features good construction contracts should contain.  To review them, click on Hiring Home Assessment and Construction Professionals [PDF/2 Pages/102Kb] and Construction/Remodeling Contract Checklist [PDF/2 Pages/100Kb].    For a chart identifying organizations with helpful information on the building/ remodeling industry and working with contactors, click on Construction/ Remodeling - Key National, State Contacts [PDF/2 Pages/96Kb]. All these resources are located in this section of the website.