Frequently Asked Questions
What is a PAD?
At Wheel Pad we make ‘Personal Accessible Dwellings’ or PADs that range in size starting at 200 square feet. Our models surpass ADA compliance. Each PAD has a sleeping space and bathroom that can be accessed by a ramp, or attached to an existing home, allowing loved ones to live comfortably and graciously at home while ensuring privacy and dignity. All Wheel Pad offerings are manufactured in a factory, which avoids construction delays and ensures quick on-site installation to limit general disruption to daily life. Accessibility features include a built-in ceiling hoist track, roll-in shower, swing doors, hygienic rounded bathroom flooring corners. Certain models can also have an accessible kitchen. Switches and outlets are seamlessly integrated into a clean & modern aesthetic featuring plaster walls, with natural wood wainscot, and zinc coated steel panels.
Who can use WheelPAD?
Anyone! WheelPAD was specially designed for people with mobility issues, including spinal cord injuries and ALS. Many have purchased WheelPADs to bring a loved one out of nursing homes! WheelPad provides temporary or permanent living quarters, PADs, that can attach to a friend or family member’s existing home, or stand alone in the backyard. It might be temporary for someone with a spinal cord injury learning to live in a wheelchair, staying with family or friends while s/he figures out a long term plan. It might be someone in need of hospice care who would rather be with family than in a facility, or someone in need of a little extra help while they adjust to a new way of life with new mobility. WheelPad allows for people to be with family or friends so they can take a breath and determine for themselves the best, long-term solution.
Is a WheelPAD home universally accessible?
Yes, a WheelPAD is universally accessible. It was designed by architect Joseph Cincotta of LineSync Architecture in collaboration with Riley Poor, who is successfully living with tetraplegia. Joseph’s guiding principle is WheelPAD could be for himself one day on his next unlucky half pipe jump. Advisors also include Owen Milne, successfully living with quadriplegia and Ben Underhill, successfully living with paraplegia. WheelPAD is optimized for maximum accessibility, firmness, commodity and delight. Raised to the level of the house with customized support, WheelPAD can be equipped with a ramp to allow its inhabitant independent access to the outside.
How big are WheelPad models?
The SuitePAD (our home attachment model) exterior dimensions are 24’6" long by 8’ 6” wide per Federal Highway limits. The overall square footage is just over 200 square feet, which is comparable to a hotel room or a one car garage. Its 8’ ceilings are higher than standard housing. The SuitePad is secured to a high strength steel undercarriage that allows it to be safely moved off it’s trailer chassis. It meets Federal Highway limits for size weight, so that it can be be safely towed by a heavy duty pick-up truck without special license requirements.
The StudioPAD, is slightly longer than the SuitePAD, at 28’ long. It maintains the 8’6” width, however, so it can be safely towed behind a heavy duty pick-up truck without a commercial driver’s license. This extra space is enough for an accessible kitchen. StudioPAD can stand alone in the backyard to allow for greater independence.
The wider SuitePAD XL has exterior dimensions of 12' wide by 20' long. It easily accommodates a queen size bed. Generous ceiling heights range from 7'4'' at the ceiling line to 8’4” at the peak. SuitePAD XL does not come on wheels, and is considered a 'wide load', requiring a licensed hauler to transport. SuitePAD XL is big enough to include a kitchenette. It can be attached to an existing building, or stand alone.
Custom sizes and features are available, too. We are happy to get creative with you. MultiPAD is an innovative approach that can combine multiple SuitePAD units into one universally accessible apartment building.
How much room is needed to install WheelPad?
If you want to attach an SuitePAD to your home you’ll need approximately 30’ by 12‘ feet of flat land, next to the home where the WheelPAD will be placed. This includes a 4’ x 6’ temporary connection to the existing home and a pathway wide enough to access the WheelPAD placement location.
A similar amount of space is needed if you want a free standing PAD in your backyard. The only physical connection to the home will be to tie in with your home’s existing mechanical systems: electric, water, and waste water.
What are the zoning regulations regarding WheelPad?
Because it is on a mobile frame, WheelPAD qualifies as an RV. In some cases, off highway parking laws may state that living in an RV on your property is illegal, however, this information varies from city to city. WheelPad assists our customers in obtaining any interim use permits or other qualifications needed to use our service.
Connecticut Customers: In 2018 Senator Osten was successful in passing Senate Bill 922, An Act Concerning Temporary Health Care Structures legislation allows municipalities to issue permits for the installation of temporary health care structures on lots zoned for single-family residential dwellings.
