If you’ve been thinking about purchasing a ramp for your home, business or car, you may be having some difficulty deciding on a specific type of ramp.

There are dozens of ramps for many different purposes, and Budget Construction Company can help you decide on what works best for you. Here we’ll discuss your options.

Consider the material

Wood-Wood is the most common material used for building ramps. They can be built using any type of sturdy wood and stained to match your home or building. Wood ramps are generally custum built to fit in with your home and to meet the unique needs of the individuals requiring the help of a ramp. It is recommended that wood ramps come with some type of non-slip surface (like aluminum treads), as wood can become slippery when wet.

Aluminum Aluminum ramps are another popular ramp of option, coming in a close second to wooden ramps. Aluminum ramps can be more advantageous over other types of ramps as they can be put together in many different configurations to fit your home or business. Many aluminum ramps include turns and landings to fit a higher entrance. Again, aluminum ramps need to be fitted with a non-slip surface.

Galvanized Steel– Galvanized steel ramps are not as popular as aluminum or wood ramps, but they have great traction due to their “open pattern”. The open base ensures that water, dirt and snow do not accumulate, but can be hard on high-heeled shoes and bare feet.

Concrete– Concrete ramps are often made of galvanized steel, but include a poured concrete surface, which makes walking more pleasant. These ramps give the feel and walking surface of a poured concrete ramp, but are less expensive to install and a lot less permanent.

Consider your needs

Permanent– Some ramps are permanent fixtures, while others can be removed or moved around with greater ease. Wood ramps are the most permanent of ramps, as they are often custom built to fit your home or building perfectly. Permanent ramps are best suited for long-term home use or use at an office, senior/community center or other place of business that needs to be handicap accessible.

Moveable– When selecting a ramp, it’s important to consider whether the ramp will eventually be moved, or if it’s more of a permanent fixture. Aluminum, galvanized steel, and concrete ramps are much more easily moved than wood ramps.

Portable– There are many different kinds of portable ramps, which are great to use on an as-needed basis (like getting out of a car or accessing multiple entrances in a home or building). Portable ramps come in many different lengths, surface materials and configurations. Aluminum portable ramps are the most popular and also the most inexpensive. There are also portable ramps made of plastic and/or fiberglass, but these can be more expensive and less practical.

Threshold ramps– Threshold ramps are intended for use on a short rise. Even rises of an inch or two can be difficult to maneuver with a wheelchair, so threshold ramps can be extremely useful. Threshold ramps are generally made of aluminum.

As you can see, ramps come in many types of materials and can be used to meet any number of needs. They can be high, low, built straight, or built with turns. Most are equipped with handrails, others are simple and portable. Whatever your needs are, you can turn to Budget Construction Company to help you decide on the best ramp for you. Call us today at (773) 283-9200 to speak with a member of our team.

People value their independence. Regardless of age or agility level, people want to be able to live in and function in their own homes. As we age, mobility can start to become an issue and in order to continue to enjoy the comfort of our own homes, changes need to be made. Home renovations are the best way to ensure that a house is safe, easily accessible and comfortable for all of its residents. While certain home renovations can easily be made, many renovations require the knowledge and skill of experts. At Budget Construction Company, we pride ourselves in the ability to make homes more accessible to seniors. Below are 10 ways that we can work with you to make your home more senior-friendly.

Ramps

If an individual is wheelchair bound, uses a cane or walker, or finds it hard to climb even a couple stairs, ramps are a great home renovation option. Budget Construction Company builds a variety of ramps to fit our customers’ needs. Whether aluminum or wood, portable or permanent fixtures, or indoor or outdoor, ramps make your home safer and more accessible.

Widening of hallways and doorways

A common problem for people using walkers or wheelchairs is that it can become more difficult to move through spaces. Widening hallways and doors/doorways enables everyone in your home to have easy access to every area of your home.

Support fixtures

As people age, it’s common for eyesight to begin to diminish. It’s important to install senior-friendly light fixtures that are designed to distribute light at a higher level and are strategically placed to meet seniors’ needs.

Non-slip flooring

We install non-slip flooring that helps to prevent slips and falls. Another more simple renovation is to get rid of rugs that tend to slip and purchase rugs that grip or adhere to the floor.

Staircase lifts

There is only one easy way to ensure that a wheelchair bound person has access to all the levels of your house – stairlifts. Budget Construction Company installs a variety of stairlifts, depending on your unique needs. Some stairlifts are designed to accommodate the entire wheelchair, while others are designed as chairs that a person sits in. Stairlifts are a great way to make your home safe and easily accessible. To find out more, read our blog (LINK) on Stairlifts.

