Home and Garden, and Real Estate- July 30, 2023

Home & Garden

& Real Estate

ALL ABOUT ACCESS: Housing can be made better for everybody, F2

SIGN OUT OF TIME: Check out the latest antiquing report from the Kovels, F3

30-YEAR RATE: Percent ticks up to 6.81%, F7

DEEDS: Who sold what to whom, and where, F7

Just spray it

Follow these simple steps to spruce up your belongings with a few rattle cans. Page F4

‘Better housing for all people’

Here’s how to make your home more accessible

By Jaclyn G reenberg New York Times

Tatiana Martinez needed an accessible home. Her son, who was 7 years old at the time and uses a wheelchair, was too heavy to carry upstairs to his second-floor bedroom.

“I constrained my home search to within a few towns from where I was already living because I wanted to remain with the same school services for my son,” said Martinez, a resident of Union County, New Jersey.

After her three-year search, Martinez bought a one-story home near Summit, New Jersey, in 2019 for $900,000. She installed a lift at the front entrance of the house, ramps to access the backyard, modified the bathroom to be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and widened several doorways. The modifications cost $50,000.

Stories like Martinez’s are playing out in millions of households in the United States.

The 2019 American Housing Survey data shows that 12.9%, or 16 million of the total households in the United States, include at least one person who uses a wheelchair, walker, or other mobility device. Of those 16 million households, at least 3.5 million plan to improve the accessibility of their homes.

There are resources available from some state governments, nonprofit groups, housing groups and developers that can be used to make homes safe for family members of all abilities.

A variety of solutions

Home styles vary greatly by state. Accessible homes may be easier to find in some parts of the country than others. For example, ranches are easier to find in the South and West. In the Northeast, two-story

homes are more common. The good news is that whether you choose to remain in your current home, or move and then modify, there are many opportunities to make a home more accessible.

“Ramps, lifts and regrading are all options that an expert can gauge with a home assessment,” said Gregg Frank, owner of Back Home Safely, a modification company based in New Jersey.

Tucker Cassidy of Waterloo, Iowa, moved because he needed to live in an area with a larger pool of home health aides. He scanned real estate listings, Craigslist and roommate ads until he found a home that fit his needs with a “bedroom big enough for my power chair, shower chair, a Hoyer lift, an adjustable bed and storage for medical equipment,” Cassidy said. Then, he widened several doorways and added a concrete ramp to both the front and back entrance.

“Each type of modification is dependent on individual’s mobility needs and what works best for that particular style of home,” said Eric Rubel, director of marketing

at Lifeway Mobility, a company that addresses individual accessibility problems throughout the country.

“For example, an entrance with a few steps could be better suited by adding a wheelchair ramp. Wheelchair ramps are often the quickest and most economical solution for low-rise entrances. However, if space is limited, a wheelchair lift, or stair lift, may be the only solution to provide safe access. Other things to consider when looking for accessibility are few to no stairs, a flush entryway, no level changes at thresholds, wide doorways and barrier-free showers.”

To find a local modification expert, contact the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), where Certified Aging-in-Place Specialists (CAPS) can help evaluate a home for accessibility opportunities.

Occupational therapists who have a certification in environmental modification can be found through the American Occupational Therapy Association and can help tailor a home specifically for an individual or

a wheelchair, and modified the entry. The house “had stairs from the driveway to the walkway, and another set of stairs at the front door,” Jennifer Boyle said. “We regraded our yard and added to our driveway, which allowed us to park close to our front door and roll my son’s wheelchair right into the house.”

The cost to regrade their home was $33,000 and they received reimbursement of $25,000 from the New Jersey Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund.

This program reimburses families for expenses related to their child’s medical condition, including home modifications, if their expenses exceed a certain percentage of their income.

family’s needs.

“Modifications should be client-centric,” said Carolyn Sithong, an occupational therapist and founder of Home for Life Design, a web-based home assessment solution for health care professionals. “They should be driven by the

Costs & financial support

Jennifer Boyle and her husband, Neil, bought a ranch-style home in Essex County, New Jersey, for their son, Sean, who is 19 and uses

“Reimbursement is not guaranteed, but the fund may consider all expenses related to a child’s condition in a 12-month period,” said Christian Heiss, executive director of the New Jersey fund. If the qualifications are met, residents can receive $25,000 toward home modification costs per year.

Massachusetts also has a Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund Program.

Adiba Nelson of Tucson, Arizona, was able to modify her bathroom when her daughter, Emory Webster, was 10 years old and began navigating her power wheelchair on her own.

SEE

PAGE F10

Ellen Ladau and her daughter Emily are power wheelchair users who have slowly made the kitchen of their home in West Babylon, N.Y., more accessible by experimenting with the placement of cookware and storage. (ANDY

Terry & Kim Kovel | Antiques & Collecting

What’s behind this sign?

ANTIQUE ADVERtising and store signs are popular collectibles and decorations. Sometimes, the makers are as interesting as the subjects. This butcher’s sign, made of painted cast iron, sold for $1,188 at an auction by Cowan’s (Hindman). It was made by the Bernard Gloekler company.

The eponymous Bernard Gloekler, who immigrated to the United States from Germany, started his factory and shop in Pittsburgh. He had previously trained as a gunsmith but took his mechanical talents in a different direction: making industrial kitchen equipment for shops, restaurants and hotels. By the early 20th century, they were doing business all over the United States. When Gloekler died in 1911, his son Charles took over the company. The design seen on this sign, a saw, cleaver and knife with a standing bull for a finial, appears on many other Gloekler pieces. For example, a smaller version may be used as a crest on butcher’s racks. Maybe keep Gloekler in mind at your next barbecue!

Q. I found some Norman Rockwell embossed prints in my family’s things. Are they valuable? How can I find collectors who might want to buy them?

A. Norman Rockwell (1894-1978) was an artist and illustrator best-known for his nostalgic portrayals of 20th-century American life. Between 1916 and 1963, he painted more than 300 covers for The Saturday Evening Post. In 1963, he began painting illustrations and covers for Look magazine, with subjects about current events, including civil rights issues and space exploration. Rockwell created over 4,000 original works of art, including illustrations for advertisements, books, catalogs,

We may not know who this sign was for, but it was made by the Bernard Gloekler Co. of Pennsylvania. The company made kitchen equipment for restaurants, hotels and butcher shops.

(COWLES SYNDICATE INC.)

calendars, posters, sheet music and other items. Original artwork, paintings, sketches and prints signed by the artist have sold for a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars. The signature has to be authenticated by a qualified appraiser to be of value. Rockwell prints have been mass-produced in many sizes and most are inexpensive. Some sell online for $5 to $10.

Q. I inherited three plates marked “Gilman Collamore & Co., Fifth Avenue & 30th St., New York.” Can you tell me something about the company and

when my dishes were made?

A. Gilman Collamore & Co. was founded in New York City in 1861. The company opened showrooms in The Wilbraham, an apartment hotel for bachelors, on Fifth Avenue and 30th Street in 1890. They were still at that address in 1920, but there is no further information on the company.

