Why Full Access™ is the Future of Homes

Why Full Access™ is the Future of Homes

In the construction world today, it is easier than ever to rely on formulas to get work done. We see it play out especially in residential properties: Entire neighborhoods are scoped, designed, and framed with similar blueprints, all to cut costs and boost efficiency and profitability. As a result, we have millions of homes across the country that look relatively the same: Similar number of stairs, similar clearance for doors and hallways, and similar heights for receptacles, just to name a few. Let me be clear: Using formulas is not a bad approach, and it is needed as our neighbors grow and families expand. 

But here is the issue: That formula, cookie-cutter approach does not work for an increasing number of our population. Those who are aging, the disabled, and others with physical limitations find that “standard accessibility” is anything but accessible. Technology in the home is becoming a standard instead of a luxury.

There are many builders who prefer to ignore the changing environment, and countless homeowners are faced with the possibility of moving out of their homes because their homes just do not work for them anymore. Many homeowners “don’t know what they don’t know”. 

What My Grandpa’s Steps Taught Me

It was a balmy, sweaty summer day in Utica, Ohio. I found myself with tools in my hands, working away as my grandfather worked nearby and my grandmother observed. The two lived in an old, farmhouse, nestled about an hour away from the nearest big city. Although my grandpa was out with me, working his hardest, mobility was a struggle for him. Climbing stairs, lifting anything over twenty pounds, or basic movements became nearly impossible for him over the years. If not for my mobile grandmother, he likely would have moved into assisted living or nursing home long before, as their house was not accessible.

At one point during our work, my grandfather needed to sit down and rest. He had contracted pneumonia seven times in his life, so any strain on his lungs was serious. I dashed over to grab his hand, then helped him over to the creaky wooden steps that led into the house. I lowered Grandpa down, and in that moment, it dawned on me: What if Grandma and I weren’t there to help Grandpa climb those stairs? They couldn’t afford to install stairlifts all over their house, let alone move into a more “accessible” property. Their home was all they had, but I knew that it couldn’t support what my Grandpa needed. Unfortunately, their home was stealing a comfortable life during their golden years.

How Your Home Should Serve You, Not Steal from You

Memories like that stick with you for the rest of your life, and it fueled my passion for what we do at CEC. Our company exists because we never want anyone’s grandparent, let alone any other loved ones, to feel the way that my grandfather did. We believe that your home should always serve you, never steal from you, without regard to your age or ability.

Here’s how Full Access™ does just that:

• Foundational

The Full Access™ philosophy is more than installing stairlifts or placing metal ramps in front of your back door. It is about making your space accessible from the ground-up, not as an add-on when it becomes necessity.

• Adaptable

Homes should fit around the homeowner, not the other way around. When we design and build a Full Access™ home, we ensure that the homeowner comes first, not last. Every receptacle, staircase, doorway, hallway, floor, ceiling, and beyond are enhanced for today’s needs, which is both a competitive edge for builders and peace-of-mind for owners.

• Certified

That is why we are proud to be the only IACET-certified construction education company on the market. We do it right, or we don’t do it at all. That’s our promise.

At the end of the day, my grandpa’s home stole his mobility … but it doesn’t have to be this way. When your home can damage your health, every detail matters.

If you’re a contractor or builder who’s serious about serving your clientele, the best way to do that is to become CASSI certified. WE educate you about why accessibility is important and teach you the methods to create homes that are visitable, livable, adaptable and Full Access.

Building your future,

– Doug