Rounded corners

Sharp corners (like the corners of windowsills, tables, or counter tops) can be rounded to prevent further injury in the event of a fall

Bathroom renovations

Budget Construction Company specializes in an array of Bathroom renovations. We install handle bars, lower counter tops, provide easier access to faucets and light switches, and install toilets tailored to your needs. We can also increase space in your bathroom to make room for wheelchairs and caretakers. For more information, read or blog (LINK) on Bathroom Renovations.

Lowering cabinets

It’s important to have access to all of your home’s storage areas. Unfortunately this can become more difficult as a person ages or becomes wheelchair bound. We can install cabinets that can easily be lowered and raised to ensure that everyone in your home has access to their belongings.

Doorknob alterations

Diseases like arthritis can make it more difficult to perform simple tasks like opening doors. Many people choose to install doorknobs that are level-style to make entering any room a breeze.

At Budget Construction Company, we specialize in Senior Friendly Home Renovations. While a full-scale home renovation may seem like an arduous task, we can help make it easier on you. Call us today at (773) 283-9200 to find out more our home renovation options.

It’s estimated that 1 in 3 individuals over the age of 65 experiences a fall each year, most often at home. Generally, falls in most parts of the home don’t result in extreme injuries, but falls in the bathroom can have worse results. Bathroom-related injuries are the most severe of all falling injuries that happen in the home. In fact a recent study from the CDC showed that nearly 200,000 Americans are admitted to the emergency room annually for bathroom related injuries. Because of slippery surfaces, a lack of steady objects to grab onto, hard tile flooring and walls, hard porcelain toilets and tubs, the chances of being severely injured in a bathroom fall are greater than falls in other parts of the home. The good news is that bathroom falls can often be prevented by taking a few basic precautionary measures. Most bathroom-related falls occur when:

• An individual is climbing or moving into or out of the shower or bathtub
• A person is either sitting down or getting up from the toilet
• A person is walking around on a slippery floor attempting to use inadequate objects to steady themselves- like flimsy towel bars or countertops.
• If you worry about your own bathroom safety, or the safety of a loved one, it’s time to take some measures that could prevent a debilitating injury.

Install Grab Bars

As previously mentioned, many seniors use towel bars or other surfaces for support when moving around in the bathroom. Instead, grab bars should be installed in places that are convenient to reach, especially when entering or leaving a shower or bathtub.

Use a Shower Chair

Shower chairs can be useful for individuals who have a hard time balancing or difficulty standing. Most quality shower chairs have rubber tips on the legs to prevent the chair from slipping around. If used in addition to a hand-held shower faucet, all showering can be done from a seated position.

Install a bath lift

Bath lifts allow people with limited mobility the ability to take a bath while maintaining their independence in the bathroom. Bath lifts are placed or installed in the bathtub and can recline to any angle, based on an individual’s bathing needs, and when used in conjunction with grab bars and non-slippery surfaces, can greatly decrease the chance of falls and discomfort.

Raised toilet seats

Many seniors and people with limited mobility find it difficult to lower themselves onto a low toilet seat. It can be even more difficult to rise to a standing position, especially when arm and leg strength is reduced. Raised toilet seats reduce the amount of bending and reduce the distance to the toilet. Many raised toilet seats come with grab bars, which can greatly increase a person’s safety.

Additionally, if it’s difficult for a person to travel to the bathroom, raised bedside commodes can be used in any room of the house.

Other tips:

• Install non-slip adhesive strips on sink edges
• Put toiletries within reach
• Make light switches, door handles and faucets more accessible
• Keep bathroom clean
• Use rubber non-slip mats and rugs.

If you or a loved one has limited mobility and you want to improve your bathroom safety, call Budget Construction Company at (773) 283-9200 today to discuss your needs.

People value their independence. Regardless of age or agility level, people want to be able to live in and function in their own homes.  As we age, mobility can start to become an issue and in order to continue to enjoy the comfort of our own homes, changes need to be made.  Home renovations are the best way to ensure that a house is safe, easily accessible and comfortable for all of its residents.  While certain home renovations can easily be made, many renovations require the knowledge and skill of experts.  At Budget Construction Company, we pride ourselves in the ability to make homes more accessible to seniors.  Below are 10 ways that we can work with you to make your home more senior-friendly.

Ramps – If an individual is wheelchair bound, uses a cane or walker, or finds it hard to climb even a couple stairs, ramps are a great home renovation option. Budget Construction Company builds a variety of ramps to fit our customers’ needs.  Whether aluminum or wood, portable or permanent fixtures, or indoor or outdoor, ramps make your home safer and more accessible.

