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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2019-10-24, Page 21THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2019. PAGE 21. Continued from page 20 built a kitchen with four different levels of countertops for a variety of uses by a number of different users. She also discussed the importance of in-floor heating for an accessible design and how it can make all the difference. The biggest factor, however, is that building a new house or designing an accessible condominium or mobile home is that everyone’s needs are different. Even from person to person with spinal cord injuries, Sawchuk says the needs of another person with a spinal cord injury can differ from her needs, so it’s really about feeling out what an accessible living space would be and working with your team to achieve it. The longest step, she said, was to get the plans on paper and ensure they made sense. Once that was completed, the rest of the work went smoothly. As construction continued, however, Sawchuk realized how important measurements could be. Trying to build a barrier-free house as flat as possible to ensure easy transportation from one end to the other, but ensuring there was enough slope for water to flow away from the home was crucial. During these periods, Sawchuk said there were differences of as little as a half-inch that were debated at length. That type of precision and expertise, she said, is crucial to an accessible home build. With such a big job, getting it right was essential, Sawchuk said. Having said that, her book does include a chapter listing things she learned along the way and would maybe change about the house now that she knows better. She loves the house though and is eager to show it off at the open house next month. With her book, she hopes to have gathered everything needed to build a great accessible home and put it all in one place. That was another thing Sawchuk felt was sincerely lacking when she was conducting her own research. To have everything you need in one resource could be a game changer for those looking to build barrier-free homes, as well as for drafters, architects and contractors. The open house and book launch will be held at the Sawchuk house at 40861 Blyth Road on Saturday, Nov. 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Open house now set for Sawchuk book launch Invisible accessibility When a house is constructed to be accessible, like the Sawchuk family’s home is just outside of Blyth, most people don’t even notice the changes or technology that has been incorporated into its construction. Whether it’s different counter levels or designs implemented into doors, it can be seamless from top to bottom. (Shawn Loughlin photo) For all your insurance needs... TODD WHEELER INSURANCE INC. Box 394, 75 Sports Drive, Brussels • 519-357-0155 twheeler@mckillopmutual.com Kitchen, Bed, Bath, Home Accessories, Gifts 32 Courthouse Square Goderich, Ontario N7A 1M4 Phone/Fax 519-524-4181 ALL AROUND THE HOUSE AD{TS2228808} Get breaking news by following The Citizen on Facebook or Twitter