HOUSE HUNTING FUNDAMENTALS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
House Hunting Fundamentals for People With Disabilities
Article by guest author: Don Lewis, Ability Labs
Housing is one of the most critical factors in the quality of life for people with disabilities. According to the National Council on Disability, nonelderly people with disabilities account for more than half of the US population living in long-term poverty.
Homeownership can provide stability and a sense of independence, but for people with disabilities, the process of finding and buying a home can be daunting. Below, Aufgang Architects discusses a few things you can do to make the process easier.
Look Into Homes in Your Area
When researching accessible homes in your area, look for features like wheelchair ramps, first-floor bedrooms and bathrooms, wider doorways, and grab bars in the bathroom. Consider what modifications you might need to make the home work for you; for example, if you use a wheelchair, you might need to widen doorways or install an elevator. If you work from home, ensure that you have a home office space or a room that can be converted to serve that purpose. Good lighting is key.
Also, prices in your area will help you shape a budget. You’ll notice cost discrepancies among neighborhoods, and seeing the big picture of prices will help you choose the appropriate areas to dedicate your research. Don’t spend too much time researching properties that are too expensive or lack adaptability.
As you look at homes, consider what transportation options are available. If you don’t have a car, does the home have good public transportation access? Are there sidewalks and curb cuts so you can get around easily? Think about anything that can make your daily life easier and more comfortable.
It’s also a good idea to assess accessible rental options during this time. You may not find your ideal property in your allotted timeframe, so you’ll want to be familiar with fallback options if you have a relocation deadline.
Seek Pre-Approval
Get pre-approved for a mortgage so you know what kind of down payment and monthly premium you can pay. Pre-approval will also work in your favor when it comes to negotiating the sale price of a home. Lenders will assess your credit history, income, and job security to determine how much you can borrow. Be sure to compare mortgage offers from different lenders to get the best deal.
Talk to a Housing Counselor
If you’re unsure where to start, talk to a housing counselor. They can help you understand your rights under the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination in housing based on disability. They can also help you find accessible homes in your area and connect you with resources to help you pay for a down payment or modifications to a home. The US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides a list of approved housing counseling agencies across the country.
Think About Your Future Needs
As you look for a home, think about your future needs. If you’re a younger person with a disability, you might not need an accessible home now, but you may want to consider buying a home that could be easily modified in the future. For example, you could easily add a wheelchair ramp or widen doorways in a home with a first-floor bedroom and bathroom.
If you’re an older person with a disability, you might want to think about moving to a community that has accessible features and services like transportation, shopping, and recreation. Such communities are often called “age-restricted” or “55+” communities, and they can help residents maintain a healthy social life while living independently.
Hire Professionals Along the Way
When it comes to finding and buying a home, it can be helpful to have professionals on your side. Real estate agents know the market and can help you find the right home for your needs. They can also help with the negotiation process and guide you through the entire buying process.
Moving companies can help make the moving process easier and less stressful. They can help pack and move your belongings, as well as set up your new home. Moving companies often have experience working with people with disabilities, so they can help ensure your move is as smooth as possible.
The process of finding and buying a home can be challenging for anyone, but it can be particularly daunting for people with disabilities. However, by researching and knowing what to look for, comparing mortgages, and following these other tips, you can find a home that allows you to thrive. Homeownership is within reach, especially when you enlist the help of others!
For architectural design and a host of other services including interior design, feasibility studies, and code compliance, visit Aufgang Architects today!
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Sasha Hoppas
Sasha Hoppas
Job Captain
Architecture
Year Joined: 2023
Education and Certifications:
- Bachelors of Science, Architecture, University at Buffalo
- Masters of Architecture, Illinois Institute of Technology
- Design Award (University at Buffalo): Bath house design involving lighting and inversion of space
- Publication of Thesis: Impact of Psychology of Children on Architecture
- Currently pursuing her architecture license.
Professional Background: Sasha has worked in architecture on a wide variety of buildings, including commercial, residential, mixed use, and universities. She expanded her expertise with three years in lighting design, a passion of hers because of its profound impact on architecture and spaces people occupy. Sasha has also implemented and trained numerous architecture and lighting design firms within BIM.
Position: Sasha brings her passion for combining technology and design to her role. Her experience and enthusiasm make her a valued member of the team at Aufgang.
Personal Life: Sasha enjoys traveling, especially to locations with medieval and gothic architecture. She also loves to garden, run, hike, and read.