Widening of hallways and doorways – A common problem for people using walkers or wheelchairs is that it can become more difficult to move through spaces.  Widening hallways and doors/doorways enables everyone in your home to have easy access to every area of your home.

Support fixtures – Support fixtures like hand rails make maneuvering through the home easier and safer.  Handrails can be installed in bathrooms, stairwells, and even hallways.

Improved lighting – As people age, it’s common for eyesight to begin to diminish.  It’s important to install senior-friendly light fixtures that are designed to distribute light at a higher level and are strategically placed to meet seniors’ needs.

Non-slip flooring – We install non-slip flooring that helps to prevent slips and falls.  Another more simple renovation is to get rid of rugs that tend to slip and purchase rugs that grip or adhere to the floor.

Staircase lifts – There is only one easy way to ensure that a wheelchair bound person has access to all the levels of your house – stairlifts.  Budget Construction Company installs a variety of stairlifts, depending on your unique needs.  Some stairlifts are designed to accommodate the entire wheelchair, while others are designed as chairs that a person sits in.  Stairlifts are a great way to make your home safe and easily accessible.  To find out more, read our blog (LINK) on Stairlifts.

Rounded corners – Sharp corners (like the corners of windowsills, tables, or counter tops) can be rounded to prevent further injury in the event of a fall.

Bathroom renovations – Budget Construction Company specializes in an array of Bathroom renovations.  We install handle bars, lower counter tops, provide easier access to faucets and light switches, and install toilets tailored to your needs.  We can also increase space in your bathroom to make room for wheelchairs and caretakers.  For more information, read or blog (LINK) on Bathroom Renovations.

Lowering cabinets – It’s important to have access to all of your home’s storage areas.  Unfortunately this can become more difficult as a person ages or becomes wheelchair bound.  We can install cabinets that can easily be lowered and raised to ensure that everyone in your home has access to their belongings.

Doorknob alterations – Diseases like arthritis can make it more difficult to perform simple tasks like opening doors.  Many people choose to install doorknobs that are level-style to make entering any room a breeze.

At Budget Construction Company, we specialize in Senior Friendly Home Renovations.  While a full-scale home renovation may seem like an arduous task, we can help make it easier on you.  Call us today at (773) 283-9200 to find out more our home renovation options.

At Budget Construction Company, we specialize in the installation of cost-effective products and solutions to make your home safer and more easily accessible.  Standard stairlifts and wheelchair stairlifts are just a couple of the many home mobility systems we offer to help individuals get around better in their homes.

Stairlifts are an efficient and economical way to provide wheelchair access throughout your home.  That means that a disabled or wheelchair bound person can easily access every floor level in your house.  Stairlifts can have multiple purposes- so whether an individual needs to go upstairs to the bedroom, or down into the basement, a stairlift can be the perfect solution.  Our stairlifts are tailored to fit your home and can be as long or as short as needed.  Additionally, if your stairs have a midpoint landing, we can design a curved stairlift to fit your needs.  The difference between regular stairlifts and wheelchair stairlifts are simple: standard stairlifts are designed for individuals who don’t necessarily need a wheelchair to get around, but still need help moving up and down stairs; wheelchair stairlifts accommodate the entire chair or scooter.

Some of the features offered by our standard stairlifts include:

Swivel Seat– Eases transition at the top of the stairs

Visual Diagnostics- Provide immediate status reports on the stairlift

Back-up Batteries– Assures the stairlift will work, even in the event of a power outage

Ride Stability– Our stairlifts are expertly designed to insure a smooth ride from top to bottom

Folding Seat– The stairlift’s arms, seat and foot rest can be flipped up to make space for other family members to use the stairs.

Seat Size– Seats have plenty of room and feature various height options and adjustable arm rests

Wheelchair stairlifts:

With Wheelchair stairlifts, a platform is installed and is designed to lift the whole wheelchair or even a scooter.  The obvious benefit is that to change floors or enter a home, a wheelchair bound person does not need to transfer from the chair or scooter.  The most important thing to consider when preparing to install a wheelchair stairlift in your home is space.   You will need appropriate space for whatever size lift you are using, as well as the ability for the individual to access the lift when unassisted.  Additionally, any controls will need to be easily accessed and placed in an appropriate location for safe operation.

Wheelchair stairlifts also come with a number of special features including:

• Battery back-up
• Fold-up platform
• Railing access to non-users
• Emergency switch
• Protective guards and sensors – to quickly stop motion if necessary

No person should ever feel like they can’t access certain parts of their own homes.  Custom stairlifts by Budget Construction Company are a great way to make your entire home accessible to all of the members of your family, despite needing to use a wheelchair.  If you think that a stairlift is necessary in your home, call Budget Construction Company of Chicago today at (773) 283-9200 to speak with a member of our team about our services.