Q. We own a 1954 White Furniture Company “Colleton Collection” dining room set which includes a table with chairs, breakfront and credenza. We’d

CURRENT PRICES

Current prices are recorded from antiques shows, flea markets, sales and auctions throughout the United States. Prices vary in different locations because of local economic conditions.

Game, pinball, Baffle-Ball, green ground, yellow letters, four score pockets in diamond shape, red horseshoe at top, two instruction panels at base, 23 x 14 inches, $65.

Shaving mug, occupational, artist, painter’s palette, Karl V. Klockner, gilt trim, short foot, green mark, W. Austria, 3 3/4 x 3 3/4 inches, $85.

Nautical, sextant, U.S. Navy, Rangefinder, Stadimeter, fitted wood case, instruction sheet, exterior plaque, U.S. Maritime Commission, Schick Incorporated, 1942, 11 1/4 x 11 1/2 inches, $250.

Pottery, jar, Hopi, shoulders, flared rim, tan ground, black and brown pattern, jagged white lines, signed, Jean Sahme, 8 x 9 inches, $310.

Bottle opener, figural, fish, marlin, painted, blue and white, “Duxbury, Mass.” on side, snout and tail raised, iron, mid-20th century, $360.

Lamp, oil, solar, frosted glass globe, cut flowers, 12 hanging prisms, opaque glass column, white and blue striped, bronze mounts, electrified, Deitz Brothers & Co., New York, 30 inches, $430.

Advertising, mirror, Whistle Soda Pop, “Look your best,” “Drink the best,” diagonal bottle graphic, orange letters, 14 x 10 inches, $525.

Clothing, hat, bowler, black, Native American beaded band, silver tone bird pin on front, gold tone U.S. Seal pin on side, gold tone crossed swords pin on brim, The Rival Hat, 7 3/4 x 6 inches, $620.

Furniture, table, center, Classical, mahogany, marble top, serpentine, leafy carved frieze, trestle base, leafy carved scrolls, pierced carved stretcher, mid-19th century, 28 x 38 x 22 inches, $1,410.

like to know what it’s worth.

A. Brothers William E. and

David A. White began making furniture in Mebane, North Carolina, in 1881.

Toy, pedal car, Buick, open top, olive green, orange trim, plexiglass windshield, painted, metal, Gendron, 30 x 66 x 26 inches, $4,800. SEE ANTIQUES, PAGE F9

By H annah Holland The Washington Post

Want to make over secondhand furniture, give cabinet hardware a new finish or revive an old lamp? The answer is probably two words: spray paint.

This DIYer’s secret weapon is affordable, versatile and easy to use — if you know how. Here’s how to get a flawless finish every time.

1. Get your supplies

One of the best parts of spray painting is how little equipment you need to do a good job.

Experts say you’ll need three different coats: spray primer, spray paint in whatever color and finish you’ve chosen, and spray-on sealer. You will also need sanding blocks, sanding sheets, or a wire brush depending on the material you’re spray painting, and tack cloth.

When it comes to choosing a paint, the finish options can seem overwhelming. But there are some general pointers to help you decide. “Highgloss spray paints provide a slick surface that is easily cleaned and provides the best color protection, especially when the item painted is left outside,” says Dennis Fiorilli, director of product excellence at Sherwin Williams. The drawback: High-gloss or metallic will more easily show imperfections. A matte or

textured finish, on the other hand, will camouflage flaws, but isn’t as easy to clean, or as resistant to stains and sun damage.

In many cases, a satin finish — which falls between matte and glossy — is a safe bet, says MinChan Koo, associate brand manager for spray paint company Krylon.

2. Protect your space Spray-painting outside or in a garage with the doors open is ideal. If that’s not possible, there are ways to make an indoor space work.

“The most important thing is creating a well-ventilated area,” says Amanda Conley, the blogger behind Determined DIY. “Air flow helps with dry time and so you don’t breathe in [fumes].”

Before you do anything else, open windows and doors, and turn on a fan. And, as Fiorilli stresses, spray paint is flammable, so this is not the time to light a cigarette or candle.

Whether outside or in, you’ll want to protect the surface beneath your project.

Gena Jaffe, a popular DIYer on Instagram, saves flattened delivery boxes to reuse as floor-covering, though a regular drop cloth would work, too. If you’re spraying indoors, Shereen Farooq, the DIYer behind Instagram account @pretty.and.functional, suggests investing in

a spray tent — a collapsible, lightweight structure that will protect your walls and furniture.

3. Protect yourself

Just like your floors, you need to protect yourself. Bob Glass, merchant and paint specialist at Home Depot, recommends “using latex gloves, eye protection, protective

clothing, and face protection, such as a disposable respirator when spray painting.”

Heavy-duty respirator masks are a good reusable option if you’re planning multiple projects, but Jaffe says sturdy disposable masks, such as N95s, can work, too.

She recommends wearing clear goggles for eye protec-

tion, especially while sanding.

4. Clean your surface

Paint will adhere best to surfaces that Fiorilli describes as, “clean, dull and dry.” Whether you’re painting a plastic planter, a metal picture frame, or a piece of wood furniture, you’ll want to give it a thorough scrub first.

Lee Reich | In The Garden

Watering plants doesn’t have to be a nuisance

MY HOUSEPLANTS

are enjoying their summer vacation. They are outdoors, their leaves cleansed by summer showers or otherwise joyously basking in sunlight unobstructed by window panes. Luxuriant growth is fostered by weekly feedings of fertilizer, and a daily drenching of roots with water.

The last-named luxury afforded these plants — their daily dose of water — can overburden even the most dedicated plant lover. The problem is that natural rainfall can’t supply all the water needed in the limited root run of a pot. Having to hand water potted plants through the summer once tethered me to my home as much as a milch cow would have.

Watering potted plants need not be drudgery (and is no longer for me), because the whole process is easily and inexpensively automated. Kits are available, or individual components can be purchased, for systems that direct water from a hose spigot into a plastic pipe (called “the header”), then out into short lengths of small diameter tubing (“spaghetti tubes”) which terminate in special emitters set in each pot.

Nowadays, I set up my automatic pot watering system late each spring, once plants have begun growth in earnest and slurp up water fast enough so they are more apt to suffer

from underwatering than from overwatering. I group houseplants together at various places around my yard. The grouped plants make an attractive oasis, with header tubing bringing water to each “oasis.”

is a battery-operated timer. Without the timer, I would have to turn on the water, then come back later to turn it off — admittedly not a very demanding responsibility, but with the timer I even can leave for days at a time, knowing my plants are getting watered.

I set the timer to turn the water on for fifteen minutes each day of the week at eleven o’clock in the morning. This is late enough in the day to carry the plants through the heat of the day, yet early enough to revive any plant that may have wilted on a previous especially hot, dry, and windy day.

