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Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) Tom Schiebout, president of Tomco Company, Inc. says:

“Whether you are building a new home or remodeling you should always design with your future in mind. Lifestyle changes – kids leaving, downsizing, physical capabilities – impact how you use your home. The kitchen above no longer met the needs of this retired couple. We worked with them to create a more accessible environment by installing a single handle faucet, pull-out shelving, appliance drawers and adjustable height pantry pullout storage.

“A convenient pullout trash bin was incorporated to provide easy access. A small work triangle was kept purposely to help eliminate the steps necessary to prepare a meal.

We removed the separation wall between the kitchen and dining area and added two large windows to allow more light to enter into the kitchen area. Lastly we raised the adjoining sunken living room as it certainly created an unsafe environment for this couple and all of their same age friends.The entry was opened up to allow easier access by removing a railing from the sunken living room. In the future this couple can build a short ramp to gain access as necessary over the one step into the front entry.”

Tom and his wife Julie are owners of Tomco Company, Inc. a 31 year-old design/build remodeling firm located in Andover Minnesota. In addition to being Certified Age in Place Specialists they are Certified Kitchen and Bath Remodelers and members of the National Association of Remodelers. AIP Business Pages: Contractors: Tomco