The Lucenko Home: An Accessibility Obstacle Course
In their bustling home in Miller Place, NY, members of the Lucenko family were literally running into obstacles in everyday living.
"We consider our household multigenerational," says Kristina Lucenko. "My husband, Darren, and I have three young daughters, and their grandparents visit frequently. Spending time at home as a family is our favorite pastime - we really like one another! Our lovely Long Island house had room for everyone, but it desperately needed to be made safer and more comfortable for all of us."
The original bathroom layout was crowded and did not allow wheelchair access.
Access and safety issues began at the door with a too-small porch, awkward entry and perilous staircase, and then flowed into a dimly lit living area, chaotic kitchen and cramped bathroom. Among the many workflow problems in the kitchen were two large, deep sinks that gobbled up much of the already limited counter space, contributing more frustration than help to meal preparation. As for the bathroom, a bulky vanity cabinet claimed much of the precious real estate, cramming a low-slung toilet into a position impossible for access using a wheelchair or other mobility aid.
The AARP/Money Pit Makeover Team Moves In
Partnering with the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), Tom Kraeutler and Leslie Segrete of The Money Pit home improvement radio show selected the Lucenkos for a two-day home makeover that would transform traffic pitfalls and looming safety issues into easy-care examples of universal design.
The Money Pit's Tom Kraeutler at work.
The Money Pit's Leslie Segrete prepares products for the remodel.
When the work was done and the last bit of construction debris swept away, the kitchen boasted generous, multi-level counters crowned with the easy-clean, space-saving utility of American Standard's Culinaire™ Top Mount Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink and coordinating liquid soap dispenser. In the bathroom, a Repertoire™ Pedestal Sink stylishly freed up floor space and increased accessibility while providing protection from scalding risks via concealed piping. Stationed to the right of the new sink, a Townsend Champion® 4 Right Height Elongated Toilet not only offered a comfortable 17" height but superior water power, quieter and virtually clog-free flushing, and American Standard's exclusive EverClean® surface that inhibits the growth of bacteria, mold and mildew on all exposed surfaces.
The kitchen features the easy-clean, space-saving utility of American Standard's Culinaire™ Top Mount Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink.Access and safety issues began at the door with a too-small porch, awkward entry and perilous staircase, and then flowed into a dimly lit living area, chaotic kitchen and cramped bathroom. Among the many workflow problems in the kitchen were two large, deep sinks that gobbled up much of the already limited counter space, contributing more frustration than help to meal preparation. As for the bathroom, a bulky vanity cabinet claimed much of the precious real estate, cramming a low-slung toilet into a position impossible for access using a wheelchair or other mobility aid.
American Standard's Repertoire™ Pedestal Sink and Champion® 4 Right Height Elongated Toilet contribute to an accessible, beautiful new bathroom.
A Successful, Accessible Transformation
Outfitted with a suite of solutions including American Standard products, the Lucenkos now enjoy more cozy, comfortable time together and far less spent on maintenance chores and circuitous foot traffic. Kristina reports that the AARP/Money Pit redesign has made their house "more welcoming and friendly for all ages thanks to a few universal design features."
Take a tour of the Lucenkos' beautiful, accessible home remodel at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUuuyG3UIaQ.
"Before" photo: Original kitchen had too little counter space and too much sink.
"After" photo: The Lucenko family's inviting, accessible new kitchen.
All photos courtesy of the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP).
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