A fertilizer injector is an optional component that could follow the water computer along the water line. I prefer to hand fertilize my plants. This gives me the opportunity, at least once a week, to take a close look at each plant, and I can tailor fertilization to individual plant’s needs.

the hose would thread onto a length of black polyethylene tubing (1/2” to 1” diameter) laid on the ground near the plants. I use black polyethylene tubing for the whole length of the water run.

The black polyethylene is the tube into which the spaghetti tubes with emiters plug. The spaghetti tubes plug into holes in the header made with a special punch. The fit should be snug, and no glueing is necessary.

A spaghetti tube snakes into each pot, two tubes for large pots.

This time of year, with luxuriant plant growth, an automatic watering system probably does a better job of watering that any gardener can do (barring those gardeners with an abundance of patience and time, and few plants).

If they were spread around the patio or yard, longer runs of mains, buried or mulched out of view, could bring water to the plants

Starting at the hose spigot, the first component of my automatic watering system

Next along the water line is a 150 mesh filter, which removes any particles in the water that could clog the spaghetti tubes or emitters. Following the filter is a pressure regulator, which is needed only if the emitters are of the low flow type, also known as “trickle” or “drip” irrigation emitters, which put out a quarter to a couple of gallons per hour.

Garden hose could bring water from the pressure regulator or filter to any oasis of potted plants. At its end,

When a chill returns to the air in late summer, plant growth will slow and water will linger in pots. Then, roots are apt to become damaged from overwatering. At that time I either keep a more careful eye on the weather, the water, and the plants, and turn the system on and off manually, or opt for hand watering.

Any gardening questions? Email them to me at garden@ leereich.com and I’ll try answering them directly or in this column. Come visit my garden at leereich.com/blog.

Are ants harmful to the garden? Usually not

By JeSSicA DAMiANO

Associated Press

I replanted some of my containers last week, swapping out dead pansies for petunias, which will better withstand the heat as summer progresses. As I removed the spent plants from their pots, a swarm of ants immediately covered my bare arms.

That wasn’t the first time I’d

disturbed an ants’ nest in my garden. Last year, they were in my potato grow bags; the year prior, in the front garden bed. Each encounter ended with me racing into the house, removing my clothes as quickly as possible, placing them straight into the washer and taking my second shower of the day.

It’s not pleasant to stumble upon a colony of ants, to say the

least, but are the tiny little insects actually harmful to our plants?

Myths abound! I’ve heard gardeners attest that peonies won’t bloom without ants. This is simply untrue. I’ve also heard gardeners lament that ants were eating their peony blossoms. Also untrue. In reality, ants and peonies share a mutually beneficial relationship: Peony buds exude a sweet nectar that

attracts and feeds the ants, who in return protect the plant from insect pests.

(I’m not referring here to carpenter ants, fire ants or leafcutter ants, which can pose serious threats to structures, people and plants, respectively. If you’ve identified one of those species around your home, insecticides may be warranted. Check with your county extension office for

guidance.)

Some folks report noticing leaves on a plant turning black and, upon inspection, find an army of ants on its on stems and foliage. It’s not the ants that are damaging the plant, however. They’re innocent bystanders whose presence merely indicates that the plant is infested with aphids, the real threats in this scenario.

Running water to plants via small drip tubes is convenient for everyday watering of potted plants outdoors in summer. (LEE

REICH PHOTO)

30-year rate inches back up to 6.81%

By M ATT O TT Associated Press

The average long-term U.S. mortgage rate ticked back up this week, remaining a barrier for Americans trying to upgrade or buy their first home.

The average rate on the benchmark 30-year home loan rose to 6.81% this week from 6.78% last week, which was the lowest level in a month, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday. One year ago, the average rate was 5.3%.

High rates can add hundreds of dollars a month in costs for borrowers, limiting how much they can afford in a market already unaffordable to many Americans.

High inflation has driven the Federal Reserve to jack up interest rates since early last year.

Highest in 22 years

Beginning with its first hike in March 2022, the central bank has lifted its benchmark interest rate to between 5.1% and 5.3%, its highest level in 22 years.

The average rate on a 30year mortgage remains more than double what it was two years ago, when ultra-low rates spurred a wave of home sales and refinancing.

The far higher rates now are contributing to a dearth of available homes.

Homeowners who locked in those lower borrowing costs two years ago are reluctant to sell and jump into a higher rate on a new property.

The lack of housing supply is also a big reason home sales are down 23% over the past six months.

The average rate on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages, popular with those refinancing their homes, inched up to 6.11% from 6.06% last week.

A year ago, it averaged 4.58%, Freddie Mac said.

Deeds

AGAWAM

Adam Rovithis and Laurie M. Rovithis to Milne Law PC, trustee, and 31 South Brooke Funding Trust, trustee of, 31 South Brooke Lane, $510,000.

Averett William Heinz Bass and Natalie Bass to Anastasia Sajin and Vitalii Sajin, 56 Horsham Place, $430,000.

Catherine E. Alberti to Molly E. Perrone and Marc Perrone, 37 Hampden Lane, $510,000.

Craig J. Spjute and Sydnee M. Spjute to Shahar Tal, 1159 River Road, $495,000.

Kadam D. Desai and Rita K. Desai to Erica Rachel Gilbert, 216 Beekman Drive, Unit 216, $212,950.

Marc Perrone, Marc J. Perrone-Rinaldi, Molly E. Perrone and Molly E. Cahill to Patrick Codjoe, 75 Forest Road, $360,000.

Timothy I. Macaulay and Paula M. Macaulay to Jose M. Cabrera and Maria T. Cabrera, 5 Brookside Drive, $470,000.

AMHERST

East Pleasant Street Partners LLC, to Seunghun Kang, 985 East Pleasant St., $400,000.

John Jenkins and Miriam Jenkins to James Garland and Carole Garland, 14 McIntosh Drive, $775,000.

Margherita Russotto to Hossam N. Makkar, 25 Greenleaves Drive, $175,000.

May H. Elgers-Lo to May H. Elgers-Lo, trustee, and Revocable Indenture of Trust of May H. Elgers-Lo, Woodlot Road, $100.

Noah C. Elkin and Irene Barbara Krauthamer to Heejae Kim and Melody A. Morris, 197 Amity St., $905,000.

Bradford Spry to Nathalie Joyce Rodriguez, 12 Palley Village Place, $440,000.

Michael D. Robbins to Ravi K. Karkar and Aesha B. Bhattacharya, 56 Kestrel Lane, $875,000.

Deborah Alyse Dorfman to John Griffin and Claire Griffin, 38 Kingman Road, $810,000.

Karen Sheingold to Scott Cashen and Emily Cashen, 21 Hop Brook Road, $935,777.

Cobb Properties LLC, to Lucas Tragos, Hayk Krikorian and Antonio DiTommaso, Salem Place, $309,000.

Radixon LLC, to Trisha Tanner, trustee, Christopher BiasIolli, trustee, and BiasIolli Tanner Family Trust, 7 Chadwick Court, $355,000.

