Company President David Godbolt, an 18 year resident of Kitsap County who has been involved in many residential and commercial construction projects, said the new company focus is the result of increasing demand.

An estimated 10 people turn 65 years old every day in West Sound and more than 50,000 people here have disabilities or special needs that require accommodation, Godbolt indicated. His is the only company in West Sound to specialize in improving access and is approved by the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services.

He has assembled a team of experienced sub-contractors and crafts people to provide construction services and is also affiliated with ADAptations, Inc., of Bellevue. ADAptations is a nationally known advocate for universal home design and home access for people with special needs.

“We are providing design and construction services and we are distributors for many new, innovative devices, such as portable wheel chair ramps, kitchen and bath appliances, lifts, alarm and security systems. High technology has come to the aid of people who required better access,” he said.

Godbolt said his decision to put a 100 percent focus on this market resulted from helping a relative who needed improved access in his home. The work included bathroom and laundry accommodations, access to outdoors and a wheel chair ramp.
“Sometimes all it takes is a wider door, a ramp for a threshold, grab bars and handrails to enable a person to live independently,” Godbolt said. “The overwhelming preference of older persons and those with disabilities is to age in place; that is, to remain in their homes as they grow older. It is essential that residences be designed to be safe, comfortable and accommodating to persons of all ages, but particularly to those who are faced with diminishing capabilities.

The firm will also continue to work on commercial projects where The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines are required. It was the prime contractor for the Main Street Ale House in Kingston, which also included accommodations called for by the ADA.

“Millions of Americans are retiring and want to stay in their homes. People with disabilities, people coming from rehabilitation, those recovering from surgery also want their independence. We can help modify an existing home or apartment. We work with architects or do the design work ourselves,” Godbolt said.

He pointed out that greatest needs are in bathroom modifications, making sure the room can handle people with special needs and their caregivers. Changes might include installing showers with no thresholds to accommodate a wheelchair, or adding special temperature controlled water so that people with diminished sensation do not burn themselves.

Other items include non-grip handles on doors and cabinets, making adjustable counters, designing and installing lifts and adding audible and visual alarm systems.

“We want to design access for the present as well as anticipating future needs. We take a team approach,” Godbolt said. He also noted that construction could involve building permits, working with local building codes and working with local and state agencies. Financing, loans and grants are often available to improve access.

Sentinel is a member of the Homebuilders Association of Kitsap County, and will initially provide services in Kitsap, Mason, Jefferson and eastern Clallam counties.

For more information, call (360) 710-2283 or visit www.sentinelconstruction.com.