Ideas for Senior Accessible Bathroom Renovations

If you or a member of your family has become disabled, or mobility has become more challenging with age, it’s important to execute plans to change your home to make it more accessible.  One of the most important things to think about when improving the mobility of your home is bathroom accessibility.  Designing a senior accessible bathroom in your house is a huge undertaking that requires extensive detail and planning, and Budget Construction Company has the expertise and years of experience to simplify this process. 

When designing an accessible bathroom, it’s important to consider a number of options.  First, the needs of the disabled person or persons must be considered.  Is the individual wheelchair bound?  Does the individual have trouble moving around?  Are there issues with sight, strength or other factors?  Once we determine your needs, we’ll provide you with some options a well-designed bathroom that is safe, easy to navigate, and comfortable- offering the disabled person freedom to bathe and use the bathroom alone or with a caretaker. 

Other things to consider:

When remodeling a bathroom to make it more accessible, people don’t always realize the amount of changes that need to be made.  Some common alterations are:

Increased Floor Space – Ample space will be needed to allow use of wheelchairs if necessary, and should be large enough to accommodate two people if a caretaker is needed.

Lowered Countertops – Countertops will need to be easily accessible, with space to comfortably access items and faucets

Lowered toilets – Toilets should be the appropriate height to meet the individual’s unique needs, along with easily accessible handrails

Handrails – Handrails are one of the most common items featured in a safe, handicap-accessible bathroom.  Handrails should be placed wherever they are necessary, especially in the shower and near the toilet.

Accessible light switches, faucets, bathtubs and showers

Widening doors for wheelchair accessibility

Nightlight installation—important for individuals with difficulty seeing, especially at night time

Non-slip flooring – In addition to handlebars, non-slip flooring essential to prevent slips and falls on a wet floor

Most of all, a handicap accessible bathroom needs to be a space that is both pleasant and simple for anyone using it.  There should be little clutter, edges and corners should be rounded, fixtures should be easy to access.  Another important thing to consider are the ADA regulations and requirements for disabled individuals.  Depending on the person’s needs, requirements can vary based.  With regard to  regulations, the larger and more complex your plans are, the more thought you will need to put into being compliant.  For more information on designing a bathroom that complies with ADA regulations, visit www.ada.gov.

While designing a handicap accessible bathroom may seem like a huge undertaking, Budget Construction Company of Chicago can help.  We’ll work with you every step of the way to make sure that all of your unique needs are met.   For more information on senior and handicap accessible bathrooms, call Budget Construction Company at (773) 283-9200 to speak with a member of our team.

As we transition through life, our home needs transition as well.  Everyday movements, like climbing stairs or getting into the shower, can begin to seem like arduous tasks.  When we age or become impaired, it’s important that we not be restricted in our own homes.  Budget Construction Company works with you to make sure you and your family feel at home in your home.

One of the most necessary changes people make to their home environment is the installation of ramps in areas that have become challenging to otherwise access- like stairs outside of the home.  We install a variety of wheelchair ramps, which seamlessly fit into your home’s front or back entrance.

When working with Budget Construction Company, you can select the ramp that’s right for you.  We build ramps in a number of different materials, allowing you to select the ramp that not only fits best with your home, but best suits your personal needs depending on your level of physical strength and mobility level.

Ramps are one of the most important things to factor in when making changes to your home to accommodate you or a loved one’s needs.  They are a great solution for those seeking to maintain their independence and be able to live at home- and come and go as they please- regardless of their age or physical impairment. 

How to choose a ramp:

Even though there are multiple types of ramps made of many different materials, selecting a ramp is simple once you are armed with some basic information.

Types of ramps

Permanent/Semi Permanent Ramp

A permanent or semi-permanent ramp is used for access to homes and buildings where the incline would require a ramp longer than six feet, or where there might be other complications with accessing the door of a building.  These ramps can feature turns, platforms, as well as other special features. 

Portable Ramp

Portable ramps are a multi-purpose option.  They are most useful for a small rise, for access to vehicles, access to non-compliant public places, for use in multiple locations, for temporary disabilities.  Portable ramps are easy to use and can easily be lifted by most people or caretakers.

Materials used

Aluminum

Aluminum is an ideal material for any kind of ramp, as it is both strong and lightweight. It rarely requires any maintenance, and is perfect for both permanent and semi-permanent uses since it can be easily taken apart or moved to a new location. It is great for permanent or semi-permanent installations as it can be easily disassembled, moved and reinstalled in a new location. Aluminum ramps feature a special non-slip walking surface, which is extremely helpful in rain and snow.

