Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why do I need a home modification consultant when I have a licensed contractor?

Many contractors have limited experience in universal and accessible home design as well as restricted knowledge of the human body. A consultant (i.e. physical therapist, occupational therapist, etc.) brings a wealth of knowledge about the functional status of the human body and particularly about an individual who may have a particular disease or injury. Working together in a team approach, they can achieve superior results in modifying or building a new home environment that meets the needs of the individual.


2. Does Specialized Home Design (SHD) recommend specialty equipment?

Specialized Home Design's staff will work hard to obtain information and options about products for its clients. This may include such items as ceiling lift track systems, chair lift systems, therapeutic hot tubs/whirlpools, etc. Options of different products that will be presented by SHD should always be considered and approved by the client's medical team (i.e. physiatrist, physical therapist, occupation therapist, etc.). Medical practitioners, designers and contractors have found that SHD's research and options of products to be extremely helpful in assisting their clients.


3. Why is it cost effective to pay a consultant to work with my building team (builder, home designer, architect, kitchen and bath designer, etc.)?

A trained home modification specialist can bring great value to the building team, whether this team is modifying or building a new home. A trained universal/accessible home design consultant can spot and identify items which may result in decreased functional use of the home environment. If one can identify problems early on in the print stage or during construction, one can alter or change the design accordingly. A specialist who studies and works only in the universal/accessible home design field will bring many new perspectives and ideas to the table when preparing for these types of projects.


4. Why use Specialized Home Design as my consultant during my home construction project?

SHD's president, Scott A. Anderle, PT, CBIS, CAPS has dedicated his life to helping others. Since 2003, he has spent many hours researching and learning about universal/accessible home design, products and services related to modifying or building new homes. He has tried to educate and inform professionals as well as the general public on universal/accessible home design concepts. SHD strives to bring value to all of its clients with cost efficiency and productivity at the forefront. SHD's expertise consists of a wide knowledge base of not only the human body and how it works, but also how a home is modified or built from the ground up.


5. If I build with universal/accessible home design concepts within my new home, will it cost more than a “normal home"?

Depending on how much one incorporates within the new home as universal/accessible, the extra cost can be minimal or significant. For example, if one places light switches and electrical outlets at accessible heights for all and adds rocker switches (rather than toggle switches) the price increase is minimal -"pennies to the dollar". However, if one wishes to put a vertical elevator within the home so all 3 floors of the home can be reached with the use of an assistive device, the cost is significant, but both are universal in nature.

Putting in some basic structural universal items such as wider doorways and hallways as well as allowing for a turning radius of 5'x5' within the rooms of the home, can ensure a much greater possibility of usage from an individual with an assistive device.


6. Can I hire SHD to perform an evaluation on just one room of my home (i.e. bathroom)?

Yes, SHD will evaluate and give a written report to its client in this regard. SHD can be used for an entire home evaluation including both the outside and inside of the home or for specific regions of the home.


7. Can I request that SHD be utilized by my insurance company to aid in home modification needs?

Yes, SHD works with many insurance companies to help resolve home modification issues. You may request the utilization of SHD; however, there is no requirement that a particular insurance company has to comply. Virtually every time that this has been requested, SHD has had the opportunity to participate with all parties involved. One will need to fully explain to the insurance representative that SHD has the skill set level needed to provide quality consulting advice and/or coordination of services regarding home modification projects. SHD is happy to discuss its qualifications with any insurance representative for the client.


8. Can I hire Specialized Home Design (SHD) to review my blue prints only?

Yes, SHD has worked with many clients in this respect. SHD has had attorneys, contractors, and private individuals contract them to have prints reviewed and give opinions and recommendations on them.