BELCHERTOWN

Beverly E. Iuliano and Conrad J. Iuliano to Brianna R. Boyce, Carissa M. Spigner and Anthony C. Iuliano, 37 Magnolia Lane, $100. Louis Veillette and Louise Veillette to Louis Veillette, 324 North Washington St., $100.

Geraldine A. Amprimo, trustee, and Revocable Indenture of Trust of Geraldine A. Amprimo to Andrew D. Tremblay and Rebecca H. Tremblay, 46 Deer Run, $570,000.

Sonny J. Cirincione and Rosemaria Cirincione to Brendalys Encarnacion and Victor Angery Rijo, 6 Willow Lane, $590,000.

Todd R. Perry, Aidan Perry-Lanciani and Aidan Lanciani to Ryan Gray and Brittany Gray, 108 Jabish St., $302,000.

Linda Rotti to Mung T. Pham, 787 Bay Road, $350,000.

Jonathan P. Rothstein to Gabriella Fox and Trang Pham, 10 Howe St., $405,000.

Douglas N. Bachand, Laura K. Bachand and Laura E. Kopec to Todd R. Perry and Aidan M. Perry-Lanciani, 110 Barton Ave., $450,000.

John E. Lacey and Shirley L. Lacey to John E. Lacey, 168 South St., $100.

BERNARDSTON

Gabriel P. Mousseau and Stacey L. Mousseau to Joe E. Otto II, 366 Bald Mountain Road, $440,000.

BLANDFORD

James Landers to Albert G. Calef III, and Tara M. Calef, 67 Main St., $230,000.

BUCKLAND

Douglas M. Cole and Rose M. Cole to Carisa O’Kelly, 9 Bray Road. $118,000.

Deborah M. Decoigne and Douglas N. Decoigne to Brenda M. Spencer and Jeffrey B. Spencer, Charlemont Road, $20,000.

CHARLEMONT

Miguel A. Garcia and Rosario Garcia to ARPC LLC, 1177 Mohawk Trail, $110,000.

CHESTER

David S. Muenzer and Rebecca Lieb to Maurice J. Garofoli and Theresa M. Garofoli, 104 North Chester Road, $550,000.

John Baldasaro to Christopher Daningburg, 0 Lynes Road, $28,000.

Kimberly Siegel to Maria Raus and Harro Raus, Round Hill Road, Lot 17, $25,000.

CHICOPEE

Darlene A. Parkinson, trustee, and Parkinson Family Revocable Trust, trustee of, to Clinton E. Smith, 97 Homer St., $400,000.

Doris M. Erickson to Linda Santoni, 25 Pheasant Way, Unit 6066B, $195,000.

Gail Chapman and Anthony O. Chapman to Laurie N. Sullivan, 1153 James St., Unit X4, $218,000.

Kevin M. Waller to Drew S. Degree, 65 Woodbridge Road, Unit 6232A, $217,000.

Mabell Gallagher and Mabell B. Teixeira to Kyle LaPlante, 68 Oakwood St., $240,000.

Michael J. Gelinas and Erica R. Gelinas to Michael J. Gelinas, 56

Neill Ave., $61,175.

Michael R. Lehouillier to Emily Berge and William Lyons, 49 Dickinson St., $117,000.

Patrick McNamara to Raul Gomez, 10-12 Lucretia Ave., $395,000. R G East Street LLC, to Fausto J. Rosa, 86 Haven Ave., $379,500.

Robert W. Hannigan, representative, Elizabeth E. Hannigan, representative, and Robert Hannigan to Clement J. Turcotte and Lisette M. Turcotte, 85 Ruskin St., $200,000.

Sandra Lee Gawron and Jennifer B. Stefanik to Jeffrey M. Carter, 15 Woodbridge Road, Unit 6229C, $221,000.

Son T Vo to Eloma Johnson and Danielle Johnson, 57 Harwich St., $468,000.

Tamrah Stepien to Brandon Enrique Rivera and Melissa Marie Rivera, 113 Beauchamp Terrace, $275,000.

WG 2023 LLC, to Falco Family Irrevocable Residence Trust, trustee of, Michael Falco, Maria Falco and Michelle McDonald, trustee, 1 St. James Ave., $2,950,000.

CUMMINGTON

Ronald E. Wolf to Matthew R. Guertin, 6 Mougin Road, $116,100.

EAST LONGMEADOW

Aimee C. Bihler to Jeanne I. Heaton, Lauren J. Heaton and Edward W. Heaton Jr., 321 Porter Road, $321,000.

Alicia M. Turowsky to Jamie Anskis, 44 Rural Lane, $320,000.

Bowl New England Inc., to 168 Shaker LLC, 168 Shaker Road, $3,250,000. Denali Properties LLC, to Conner J. Harper, 328 Maple St., $330,000.

John F. Springer III, representative, John F. Springer Jr., estate, and John F. Springer, estate, to Laura Christine Tondera and Patrick Hellyer, 40 Baymor Drive, $364,400.

SEE DEEDS, PAGE F8

Deeds

CONTINUES FROM PAGE

Kathleen A. Reid to Daniel Kevin Naylor and Shanti Serena Dsouza, 26 Anthony Drive, $375,000.

Mehdi Sebaradar, Seyedmehdi Sehbarader and Homa H. Kashani to Catherine Germain and Wissmon Germain, 1 Redin Lane, $325,000.

Silvana A. Ayala to Jeremiah Begley and Elizabeth Begley, 74 Sanford St., $545,000.

Susan Vinocour to Mona M. Desai and Abhijit Desai, 33 Broadleaf Circle, Unit I-16, $589,000.

EASTHAMPTON

Frederick P. Andresen and Jane Pelton Andresen to Jeffery Alan Clark, 420 East St., $255,000.

Maura L. McCarthy and Charles T. Conner to Christine Andrews, 314 Main St., $569,000.

Tara M. Calef, Tara Marie Silva and Albert G. Calef III, to Molly Marielle Ronan, 142 Parsons St., $315,000.

Kathleen A. Sullivan, trustee, and Jan C. Sullivan Revocable Living Trust to Jennifer Robson, 53 Pomeroy St., $396,000.

ERVING

Kory A. McLellan, personal representative of the Estate of Shawn M. McLellan, to Christopher C. Miller, 3 Gunn St., $110,000.

GILL

Joe E. Otto II, to Evan George Fox and Zoe Alyssa Fox, 8 South Cross Road, $295,000.

GOSHEN

Alexander Jacob Kessler to Brian P. Heath and Tena L. Heath, 4 Highland Road, $434,000.

GRANBY

Denis L. LaFleur to KHL Group LLC, 172 West State St., $900,000.

GREENFIELD

Benjamin Otto Jr., to Capricia M. Morin, 69 Wildwood Ave., $205,000.

Austin E. Moreno to Jeffrey A. Goralski Jr., 28 Wunsch Road, $269,028.

Tonya M. Freeman to Michael Klein and Marcel LaFlamme, 99 Meridian St., $310,000.

Toby A. O. Holmes to Valencia LLC, 43 Congress St., $400,000.

