Project Design and Project Supervision
If you decide to implement any of the accessibility, energy conservation, or hazard remediation strategies I create for your specific situation, I will provide project management and supervision based on an hourly rate with a pre-determined maximum.
My design services including preparation of plans and specifications, cost estimates and bid documents, and contractor selection. We will also periodically inspect the project to ensure the work is progressing satisfactorily.
Energy Efficiency Improvements
A key to being able to continue living at home is affordability, and an important consideration in that is the cost of utilities. I will assess the structure, identify opportunities for energy savings, and provide an outline of energy saving strategies. Should the homeowner wish to go forward with energy improvements I will design specific solutions to address each identified problem area.
Residential Hazard Mitigation
Living At Home means a home that is accessible, but also means a home that is free of obvious tripping hazards such as deteriorated steps and loose floorboards. These will be identified, along with recommended steps for remediation during an initial accessibility assessment.
However, other, hazards such as mold, radon gas, lead-based paint, termites, and structural deficiencies, are usually hidden and require a more thorough investigation, including basements, attics, and inside walls. I will identify any existing hazards using the most non-invasive techniques, and will recommend corrective actions for each situation.
Residential Accessibility Assessments
A comprehensive assessment of your home consists of discussion with you about the accessibility needs of your family members both now and in the future, and a walk-through of your home inside and out. Barriers to accessibility will be noted, and a strategy outlined for creating an accessible route into and through your house and making your entire house usable will be developed.
Urban Infill Design
While I specialize in the design of improvements and renovations to existing homes, I will gladly produce new home designs in those situations where the client wishes a location in an existing urban neighborhood. While the greenest building is an existing building, there is also a great deal of merit in locating new housing in areas where existing infrastructure - roads, sidewalks, utilities are already in existence and a new structure nhances urban density.
Sparks architecture
Design for Living at Home
Specialist in Older Homes
While I am knowledgeable about all types of residential construction, I specialize in accessibility, energy conservation, and hazard remediation in older homes, which can present numerous complicated design and construction issues compared to newer structures.