Simple Steps to Make a Home Wheelchair Accessible

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According to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly 40 million Americans are reported as having a disability in 2015. Four million of those people rely on a wheelchair or other mobility device. With the growing population of wheelchair users, the need for handicap-accessible homes has grown as well. Building a new home is a great choice but is not always an option. Here are a few changes that can be made to a home to make it ready and operative for a person using a wheelchair.

Entryway

Ensuring a person can get into, and around, a home easily is the first step to arranging it to be accessible. Construct a ramp over any entry stairs to allow a wheelchair to pass over smoothly. If a home has a second floor or is raised above the ground, having a cargo lift installed will improve usability drastically.

Bathroom

Install grab bars around toilets and showers. Make sure at least three contact bars are available around the toilet for maximum safety. If possible, have a tub converted to a walk-in shower large enough for a person’s wheelchair to be maneuvered in and out when needed.

Kitchen

Move essential items to the lower cupboards for storage and only use upper cupboards if needed. Consider the height of appliances carefully and how to position them to be used more effectively. Pull-out drawers with simple appliances ready to use are a simple change that can make an entire kitchen more usable. Have outlets installed inside or between cabinets. The lower height will allow better access than those at the back of the counters.

Preparing a home for use by a wheelchair user can seem like a daunting task. Arranging furniture to be open and making sure halls and walkways are clear of hazards are simple things that can be done to make a home more welcoming to a person in a wheelchair. Look at the accessibility standards set up by the ADA for more suggestions to make a home ready and welcoming for a wheelchair user.

What Type of Oven Is Right for You?

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In many ways, oven ranges are the centerpiece of our kitchens; we use them nearly every day to cook a variety of different meals. As a result, it’s important to choose an oven that will fit your needs. It can be hard to determine which kind of oven will work best for you, however, so here are some facts to get you started.

Cooking Methods

You can purchase conventional, convection, steam or microwave ovens. Convection ovens are the most popular, using a fan to push the hot air around; this cooks food evenly and quickly.

Gas Ovens

The ovens in gas ranges are notorious for cooking food unevenly, making them less than ideal for an avid baker, but many homeowners prefer the gas stovetop. It heats and cools quickly, works even without power and will save you money on utilities. Before you set up your oven installation in Washington, D.C., however, you’ll have to make sure your home has a gas hookup. If not, you can spend the extra money to add one or default to an electric oven.

Electric Ovens

They cook food evenly, making them a popular choice and a good option if you use the oven a lot. For the stovetop, you can choose an electric coil, induction or glass-ceramic top; each of these has different pros and cons, but most do not heat or cool as quickly as gas will and using the range is impossible if you lose power.

Dual-Fuel Ovens

These ovens pair a gas stovetop with an electric oven, marrying the strengths of both power sources. The stovetop cooks quickly and the temperature is easily controllable while the oven cooks food evenly. While you can’t bake without power, you can certainly use the stovetop. As a result, however, dual-fuel ovens cost more than gas or electric ovens.

Each type of oven has strengths and weaknesses; your choice depends on what your home is set up for, your budget and your cooking preferences. Once installed, the right oven is a tool that can be a joy to use, forming the heart of your home.

Three Simple Ways to Freshen Up Your Home

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Many homeowners find that their home becomes boring to them over time. The colors begin to feel drab and the overall look might start to feel dated. Fortunately, there are three ways that you can easily freshen up your house so that it once again feels exciting and modern.

A New Coat of Paint

A fresh coat of paint is one of the most cost-effective ways to change your home’s interior. Remodeling can be expensive and takes many months to complete, but painting has very little cost involved and only takes a few days. You can also hire someone like the professional painters nyc has to offer to make the job even easier. Choose trending colors for a modern touch.

Use Furniture to Add Excitement

You can spice up any room in your house by simply adding a new piece of furniture. Switch out your old and worn sofa for something bright and new. It will change the look and feel of the entire space. The same can be achieved with a new bed in your bedroom, a buffet for the dining room, or table in the kitchen.

Update the Accessories

If you follow the decorating trends, you will notice that the accessories change much quicker than the furniture or other elements of home decor. You can give your home a completely different feel by switching out the accessories for something new. For example, you can replace items with a primitive look for more traditional pieces. The result is a room that once shouted rustic country turning into a more classic design.

Once you paint the walls, add a few new pieces of furniture, and update the accessories, you will fall in love with your home all over again. It will have a bright, fresh feeling that will make you feel good every time you enter the house. Best of all, it is easy to accomplish with just a little bit of time and hardly any expense.

How to Choose the Right Mattress

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Your bed is the most important piece of furniture in your home and the mattress is the most important part of it. The average person spends just under 8 hours a day sleeping in their bed, so it’s a good idea to get the best fit for you when shopping for one. There are more mattress options than ever today when it comes to design and comfort. The internet is filled with online companies providing factory direct deals. There are also a number of stores for mattresses in Kennesaw, GA.

If you are in the market for a new mattress, you want to make the best decision possible. After all, you are going to be stuck with this decision for years in most cases. When shopping, following this guide to ensure you make the best decision for your needs.

Shop Around – Just because you like the first mattress you test out, doesn’t mean you should buy it. Test out at least three mattresses before purchasing because you never know if the next mattress you try out might be the best fit for you.

Take Advantage of Satisfaction Guarantees – Most online mattress companies offer a 100-day satisfaction guarantee. This means you can try out the model for over three months before deciding if you want to keep it or not. After that, you can return it for a refund or a different model.

Buy From Dedicated Sellers – Avoid shopping at stores that don’t specialize in mattresses. Their sales reps won’t be able to guide you in your decision like those that work in stores that only sell mattresses. These stores also usually have better pricing.

Visit Your Doctor – If you have ongoing back issues, consult with your doctor to see what kind of bed will be the best fit for you. They understand your back and what kind of support it needs all night while you are sleeping. You may even want to visit a chiropractor to find the best fit for your sleeping needs.