Carol J. Avonti, as personal representative of the Estate of Judith B. Stein, and as trustee of the Judith B. Stein Revocable Living Trust, to

Eric R. Lupien, 278 Deerfield St., $215,000.

HADLEY

Gary A. Vaughan Sr., and Karen Weber to Helen Wang, 13 Shattuck Road, $615,000.

HAMPDEN

Richard F. Wiencek Jr., and Primitiva S. Wiencek to Christopher Horwitz and Laura Sauriol, 140 North Monson Road, $450,000.

HOLYOKE

37 Clinton Avenue LLC, to 37 Clinton Realty LLC, 37 Clinton Ave., $705,000.

Brooke G. Schnabel and Santha Parke to Zachary T. Jenkins and Ellen Serra, 105-107 Nonotuck St., $365,000.

Jesus M. Candelario to Schuyler Goldmanscher, 1139 Dwight St., Unit A, $140,000.

Lismel Luciano to Brenna E. Levitin, 48 Vernon St., $275,000.

Manasvini Singh and Jacob Zureich to Megan S. Kennedy and Heidi R. Bohler, 64 Hillview Road, $382,250.

Nathan M. Hammond and Jamie D. Hammond to Hayley G. Nicholas, 61 Norwood Terrace, $375,000.

Pauline M. Carriere to Alexandra M. Rechen, 129 St Jerome Ave., $234,900.

Robert Everett Moniz to Luis Antonio Pichazaca Alvarez and Rosa Dutan Pinguil, 69-71 West Glen St., $389,900.

LEVERETT

Lisa M. Williams and Ronald L. Williams to Jenna Moreno and Wayne T. Moreno, 487 Long Plain Road, $531,000.

LONGMEADOW

Aaron Terry and Jennifer Minish to Pratyusha Bollimunta, 41 Deep Woods Drive, $591,000. Bay Path University to Molly McKnight and Miguel Figueroa, 85 Arlington Road, $460,000.

Peter Zimmer and Paula Zimmer to David Thor and Maura Thor, 88 Ridge Road, $626,000.

Robert J. Khoury and Kristen T. Khoury to Daniel Hubbs and Melissa Hubbs, 89 Longmeadow St., $600,000.

LUDLOW

Fred Balbino to Bruce Burns and Sandra Burns, 15 Bucknell St., $353,500.

Kathleen J. Broderick to Stephanie Beauregard and Daniel Beauregard, 172 Holy Cross Circle, $340,000.

Kenneth R. Lynch to Franklin Eboso and Alice E. Kadima, 665 Center St., $265,000.

Miguel A. Martinez to Armando W. Olivares and Ismael Joel Lopez, 252 Miller St., $310,000.

Randy P. Pascale and Kim K. Pascale to Justin C. Before and Jennifer E. Before, 96 Prospect Gardens, $261,000.

Vincent A. Serrazina to Danielle Burstein, 95 Yale St., $255,000. Whitetail Wreks LLC, to Khoa Nguyen, trustee, Hien Lu, trustee, and Nguyen Lu Family Revocable Trust, trustee of, Equinox Pass, Lot 88, $169,900.

MIDDLEFIELD

Enrico C. Daniele and Rosemary N. Daniele to Cody Gerry and Tylor Gosselin, Skyline Trail, $45,001.

MONTAGUE

USA Veterans Affairs to Dexiong Lin, 59 G Street, $65,000

AGT Homes LLC, to Tatiana Kushnar and Oleksandr Lyvytsky, 18 Letourneau Way, $338,000.

Jacqueline M. Galvis, “aka” Jacqueline A. Galvis, personal representative of the Estate of Constance A. Galvis, to Carrie Charboneau, 35 Davis St., $300,000.

Kimberly A. Slauenwhite and Tina Marie Hartwell, personal representatives of the Estate of Diane Mary Slauenwhite, “aka” Diane M. Slauenwhite, to David A. Cobb, 7 James Ave., $301,790.

NORTHAMPTON

Harry Winton Ridabock II, and Anne Ridabock to Geraldine A. Walker, Baker Hill Road, Nonotuck Street, Hinkley Street and Hinckley Street, 8,000.

Zachary N. Helms and Michelle W. Helms to Joseph D. Rando and Licia M. Rando, 31 Rustlewood Ridge, $1,200,000.

Dewey Court Properties LLC, to Jeffrey F.C. Dalzell and Virginia E. Soybel, 34 Dewey Court, $888,889. Konheim Properties LLC, to Rachel A. Belanger, 25 Wilson Ave., $575,000.

Russell J. Tavolacci and Mary A. Tavolacci to Trinh Nguyen, 972 Florence Road, $395,000. Mary Kay Marple to Christina Nancy Sheils and Justin Covino, 71 Gilrain Terrace, $315,000.

Allison S. Keefe, trustee, and Jerome & Susan Szawlowski Family Trust to Andrew Rotman and Janna White, 18 Hancock St., $651,000.

NORTHFIELD

Richard C. French and Emily A. Samuels to Desiree L. Robert-

son-Dubois and Jesse A. S. Robertson-Dubois, 664 Millers Falls Road, $485,000.

Robin Conley to James Boulton and Lu Lui, 21 Old Bernardston Road, $460,000.

ORANGE

Dorothy J. Verheyen to Jeffrey Miller, Carpenter Street, $38,000.

Terry V. Teague, Iindividually and personal representative of the Estate of Lawrence C. Teague, to Leilani K. Backus, trustee of the 357 Tully Road Realty Trust, 357 Tully Road, $130,000.

Wicked Deals LLC, to Judith Bolduc, 58 Winter St., $169,000.

Fred Heyes to Dennis F. Bramhall and Linda J. Bramhall, Walnut Hill Road, $42,000.

PALMER

Ann Elise Lauridsen, David H. Lauridsen Jr., and Claire D. Lauridsen to Karl T. Hunter and Michelle E. Hunter, 134 River St., $275,000.

Dreamwake Homes Inc., to Chenevert Properties LLC, 3182-3184 High St., $170,000.

Edward Thomas Jr., Dimiero Investments LLC, 36 Grove St., $122,300.

Gwendolyn J. Levine, trustee, Gwendolyn Levine, trustee, and GJL RNL Nominee Trust, trustee of, to Drew Duquette, 1038 Pine St., $319,900.

Richard Sibya to Dreamwake Homes Inc., 3182-3184 High St., $70,000.

Roger Kender to Evelyn Amaro, 124 Shearer St., $290,000.

Steve Ozcelik and Nuray Ozcelik to Winfridah Monyangi Makori, 1 State St., $340,000.

PLAINFIELD

Michelle R. Bolduc, personal representative, Christian Wrobel, estate, and Christian W. Wrobel, estate, to Kenan P. Young, 90 North Union St., $290,000.

RUSSELL

Hart River LLC to Daniel J. Minelli, 33 River St., $207,500.

SHELBURNE

Christopher M. Hoynoski and Kara J. Jacobsen to Andrew McGrath and Camille Tahar, 685 Mohawk Trail, $395,000.

