SERVICES WE CAN PROVIDE
CASE STUDIES
STAIR RAILS
“I don't live in the San Lorenzo Valley. I live in Aptos. I'm a senior with balance problems. And I've been trying to find someone to install handrails on my two cement front steps and cement back steps and I haven't been having much luck. I'm wondering if you would happen to know anybody that comes to my area that might be able to help me with this. My friend Tina gave me your number and I would appreciate any feedback Thank you very much.”
This client contacted Damians Ladder to see if she could get stair rails installed on her exterior steps for a reasonable price. She had been quoted $3000 to have three rails installed. We were able to help her purchase the rails that she needed for a total of $150.00 for three rails. Our team installed the rails on her front and rear steps at no cost to the client.
GARAGE DOOR
"I have an elderly gentleman who needs help. He is 80, lives in Santa Cruz, on MediCal (i''m his caregiver). His garage door opener gave out, he bought a new one, now is sitting untouched. I'm afraid of him falling trying to get into his car in the rain this winter.. Thanks so much!!"
This client’s caregiver contacted Damians Ladder as the client needed help with a new garage door opener. We found that the garage door itself needed to be repaired. Our Service Volunteer repaired the garage door and programmed the door opener. While the door itself needs to be replaced, it’s now in working condition so the client can use it safely.
ENTRY STEPS
“ Stairs are quite rickety side to side and would need some internal cross bracing and/or attachment to the unit. That plus some general reinforcing with screws in numerous places. Treads would need to be removed to perform the work (fortunately they are screwed on}. Job would require lumber and hardware purchases, jobsite tools brought and several hours of time.”
This client lives in a mobile home with old wooden steps at the rear entry doorway. These steps were termite-ridden and unstable, and shifted whenever the client stood on them. Our Service Volunteer dismantled the structure and replaced all of the damaged wood, added cross-bracing to the step frame and built a structurally sound frame to prevent lateral movement.
SCREEN DOOR
"I live on Glen Canyon road, about 1 mile from Mt. Hermon. I have a screen door that needs to be installed. It is a wood screen door. I got it on Craig's list It is in great condition. My door is metal clad and the door jamb is metal. The outer frame is wood and that frame would need to be augmented to have wood to attach the door. I can pay. I have pictures if that would help"
This client was quoted $800 to replace a damaged screen door on her home. She instead purchased a used door on Craigslist, repainted it herself and then requested our help with the installation. Our Service Volunteer was able to build and install a wood frame for the screen door and then attach the door at no cost to the client.
NEW DOOR
"Client had a heart attack in her home and the Fire Department had to break down her door to render medical aid and get her to the hospitals. This damaged the door frame as well."
A temporary door was put in place but the damaged frame caused cold air to enter the house. Client needs a new door but cannot afford to purchase one. The building management is charging her $1500 to replace the door. Damians Ladder purchased the replacement door at a much lower cost, and the building maintenance team replaced the door at no cost to the client.
HAND RAILS
"8/14 - New stairs were created for entryway and back door. Concrete - have railings that need to be installed. 2 railings into concrete, 2 free standing Heard of you through Village Santa Cruz County.
9/25 - Jeff did a wonderful job on the railings. I feel so much safer now. You should receive our donation soon for the work. I can't thank all of you enough."
This client had new entry stairs built but could not find anyone to come and install the hand rails that were required for safety. She had purchased the handrails and a friend was able to help her get the rails assembled. Once the assembly was completed she let us know. Our Service Volunteer then installed these rails at no cost.
REPLACE RAILINGS
"Front entry step rails are ravaged by some kind of little critter i.e., perhaps termites or a wood bore of some kind. They are progressively destroying the railings and support pieces. The whole structure is rickety. I have put up with the situation because rebuilding the stairs is beyond my budget. I am 84 years old, and I live on Social Security. I have lived with the problem because I don't know what else to do."
Our team replaced wooden railings, added metal spindles and generally rebuilt the whole balustrade. They stabilized the platform and railings to remove any sway.
The client was delighted.
REPLACE RAILS
"Client has a wrought iron railing on her back entry step that her mobile home park owner has indicated is not safe. The railing uprights are too far apart and do not meet code requirements. However the client has been using the larger openings in her railing as an accommodation to place grocery bags so that she doesn't have to carry them from her car."
Client has some disabilities that make carrying bags a long distance difficult for her. She also can't afford to replace the railings to make them code compliant. We replaced her railings with code compliant aluminum railings and redwood posts. We then added a small gate at the top of the landing that she could use to place her grocery bags. We replaced two of the steps where the wood was rotted. We also replaced the covering surrounding the base of the stairs. Finally we repainted the wooden surfaces.
Client has a fully tiled shower. The Social worker had an Occupational Therapist indicate exactly where the grab bars needed to be installed. We purchased and were able to install the grab bars without damaging the shower tile. The client and her family were extremely grateful.
GRAB BARS
"Client is frail and unstable. Her doctor has ordered that grab bars be installed in her shower. They have not been able to find someone to do the installation. One of her Social Workers recommended that she contact us"