Ben Morey, CGR, CAPS, of Morey Construction in Signal Hill, Calif., was recognized for a Major Space remodel and Leslie Shankman-Cohn, ASID, CAPS, of Jill Hertz Interior Design in Memphis, Tenn., was recognized for a Single Space remodel as the 2008 Homes for Life award winners. The event, held at the American Visionary Art Museum, was an evening of awards for creative and imaginative remodeling and council leadership, as well as thought-provoking remarks and wisdom from Hall of Fame inductees.  

“We received many exquisite remodels for these two categories of the Homes for Life Award, but were especially impressed by the design, workmanship, and quality of life improvements displayed by the winners,” said NAHB Remodelers Chairman Lonny Rutherford, CGR, CAPS, CGP, of Legacy Construction in Farmington, New Mexico. “Besides improving the homes of aging individuals for easier living, these remodels exemplify creativity and style.”

Ben Morey, CGR, CAPS, of Morey Construction in Signal Hill, Calif., won the Major Space Homes for Life award for remodeling a master bedroom and bath for a couple. Morey’s main objective was to create an accessible living and bathing space for the homeowner to move easily in his home; all while keeping in mind a possibility of resale value for the house.

Accessibility for the wheelchair-using husband was improved by expanding the space. Additionally, the bathroom was improved with roll under sink, roll-in shower with handheld shower heads, and angled mirror. Luxury details, such as a towel warmer next to the shower and sophisticated design details provided elegance to the new remodeled rooms.

Manueuverability and access to mulitple storage units from a wheelchair was enhanced. Built-in cabinets, a deep closet, and glass mirror doors provide style and functionality to the master bedroom. Thoughtful details and beautiful design provide improved living while satisfying aesthetic aspirations.

Leslie Shankman-Cohn, ASID, CAPS, of Jill Hertz Interior Design in Memphis, Tenn., won the Single Space Homes for Life award for a remodel addressing short stature and reaching limits of the customer. The kitchen was expanded for spaciousness and universal design features were added, including zone lighting, pull down upper cabinet shelves, pull out drawers in lower cabinets, custom designed platforms and lowered counter tops.

The priority of this kitchen remodel was, “A kitchen that makes me happy! One that I can spend time cooking in, entertaining in, and watching the birds outside” stated the client. As well as, a more open feel, easy access to all utensils, an area for prep work and baking, and better lighting. Additionally, Cohn’s client was interested in resale and an attractive appeal for the remodeled home.

Many considerations were taken into account when designing for this remodel and some of the issues and their solutions were:

• The entire kitchen and pantry were gutted and opened, and an exterior door leading in from the carport was sealed off, creating a much larger and open area without having to extend the original footprint of the structure. This also allows for wheelchair radius accessibility throughout.
• A smooth ‘threshold-less’ transition was made by incorporating and ‘feathering’ the original tile from the hall into a softer bamboo floor, a sustainable and renewable product.
• To accommodate any future needs, accessible nine inch toe kicks were used throughout the space; as well as custom designed moveable step platforms under the stove and sink areas eliminating the need to move around a step-stool for access. If, in the future, they become unnecessary due to wheelchair accessibility issues, they are completely removable as well.
• Because continuous counter space was at a premium, adjustable counter heights were not an option. Therefore, all the counters were lowered from the standard 36” height to a 34” height, an almost unperceivable difference. This allowed the upper cabinets to be proportionately lowered by two inches.
• A pot-filler was installed to the side of the stove as to allow for easy access and eliminate the need to reach over hot burners.
• Vent hood controls were re-wired and installed at under cabinet height for access as well. The kitchen also featured lowered ovens and a microwave installed at counter height.
• All lighting was installed in zones with individual control areas. Lights such as under cabinet task lighting, lights above cabinets to create an illusion of height, and lighting in upper glass-front cabinets to highlight the client’s collection of glass art.

In the end, this remodel exceeded the client’s expectations and was able to include both aging-in-place design and ‘green’ elements as well.

Thank you to HomeCare by Moen™ for their support of the Homes for Life awards.

Congratulations to Ben Morey, CGR, CAPS, and Leslie Shankman-Cohn, ASID, CAPS.

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