Wood

When properly built, wood ramps are the most attractive since they can be created to match the architecture of the home or building.  However, wood ramps require more maintenance than other types of ramps, and require constant maintenance to prevent rotting, warping and splintering.  They cannot be removed to another location. 

Steel

Steel ramps are generally more affordable than aluminum ramps, and have a higher weight capacity as well.  They are more suitable for permanent use, as steel ramps are very heavy. They also can rust if not properly maintained.

Concrete

Concrete ramps are the most expensive, and also the strongest and most permanent– they are a great choice for a place of business, church, community center or other public building.  Concrete ramps require specialized installation and building permits. Concrete ramps are difficult to adjust or reconfigure after they are installed.

Special features of ramps

At Budget Construction Company, we can build ramps with any number of special features including:

• Walking Surface adjustments
• Non Skid Treads on Wooden Ramp
• Safety curbs
• Landings
• Hand Rails
• Capacity adjustments
• Aesthetics

It’s easy to see that there are a great variety of ramps suited for all types of needs.  At Budget Construction Company we provide ramps to countless clients in the Chicagoland area, and we work side-by-side with them to make sure the ramps they select are best suited for their unique and individual needs.  Call Budget Construction Company today at (847)647-0902 to speak with our staff and see how we can help.

Flex-A-Bed:  The best choice for an at-home healthcare bed

When making the tough decision to receive healthcare in one’s home or an assisted living environment, it’s important that an individual is surrounded by comfortable, high quality home furnishings that improve your well-being as opposed to decreasing your level of comfort.  One of the most important aspects of an aging person’s well being is their bed.  On average, humans spend about one-third of their lives in bed, and as we age, the time we spend in bed can often increase.  That’s why it’s so vital that individuals in a home healthcare environment have the best possible place to rest. 

Budget Construction Company is an authorized Chicagoland dealer of Flex-A-Beds- adjustable beds built to your specifications.  With Flex-A-Bed, you choose the size, mattress site, and model type that is best for you.

Flex-A-Beds are perfect for individuals who are in home healthcare or assisted living environments, and they are convenient, comfortable, and fully adjustable both at the head and foot, and certain models can even be fully raised higher and lower depending on your needs and comfort level.  Flex-A-Beds come with your choice of either one-touch wireless controls or wired controls, so the ability to adjust your Flex-A-Bed is always within reach.

Benefits of adjustable beds

Whether you’ve been sick or injured or you simply want a more comfortable place to rest or to get more high-quality sleep at night, Flex-A-Bed adjustable beds are the perfect choice.  Because you can adjust the bed to your unique needs, we guarantee that you will start to feel better and

In addition to providing a more enjoyable place to rest and helping you to sleep better at night, Flex-A-Beds can help to relieve a number of symptoms due to injury, illness or other ailments.  Some of the ailments that Flex-A-Bed can help aid are:

• Arthritis
• Acid Reflux
• Asthma
• Breathing disorders
• Hiatal Hernias
• Swollen legs and feet
• Phlebitis
• Varicose veins
• Back pain
• Neck pain

Having a Flex-A-Bed eliminates a number of pesky irritations that regular beds can present.  Because Flex-A-Bed fits to your body and can be adjusted depending on your daily needs, you’ll never have to worry about stacking pillows, tossing and turning in bed, or worse- sleeping in a reclining chair. 

The Flex-A-Bed is an extremely high quality bed with a high-density foundation and heavy duty base.  All Flex-A-Beds come with a 5-year warranty and are made with material that is guaranteed not to warp, squeak or break.  While a Flex-A-Bed is a great option for anyone in a home healthcare environment, it should not be considered an alternative to a hospital bed.  We encourage our clients to first consult their physician to make sure that an adjustable bed is the appropriate choice for them. 

Flex-A-Beds come in a variety of models including Premier, Value Flex, and Hi-Lo.  For more information of Flex-A-Beds, call Budget Construction Company today at (847) 647-0902 to speak with a member of our staff about how we can help get you or your loved one on a path to better, more restful sleep. 

When customers call us after working with us stating how pleased they are with their home remodeling results, it makes our hearts feel great!

“Budget Construction remodeled our kitchen in July 2013.  We are so pleased and satisfied with our new kitchen.  Everyone that has seen it talks about how beautiful our kitchen is.  Several people have said that they use Budget for their remodeling needs. My husband and I were really impressed by the professionalism and dedication the workers displayed while completing our kitchen. We plan to use Budget again in the future.”
-Regina & Alberta