SOUTH HADLEY

Gabriel Silva and Yesica Silva to Daniel Kersetter, 52 Camden St., $292,500.

Nancy D. Van Belle, Nancy D. Thompson, Carol O. Josefek and

Carol O. Allard to Theresa L. Van Belle, 8 Plainville Road, $100.

Theresa L. Van Belle to Emma R. Mendoker and Ann Mendoker, 8 Plainville Road, $515,000.

Brittany Weise, personal representative, and David A. Weise, estate, to Kenneth Kosiba, 37 Lawn St., $250,000.

Kenna W. Symington to Whitney D. Lyman, 133 Lyman St., $375,000. Ryan Fitzgerald, personal representative, and Kevin J. Fitzgerald, estate, to Shirley Vernick, 47 Wildwood Lane, $530,000.

Corinne A. Garstka, trustee, and Violet T. Forni Irrevocable Trust to Kenna W. Symington, 414 Alvord Place, $300,000.

SOUTHAMPTON

Dennis Courtney, Michael J. Ludwin, Maribeth Courtney, Maribeth Courtney, personal representative, John F. Courtney, estate, Christine A. Bergeron, Courtney R. Ludwin, Courtney R. Ludwin, personal representative, and Robert M. Ludwin, estate, to Southampton Town and Southampton Town Water, 235 Pomeroy Meadow Road, $415,000.

SOUTHWICK

Roman Catholic Bishop of Springfield to Joseph Rodriguez and Laura Rodriguez, 220 Sheep Pasture Road, $240,000.

James A. Doyle and Lori A. Doyle to Jaren A. Lutenegger and Jill M. Lutenegger, 6 Coyote Glen, $640,000.

SPRINGFIELD

Anne Ragusa to Jocelyn Wills, 365 Nassau Drive, Unit 365, $180,000. Beatriz Santano-Rosario to Real Estate Investments Northeast LLC, 90 Leavitt St., $65,000.

Birch Properties LLC, to Danie A. Garcia Sanchez, 8-10 Langdon St., $336,000.

Brandon Lariviere to Corey Michael Williams, 65 Hanson Drive, $280,000. Brian Sheehan and Michele Sheehan to Vincent Manning, 43 Marchioness Road, $260,000.

Constance J. Mooney Family Revocable Trust, trustee of, and Christine M. Pikula, trustee, to Vuong Nguyen and Phuong L. Do, 17-19 Continental St., $302,500.

Chad M. Roberts to Osvaldo Goncalves, 185 Pasco Road, $297,100.

Charles E. Brantley, trustee, and Brantley Nominee Realty Trust, trustee of, to Jose A. Echevarria and Mariangeli Echevarria, 70 Wellington St., $363,000.

Chau My Tran to Phung Lam Ngo and Thi My Lan Truong, 333 Abbott St., $285,000.

Antiques

It was incorporated as White Rickel Furniture Co. in 1896 after A.J. Rickel invested in the company. Rickel sold his interest in 1899 and the name became White Furniture Co. In a 1946 magazine ad for “Colleton Collection” dining room furniture, the company claimed to be “the south’s oldest makers of fine furniture.” The company merged with Hickory Manufacturing Co. of Hickory, North Carolina, in 1988 and the name became Hickory White

More deeds

CONTINUES FROM PAGE F8

David Scagliarini, representative, and Helen T. Scagliarini, estate, to Plata O Plomo Inc., 661 Carew St., $33,000.

Deanna M. Delnegro to Alex J. Diaz and Jessica Diaz, 42 Steuben St., $230,000.

Eric E. Johnson and Lauren J. Johnson to Mychal A. Connolly Sr., and Adrienne Connolly, 61 Pheland Ave., $120,000.

Felix Decesare to Campagnari Construction LLC, 25 Manitoba St., $192,500.

Grahams Construction Inc., to Dania Kamara Scott and Marcia St. Claire Scott, 135 West Crystal Brook Drive, $562,000.

HB3 Cascade Funding Mortgage Trust to Ahmed Aljanabi, 102 Florence St., $180,000.

JoeJoe Properties LLC, to Waldemar Torres Diaz, 21 Merwin St., $425,000.

Jose D. Juarez to O & P Realty Associates LLC, 81-83 Miller St., $100.

Jovany Lopez Perez to Damion G. Reid, 218 Oakland St., $320,000.

Kelnate Realty LLC, trustee, and St. James Circle Realty Trust, trustee of, to JJJ17 LLC, 26-28 St. James Circle, $167,000.

Kip M. Connor, representative, and Susan Connor, estate, to Paul F. Strong and Maria T. Bergeron, 16 Middlebrook Drive, $312,500.

Linden Shopping Center Inc., to Perfect Properties LLC, 187 Main St., $460,000.

Maria L. Papallo to David Porcello, 494 Tiffany St., $315,000.

Maribel Galinato-Wills to Maribel Galinato-Wills and Randolph Wills, 248-250 Orange St., $100.

Co. The factory in Mebane closed in 1993. Value depends on the desirability of the style, the type of wood, and condition. A mahogany double pedestal table sold for $650, a walnut round table with two leaves and six chairs sold for $300 and a walnut credenza sold for $275.

Q.I’d like to know the value of a porcelain vase that was my grandmother’s. It has pink and yellow flowers on a white background. The vase is cylindrical, tapered slightly in the middle, and is 12-inches tall and about 4-inches wide. The bottom is

Mary E. McNally to Brandon Eric Whitice, 156 South Branch Parkway, $335,000.

Melanie Massiah Gordon and Christopher Diyaolu to Han Pham and My T. Nguyen, 42 Kerry Drive, $445,000.

Michael J. Chernick, representative, and Charles I. Bean, estate, to Peter Mengwasser, 48-50 Draper St., $300,000.

Michael R. Bleau and Kathleen M. Bleau to James Moreau-Blondel and Reichel V. Barrios, 42-44 Wrentham Road, $348,000.

Nelson Garcia to Jorge L. Montalban Garcia, Maria E. Montalban and Luz E. Montalban, 3-5 Providence St., $400,000.

Olga Iris Valentin to Edwin A. Rodriguez and Taynairre Sanchez, 154 Groveland St., $270,000.

Ricky B. Horner Jr., and Dania K. Scott to Abi A. Chinchilla Herrera and Yaritza E. Roman Rodriguez, 33 Villa Parkway, $238,000.

Rossmere LLC, to Latino Counseling Center Inc., 0 NS Stockbbridge Street, $900,000.

Terrence B. Larace, Theresa Larace and Theresa Girard-Larace to Jessica E. Hardy and Ali B. Hussein, 158 Gillette Ave., $285,000.

Thoi T Phan to John M. Kwigwasa, 18-20 Lancashire Road, $360,000.

Vanessa Iris Mascowski-Garcia and Juan M. Garcia Jr., to Omar Noureddine and Lama Nasser, 1617 Plumtree Road, $287,000.

