Taking time to give back to our fallen hero’s is a common theme across the United States these days. However, sometimes a situation occurs that truly hits home. Such was the case when Peak One Builders & Restoration founder Mike Christensen was informed that US Army Sergeant John Ricketts; a local Phoenix-based Afghanistan veteran who sustained significant injuries during deployment was in need of improvements to a home that would permit him to safely navigate home living. Having previously completed three such projects for Phoenix area Wounded Warriors, Peak One Builders & Restoration, a top Phoenix remodeling contractor was ready once again to help out.
Teaming again with Jared Allen’s Homes for Wounded Warriors project to make extensive improvements to a home purchased in the Desert Ridge community, the Peak One Team – along with input from Sergeant Ricketts began to formulate a plan that would transform his new single-family home into a fully compliant ADA house. Sergeant Ricketts story is very similar to one that Peak One Builders took on in 2014 – a home renovation project for Army Ranger Sergeant First Class Cory Remsburg; who received the keys to his new home with President Barack Obama in attendance earlier this year.
Sergeant Ricketts, a gunner for the legendary US Army 101st Airborne Division, sustained life-threatening injuries in May 2010 after his vehicle struck an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) while patrolling a mountain-side in Afghanistan. Although his injuries impacted many physical parts of his body, his resolve, courage and strength has been an inspiration to many. In fact, the Retired US Army Sergeant plans on competing in an off-road marathon.
About the Home Remodel and the Project
The house was purchased by the JAH4WW team in July 2014 and began to work with the Peak One Builders team to formulate a plan that would ensure that the home would be ADA compliant. In order to accomplish this, several wholesale changes needed to occur such as:
All of the doorways inside the home had to be widened to 36” in order to make all rooms wheelchair accessible.
The Master Bedroom was reconfigured to accommodate a large, roll-in shower with a customized bench seat for an easy transfer from a chair.
Special ramps were formed in all of the walkways and the garage to permit smooth entry into the home.
The laundry room was reconfigured and enlarged to permit full access to washer and dryer without hitting any walls.
New porcelain tile was installed through the entire home along with recessed lighting with energy efficient LED bulbs, custom light fixtures, ceiling fans, granite counters, and custom kitchen cabinets.
An interesting feature also added by the Peak One Builders team was the installation of customized major appliances that were installed at lower heights than normal for easy use while in a wheelchair. New walkways and pads were poured to allow access to every portion of the backyard; which was also completely upgraded with a new fire pit, barbecue, herb garden and widened the access from both sides of the home. A pergola was installed above the fire pit to provide some shade. Additionally, custom garage cabinets, epoxy flooring and a new workbench were installed in the garage. The home’s HVAC system was also upgraded, as was the air handler and a tankless hot water heater.
Every portion of this home was designed with Sergeant Ricketts needs but his taste and style in mind, with help of an amazing interior designer. Oil rubbed bronze fixtures are used throughout the home which was complimented by a new ledger stone accent wall fit for a king.
As the construction phase comes to a close, finishing touches are being made to ensure that once Sergeant Ricketts receives the keys to his new home, safety, comfort and his quality of life will be vastly improved. It’s truly humbling to see the efforts of a team of volunteers, passionate people, vendors, suppliers and others in the Phoenix metro community dedicated to a common cause. Our nation’s hero’s give the ultimate sacrifice to protect our liberty and freedom which makes these improvements to Sergeant Ricketts home feel like it’s the least we could do. The entire team at Peak One Builders & Restoration, a proud home remodeling contractor in Phoenix AZ is honored to once again team up with Jared Allen’s Homes for Wounded Warriors project.
Click The Image Below To Learn More About This Story:
Press Release: Wounded Warrior Home Remodeling Project In Phoenix Nears Completion
__________________________
Are you in need of custom ADA compliant home remodeling work in Phoenix? Reach out to Peak One Builders & Restoration; a trusted, Veteran Owned company providing remodeling services for any size project. Contact us or call (480) 378-0611 Today!
Read related articles:
Peak One Builders & Jared Allen’s Homes For Wounded Warriors Partner Again
Handicap Remodeling Project For Army Ranger Remsburg’s Home
The Role Of A Home Improvement Contractor In Phoenix