Functional Prairie Makeover

Before & After : Episode BAA-911 -- More Projects »
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Before, front
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Before, back
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Before, entryway
This brick rancher is being updated to provide enough space for the homeowner to maneuver in his wheelchair. The most important changes that took place were expanding the floor plan and making the home accessible from outside and the garage. The homeowners also wanted a home that was comfortable and practical.
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After, front
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After, back
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After, entryway
Architect Howard Hirsch came up with a design that makes the home accessible by widening corridors and adding a bedroom wing. In addition, the design added character and style to the exterior and reconfigured many of the rooms.

Though the home is basically still a rancher, elements of a prairie style were added to the exterior. Inside, the floor plan is open and spacious with a large great room; all the other rooms are warm and inviting. Another highlight is the new screened-in porch off the back.

Resources
contractor—Smith Family Construction
968 S. Milwaukee Ave.
Wheeling, IL 60090
Phone: 847-541-9433

HVAC—Paramount Mechanical, Inc.
7450 Duvan Drive
Tinley Park, IL 60477
Phone: 708-614-0098
E-mail: info@paramountmech.com
Website: www.paramountmech.com

outdoor landscaping—Landscape Services, Inc.
PO Box 538
Lincolnshire, IL 60069
Phone: 847-634-3448
E-mail: ethical007@aol.com
Guests
Howard Hirsch
Architect, Hirsch Associates LLC
225 W. Hubbard
Chicago, IL 60610
Phone: 312-836-0011
E-mail: Hhirsch@hirschassociates.com
Website: www.hirschassociates.com
Also in this Episode