Vincent Michael Criscitelli and Priscilla Criscitelli to Coraly Veliz, 37 Phoenix St., $254,000.

West Valley LLC, to Cawrue LLC, 98 Forest Park Ave., $270,000.

Wicked Deals LLC, to LKN Realty Investments LLC, 252 Bay St., $170,000.

Yellowbrick Property LLC, to Wendy Beecher and Terry Lee, 42 Parkwood St., $285,000.

marked with what looks like a bag tied with a ribbon with the words “Willets” above and “Belleek” below.

A.Belleek, a cream-colored porcelain with pearly glaze, was first made in Ireland in the 1860s. Willets Manufacturing Company was one of a few American companies that began making Belleek in the 1880s. The company was founded in Trenton, New Jersey, in 1879. The mark that looks like “a bag tied in the middle” is a snake, whose body makes three loops forming a triangular shape. Willets closed

Yves Charles, trustee, and Rose Legacy Living Trust, trustee of, to Zoraida Velazquez Matos, 287 St. James Ave., $190,000.

SUNDERLAND

Deena Bobbitt and Steven Bobbitt to Sara S. Ardren and William R. Ardren, 35 North Plain Road, $640,035.

WALES

Charles Smith, representative, James Joseph Smith, estate, and James J. Smith, estate, to Charles E. Smith III, 125 Main St., $156,000.

Joel Wall and Charmaine L. Wall to David Brittain, 64 Stafford Road, $310,000.

WARE

Carol H. Koczur to Jeffrey S. Choiniere, 254 Greenwich Road, $270,000.

WEST SPRINGFIELD

326 Park Street LLC, to Amat Victoria Curam LLC, 326 Park St., $300,000.

Anne M. DePalma to Joseph C. Cosgrove, 77 Heywood Ave., $375,000.

Bailey Housing LLC, to Omer F. Akyuz and Arzu Can Akyuz, 43 Lower Massachusetts Ave, $475,000.

Federal National Mortgage Association and Fannie Mae to Daniel Soto-Lopez, 20 North Boulevard, $335,000.

Carl F. Hoffman, estate, Cameron Hoffman, representative, Darien Hoffman, Tambria Dery and Marlena Timins to Ontour Properties Inc., 419 Dewey St., $150,000.

Dhan Rai to Nathan Hammond and Jamie D. Hammond, 103 Bonair

about 1912. New Jersey China Pottery Co. made pottery with the Willets Belleek name until about 1914. Some Willets Belleek was sold undecorated and painted by professional artists or amateur painters. Value depends on size, decoration and condition. A 12-inch vase painted with flowers sold last year for $90.

TIP: Try to rearrange your furniture once a year to avoid noticeable sun fading.

Terry Kovel and Kim Kovel answer readers’ questions sent to the column. Send a letter with one question describing the size, material (glass, pottery) and what

Ave., $430,000.

Dinesh Mainali to Aniket Giri, 39 Merrick St., $280,000.

Holly A. Krota and David W. Maryniski to Christopher J. Battista and Melanie Battista, Amostown Road, Lot 5, $151,000.

Julie M. Warzecka to Danis Slivca, 1618 Memorial Ave., Unit 1, $130,000.

Mangal Magar and Tanka Kerung to Jesus Santiago and Katrina Ann Santiago, 23 Webster Ave., $253,000.

Mariana Ditoro and Rosemary Jensen to Alhagie Camara, 60 Chilson Road, $497,650.

Michael W. Matroni to Anas Abdulmalek Almafrachi, 122 Robinson Road, $325,000.

Robert F. Colbert and Noelle E. Colbert to Liam Browne and Lauren Browne, 228 Forest Glen, $485,000.

Rosa Maribel Montero Saeteros to Edras Medina and Helen Medina, 94 Riverdale St., $207,500.

Susan Blanchard, Ralph Blanchard, Terry Blanchard and Claire P. Blanchard to Larkspur LLC, 286 Lancaster Ave., $250,000.

WESTFIELD

Ivan Grusetchi, Linda Grusetchi and Lidia Grusetchi to Jimmy Douangdara, 176 Springdale Road, $381,000.

Kenneth Lyon and Tanya Lyon to Martha S. Barus, 114 Holyoke Road, $269,900.

Lal Gurung, Tika Gurung and Ram Gurung to Eric Breault and Chantal Breault, 1 Crown St., $346,000.

Larry John Carroll Jr., Eric Hooper and Larry J. Carroll to Property Advantage Inc., 5 Pontoosic Road, $117,000.

Noreen M. Garcia, representative, and Richard Garcia, estate, to

you know about the item. Include only two pictures, the object and a closeup of any marks or damage. Be sure your name and return address are included. By sending a question, you give full permission for use in any Kovel product. Names, addresses or email addresses will not be published. We do not guarantee the return of photographs, but if a stamped envelope is included, we will try. Questions that are answered will appear in Kovels Publications. Write to Kovels, The Republican, King Features Syndicate, 628 Virginia Dr., Orlando, FL 32803 or email us at collectorsgallery@ kovels.com.

Rachael L. Moyer, 18 Morgan Ave., $270,000.

Petros I. Mirisis and Jessica L. Mirisis to Omar Khdeer, 8 Hillcrest Circle $450,000.

Robert O’Brien, representative, and Karen F. O’Brien, estate, to Donna Mendall and Gary L. Russell, 37 Deborah Lane, $510,000.

Rudolph J. Ligenza, Colleen L. Ligenza and Colleen L. Burke to Kristin Jeanne Ofeldt, 70 Ridgeway St., $216,500.

Steven W. Garen, representative, and William J. Garen, estate, to Richard Marcoullier Jr., 20 Walker Ave., $355,000.

Susan Briski, representative, and Eugene Siurek, estate, to Michael Slade and Kimberly Slade, 58 Ridge Trail Road, $426,000.

Valerie C. Wojcicsky to Timothy P. Sicard, Sheila A. M. Sicard and Tyler Sicard, 11 Castle Hill Road, $293,000.

WHATELY

Mary Ann Derestie to Nourse Farms Real Estate Acquisition LLC, 16B River Road, $475,000.

WILBRAHAM

Heidi Meeker and Andrew L. Elliston to Gregory M. Kimball Jr., and Jennifer M. Kimball, 2205 Boston Road, Unit L-111, $320,000.

Sharon Marie Putnam, Lane R. Wuerthele, Judith A. Putnam and David A. Putnam to Joseph Huerta, 20 Bruuer Ave., $390,000.

Todd A. Ely to Bedrock Financial LLC, trustee, and Tennessee Jed Realty Trust, trustee of, 5V Ely Road, $90,000.

WILLIAMSBURG

Terry D. Dawson and Miana C. Hoyt-Dawson to George See and Katherine See, 81 South St., $302,850.

Accessibility

CONTINUES FROM PAGE F2

“The house was a one-story home that was mostly accessible already,” Nelson said. “It didn’t have thresholds or carpet and had an open floor plan, sizable rooms and doorways. The pantry with low shelves made it easy for my daughter to grab snacks. We modified the bathroom by removing the tub and replacing it with a roll-in shower.”