Ousmane Camara
Ousmane Camara
Job Captain
Architecture
Year Joined: 2023
Education and Certifications:
- Bachelors of Architecture, New York City College of Technology
Professional Background: Ousmane previously worked at AECOM, where he was an inspector in the field. He was a scribe in the office and was also responsible for verifying accuracy on the job sites, making sure that the information reported from the field matches the images uploaded.
Position: In his role as Job Captain, Ousmane brings his A-game and strives to learn more and become better each day. Aufgang welcomes his ambitious, driven spirit and looks forward to seeing great accomplishments and unparalleled teamwork.
Personal Life: Ousmane can be found in the gym, training for his favorite pastime, boxing.
Renata Krach
Renata Krach
Director of Marketing
Year Joined: 2023
Education and Certifications:
- Bachelors of Arts degree in Communications, Writing Concentration, Ramapo College 2013
Professional Background: After graduation, she gained experience with providing marketing services in the software and technology industry. She spent six years coordinating trade shows, sales documentation, and digital content for a manufacturer of security intercom systems for building and industrial use.
Position: At Aufgang, Renata is responsible for providing exciting, up-to-date content for the website and for social media. She coordinates the creation and publication of project proposals, press releases, advertisements, interviews, print materials, and any other external marketing initiatives.
Personal Life: Renata enjoys playing board games and traveling. In her spare time, she writes scripts for films and plays.
Privacy Policy
Privacy Policy
Privacy Policy
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For more information please contact Aufgang at (845) 368-0004 or email Aufgang at info@aufgang.com
April 2023
INNOVATIVE LITHIUM/ION BATTERY FIRE PROTECTION DESIGN FOR MULTIFAMILY BUILDING BIKE STORAGE ROOMS PROPOSED BY NOTED ARCHITECT
Innovative Lithium/Ion Battery Fire Protection Design for Multifamily Building Bike Storage Rooms Proposed by Noted Architect
An architect responsible for scores of successful multifamily projects has revealed an innovative design, engineering and materials solution to reduce the risk of fires from lithium/ion batteries on electric bikes in apartment building storage rooms.
“Recent fatal fires in multifamily buildings started by lithium/ion batteries on electric bicycles are a lethal threat that can be greatly reduced through effective design and engineering solutions,” said Ariel Aufgang, AIA, principal of Aufgang, an architecture and engineering design and consulting group.
Aufgang’s engineering team has designed a bicycle storage room with a fire protection system that reduces the threat posed to building residents from such fires.
“Lithium Ion batteries burn very hot without the presence of oxygen due to a chemical reaction within the battery cell,” said Sam LaMontanaro, PE CEM, Director of Engineering and head of the Building Systems Advisory Unit at Aufgang.
“We designed a bike storage room for apartment buildings that is fully encapsulated within cinderblock—Concrete Masonry Units (CMU)—to contain and limit the potential for fire and heat spread,” said LaMontanaro.
“As the first line of defense, sprinklers will slow the spread of fire allowing time for fire fighters to get to the site. To maximize sprinkler speed and effectiveness our design increases their density within bike the room to provide 0.3 gallons of water per minute (gpm) per square foot using standard k=5.6 sprinkler heads, with their spacing decreased to a 10ft x 10ft grid, coordinated with the racks and structure. That’s well beyond most building code requirement,” said LaMontanaro.
Two floor drains are installed in the bike storage room to prevent flooding in the event of sprinkler discharge, and the room is designed to provide clear access to allow responding fire fighters safe entrance into the space to fully extinguish the fire with heavy hose streams.
Technology also plays a role, said LaMontanaro.
“Our design specifies smoke and heat detectors, including infrared sensors, that trigger fire alarms and alert building staff in the event of a fire in the bike room,” he said.
“Building residents must be required to keep electric bicycles in the building’s designated bike storage room and never in their apartments, hallways or lobbies,” said Ariel Aufgang.
“We recommend that municipal and county building departments and fire departments update and revise their codes to contend with the increased risk of fires in multifamily buildings from lithium/ion batteries on electric bicycles. Our safer dedicated bike room design is an excellent model for new construction requirements as well as retrofits,” said Aufgang.
Link to Orignal Article:
Innovative Lithium/Ion Battery Fire Protection Design for Multifamily Building Bike Storage Rooms Proposed by Noted Architect
A Fresh take from Accomplished Architects
Since its establishment in 1971, Aufgang has come to be known for providing thoughtful, effective, and creative designs for our clients – a focus that has made our continued success and consistent growth possible over the past four decades.
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A Fresh take from Accomplished Architects
Since its establishment in 1971, Aufgang Architects has come to be known for providing thoughtful, effective, and creative designs for our clients – a focus that has made our continued success and consistent growth possible over the past four decades.