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An international effort to make all homes visitable!
info@concretechange.org 600 Dancing Fox Road Decatur GA 30032 USA
Designed by About Your Web Page E-mail shelaw@mindspring.com.
The Florida "Bathroom Bill" of 1989 is the first (and to our knowledge, only) US law to mandate a basic access feature in all new homes throughout an entire state.
(c) Single-famly houses, duplexes, triplexes, condomniums, and townhouses shall provide at least one bathroom, located with maximum possible privacy, where bathrooms are provided on habitable grade levels, with a door that has a 29-inch clear opening.
Atlantic Design
1502 NW 6th Street
Gainesville, FL 32601January 10, 1997
Concrete Change
1371 Metropolitan Av. S.E.
Atlanta, Ga. 30316To Whom it May Concern:
This is in reply to your letter of December 30, 1996 (copy enclosed). Atlantic Design and Construction is a licensed Florida builder. We have our own in-house design and plan service as well as interior design service. We will build approximately 55 homes this year.
Please review the 7 baths enclosed. They were taken randomly from seven homes now under construction.
1. Door cost
I called our door supplier today for an updated cost list on raised panel embossed masonite interior doors, primed one coat:
Size Cost (include Delivery tax)
2'0" door $ 59.00
2'4" door $ 62.00
2'6" door $ 64.00
2'8" door $ 64.002'0" doors are seldom used ( the tub does not fit and a vanity is a real squeeze.) So 2'4" or 2'6" in the old days before handicap code we typically used 2'6". There is no cost difference between 2'6" or 2'8". Also hardware/paint are the same (less paint. More door=no change).
2. Framing cost
Plans 1, 2A, 3, 5, and 7 have no added framing costs.
Plans 2B, 4, 5 - notice the "X" on the tub wall. Here the tub is brought out 31/2 " so that the door and trim have enough room to clear the vanity. Note there is an added benefit of the tub faucets being easier for everyone to reach - pushed away from the toilet.
This 31/2" of framing costs approximately $4.00 in material, and there is no additional labor or finishing cost. It could probably be done with scrap 2 x 4's that are 2'- 4' long at no cost.
3. Plan costs
New plans: no added cost - just something to be aware of.Old plans: Most plans are constantly revised by clients even in "cookie cutter" type (plan 4) housing with on-site sales. Buyers constantly revise something, so there is a cost of maybe $25-50 to move a Bedroom - Bath wall (etc.) on the plan. Usually there is no charge for this if any other change is made, such as the addition of a closet, switch sink, or cooking areas; moving or adding a window; or changing a window to a door.
I would imagine if the builders, developers, and designers were give 3-6 months notice, most of their plans would be revised anyway - so no added cost.
4. Other Benefits
-- Easier for subcontractors to move equipment, etc.
-- Most buyers today have older parents, friends, or relatives who may be in need of a walker, cane, or wheelchair.
-- There is peace of mind knowing that if they visit, or if you try to sell or rent to someone (as above), the plan accommodates.
In my opinion, the cost for this access is $2-30. This is an easy, cost effective change.
Please note that I have enclosed a copy of Section 4.22.2 Dors#3 (pg. 58) from the Florida Accessibility Code for Building Construction, which governs residential code.
Let me know if I can be of further assistance.
Sincerely,
Bob Reifel
BR/th
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