She received funding through the Arizona Division of Developmental Disabilities for the bathroom modification, which she guesses cost around $15,000, although the division paid for it directly.

Individuals who rent may need to pay more attention to accessibility because it is unlikely they will be able to make permanent modifications.

According to the Fair Housing Act, which protects both renters and buyers in the housing market, it is “unlawful to refuse to make reasonable accommodations to rules, policies, practices, or services when such accommodations may be necessary to

Paint

CONTINUES FROM PAGE F4

Says Glass: “Remove all dirt, grease, oil, salt or chemical contaminants by washing the surface with a commercial detergent” or another suitable cleaner like good old dish soap. Then thoroughly rinse with water and let the piece completely dry.

5. Sand it

Next, grab your sanding tools. Whether spray-painting something wood, metal or plastic, if you don’t sand first, experts say you risk your new paint color quickly chipping off.

On a piece of wood furniture, any old lacquer, stain or paint has to come off. For that kind of heavy sanding and stripping, says Glass, “you need coarse sandpaper measuring 40 to 60 grit.” Farooq says sanding blocks are easier to use for a project that requires extensive sanding, or

afford people with disabilities an equal opportunity to use and enjoy a dwelling and public and common use areas.”

Under the Fair Housing Act, renters generally need approval from the landlord, must pay for modifications and return the residence to its original design, said Glen H. Parker, a disability rights lawyer in New York. Some states and cities provide more rights to renters, requiring landlords to pay for modifications, he said.

The least permanent option and fastest way to make a house accessible from the outside is to add an aluminum ramp. An aluminum ramp is portable and can often be put in place in one day. “Ramp cost is based on length,” said Frank, owner of Back Home Safely. “For every inch of rise in the steps, you need about one foot of ramp. Three eight-inch steps would require the ramp to be 24 feet long and a foot of ramp costs around $150 so, to purchase a ramp to cover a three-step entrance would be around $3,600. Rentals are also available.”

Ellen Ladau and her daughter, Emily are both power wheelchair users in Suffolk

County, New York. Ladau modified their bathroom by adding a roll-in shower and sink. She was able to get funding through Medicaid to pay for it, but the first modification didn’t work out because the wheelchair turning radius wasn’t wide enough.

“Finding the right person to do the evaluation matters,” said Ed Myers, associate professor of occupational

therapy at Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers, Florida. “Ask the right questions and make sure the evaluator looks at the whole person, the family and what activities are important in their daily lives.”

One modification to a home might not be sufficient for most people with disabilities. Ladau ended up modifying their bathroom a second time. Now, she’s slowly making adjustments to the kitchen to make it more functional. For example, she moved her dishes and bowls to a lower cabinet, so it was easier to empty the dishwasher.

“It’s not an overnight fix,” Ladau said. “The needs of a person can evolve and change over time. The modifications that you make at a certain juncture might not work as you age.”

Universal designs

In the future, universal design, or homes built from the ground up with open floor plans, no-step entry and that are barrier-free, can allow for any and all individuals, regardless of ability, to enjoy the amenities of a home.

But aside from simple designs,

cost is also a factor that Micaela Connery, a co-founder and CEO of The Kelsey, a nonprofit based in the Bay Area, is concerned about. The Kelsey works with housing developers all over the country to create accessible homes.

These developers are either proactively looking to include designs that consider the disabled within the populations they are serving, or they’re working in places where accessibility and inclusion of people with disabilities is incentivized or required. Income restrictions for the housing might apply.

“We want to design better housing for all people by focusing on affordability, accessibility and inclusivity,” Connery said. Their designs, which typically include communities of 100 or more housing units, not only are accessible and affordable, but are often near public transit. This gives wheelchair users and other people with disabilities easy access to public transportation allowing them to work, enjoy communities and be closer to family, friends and other necessary resources.

for getting into smaller spaces (such as between the gaps on a ladder-back chair).

To sand metal items, Conley recommends using a wire brush. She takes one to her outdoor fire pit every year, scraping off any old flakes of paint and rust, before applying its annual coat of new paint. She advises getting rid of as much of the rust as possible, otherwise it could show through. A good primer application will help prevent this, too, Conley notes.

Sanding is also important when painting plastic or glass, but for a different reason.

Instead of sanding to create a smooth surface, you’ll want to sand to scuff up these items so the paint has something to grab on to. “Start with a 120-grit for light removal, and finish with a 220-grit for increased smoothness,” Koo says.

Finally, go over your piece — no matter what it’s made of — with a tack cloth, a special

type of cloth treated with a tacky material (hence the name) that will help remove any remaining particles left behind from sanding.

6. Prime it

Priming is nonnegotiable, especially if your sanding job was lackluster, to ensure the longevity of the paint. For rusty metal items, Conley and Glass both advise priming with RustOleum brand primer so the old rust doesn’t peek through. Stain-blocking primers, such as one made by Zinsser, says Fiorilli, are great for covering up other imperfections, such as dark knots in a wood surface. You’ll want to apply a thin, even coat. Glass suggests starting by vigorously shaking the can of primer for “one minute after the mixing ball begins to rattle.” Then, “Hold the can upright 10 to 16 inches from the surface and spray in a steady back-and forth motion, slightly overlapping each stroke.”

The primer must be totally dry before moving on to painting. “The primer is going to appear like it dried right away, but give it an hour,” Farooq says.

Once you’re sure it’s dry, lightly sand the primed surface. Glass recommends using “a super fine sandpaper with 360 to 600 grit.” In a pinch, Farooq says you can also gently sand with a brown paper bag.

7. Spray-paint it

Before spray-painting your piece, Fiorilli suggests “spraying onto a scrap piece of cardboard or paper to get a feel for how the can sprays.”

Once you have the hang of it, apply a thin, even coat of your paint, employing the same back-and-forth motion that you used with the primer. Koo reiterates that “thin coats” are the key.

One last bit of advice from Glass: “Keep the can the same distance from the surface during the duration of paint

application.” (Applying too much paint to one spot can cause it to build up and more easily chip off later.)

You’ll likely need at least two coats of spray paint for an even finish. Remember to let each coat fully dry before applying the next one.

8. Seal it

Sealing with a spray-on clear coat such as Krylon Acrylic Clear Finish or Rust-Oleum Ultra Cover Spray Paint is particularly important for protecting glass and metal pieces, or anything that is going to be handled a lot.

Simply apply your sealer with the same technique you used for your primer and paint. Sealing, Koo notes, can also be a fix for paint-choice remorse: “If you don’t love the sheen you selected at first, you can always consider applying another clear coat with your desired sheen.” Satin to matte in a snap.

Neil Boyle and his son Sean at their home in Essex County, N.J. Resources available from states, nonprofits, developers and housing groups can help make spaces work for families of all abilities. (TOM SIBLEY / THE NEW YORK TIMES)

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