Innovative Building and Remodeling Solutions
for Independent Living

Bob and Jen Mankowski of Pittsburgh were looking to purchase a new home that would be accessible for a wheelchair. But accessible housing doesn't just mean adding a ramp or a lift to a house anymore. Instead, they wanted to modify or customize the home and be able to adapt it to their needs.

So the couple contacted Harry Burns, president of Home Evolutions—the leader in delivering practical home designs and outstanding remodeling modifications—about a house that they were interested in purchasing.

"Harry came out to inspect the house and provide insight into the possibility of creating a wheelchair accessible home," said Bob. "We were immediately impressed with Harry's passion and enthusiasm. His experience in all aspects of construction coupled with his desire to promote independence for individuals with varying abilities made him ideal for the project."

Bob and Jen felt confident in purchasing the house after several discussions with Harry and renovations began soon after the closing. The renovations were extensive and diverse. Through careful discussions and planning, Harry prepared an aesthetically appropriate plan for the home that complemented the home's existing architecture.

Among the modifications made:

• The floor plan was opened up by creating new doorways and widening existing ones.
• The modifications also entailed raising the floor in the sunken living room and building a custom hardwood radius surrounding the fireplace.
• A sweeping front walk was created to provide a zero-step entry that complemented the existing design of the house.
• Thresholds between rooms of different floor types were eliminated to provide smooth transitions for a wheelchair user.
• The kitchen was modified to be not only accessible, but also usable by a person in a wheelchair. Pull-out shelves, a roll-under sink and a roll-under cook top made the kitchen truly functional.
• A master suite addition was constructed which consisted of a bedroom and a fully accessible bathroom with a roll-in shower.

"We wanted to avoid the institutional look that says 'disabled'," Jen said. "Harry's solutions were innovative, extremely tasteful, and aesthetically pleasing. The craftsmanship and quality of the things he built for us are unquestionable. The master suite addition blends with the rest of the house seamlessly and people comment frequently on what an awesome job Harry did."

Harry's company prides itself with years of construction experience, industry recognized professional training, personal experience, and a reputation built on trust. The company is a member of the National Association of Home Builders and Harry holds a special and highly recognized designation as a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS).

While the Mankowski's have heard many people complaining about contractors, they feel that Harry did an outstanding job.

"He was always available when we had questions and really took the time to understand our needs," said Bob. "He always made sure that we had access to the house no matter what work was being. After moving in, both Harry and his sub-contractors were extremely courteous about working with us, accommodating our schedule and routines. Customer service is one of the foundations of Harry’s business and we could not have asked for more."

Now, thanks to Home Evolutions, the Mankowski's are living in the home of their dreams.

Home Evolutions provides customized, high-quality building and remodeling services for people with disabilities and seniors wishing to maintain their independence. Now through May 31, as part of its outstanding service to its customers, Home Evolutions is offering a free in-home assessment, a valuable tool in planning to remain safe, comfortable, and independent in your home. They will conduct a thorough assessment of your current lifestyle and home to identify what can make your home safer and more accessible.

Although it serves most counties in Western Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia, this limited time offer is currently available only to residences within Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.

If you, or someone you know, are interested in this free, limited time offer, please fill out our contact form today and one of our representatives will be in touch to schedule a convenient time to visit you in your home.