What are life safety building code regulations and do they apply to my WheelPad?
The Life Safety Code is coordinated with hundreds of other building codes and standards such as National Electrical Code NFPA 70, fuel-gas, mechanical, plumbing (for sprinklers and standpipes), energy and fire codes. Normally, the Life Safety Code is used by architects and designers of vehicles and vessels used for human occupancy. WheelPAD is connected to a public room, such as a living or dining room. Our code consultant can address any concerns with local authorities.
How does electric hookup work?
Each SuitePad and SuitePAD XL is powered by a 50 amp power source originating directly from the primary residence. As part of the placement process, your electrician installs an exterior 50 amp outlet, prior to installation. This approach allows a higher energy pull to keep the unit warm during harsh winters. A solar PV panel option hook up is available through customization.
How does plumbing work?
Each SuitePAD hooks into the host house by a plumber in approximately 4-5 hours. As being green and sustainable is part of the WheelPad mission, a grey water filter enables occupants to safely disperse filtered shower and sink water for use as irrigation. Our standard offering includes an ultra low flush, .86 gallons toilet, if the pipes in the house are in good condition. We have also explored using composting toilets, and if you are interested in that option be sure to ask about it
Is there a hoist track in the unit and what is the weight capacity?
Each WheelPad model has a hoist track in the ceiling that goes from the sleeping area to the bathroom. The track is compatible with any lift on the market, so you can choose the unit that is right for you. The weight capacity of the track is 600lbs.
Does Wheel Pad leave a permanent footprint?
Each WheelPAD unit can be permanent or temporary, depending on your needs. With temporary installation, the footprint is completely repairable. Permanent installation customers have chosen helical pier foundations (concrete foundations). Our illustrations show an option of making the connection an attractive part of the landscape. If Wheel Pad is removed, the outdoor deck can be extended back to the house to create a patio and ramp that can serve the house in the future.
Are the interior walls painted? Can you describe the interior design of the unit?
WheelPAD was designed to be the coolest room in the house! Rather than painted drywall, laminated floors, and other things that you'd find in an institutional or hospital setting, we specify products to make people feel at home. The bedroom floor is wood, the walls are an unpainted plaster, and the ceiling has decorative paneling.
What can I do with my WheelPAD when I’m fully recovered? Can you take it back?
WheelPad’s goal is to be a place to help families stay together by providing the space for recovery and care. We offer different financing options to suit the needs of each family. We also offer the Wheel Pad Buyback Commitment, which can help the purchase process go more smoothly.
How much do PADs cost?
The SuitePAD is available for lease at $3,250/month. The base price to purchase it is $129,000. The price includes delivery, permitting, and construction support. StudioPAD is available for purchase starting at $160,000 and is currently not available to lease. Given the unique circumstances of each home, we cannot standardize installation, and ramp construction so these are additional, but we do arrange the logistics, so you don’t have to do so.
The SuitePAD XL is a custom order, so if you are interested in it please contact us.
Is delivery included?
Yes, delivery is included in our standard pricing for the vast majority of our customers. If due to specific circumstances delivery costs are excessively high, WheelPad L3C will alert you to this possibility during the site visit, and inform you of additional charges before moving forward.
Delivery is not included in the pricing of the SuitePAD XL or StudioPAD.
What Happens to a WheelPAD during Transit?
WheelPad products are checked by the manufacturer and a WheelPad representative before shipping to ensure they meet our standards. They are designed to be transported. Various parts of the unit do jostle during transport depending on the route, the weather, and road conditions. You or your contractor may need to tighten some screws or make other minor repairs that happen during transport. If anything major goes wrong during transport, like a broken window, exterior damage, or other major defects, WheelPad will work with your contractor to take care of it at our cost. This is all part of the installation process.
Can I customize my WheelPad?
WheelPad is customizable via our sister company LineSync Architecture. With lead time and given manufacturer constraints, we are able to provide specialty finishes, solar power, designs for specific sleep preferences and more.
Can I paint the interior?
If you purchase a WheelPad model, of course you can paint the interior or exterior! You can either do that after installation or we can add it as a custom feature for you before delivery. Leased units cannot be painted.
What is an L3C?
A low-profit limited liability company (L3C) is a legal form of business entity in the United States that was created to bridge the gap between nonprofit and for-profit investing by providing a structure that facilitates investments in socially beneficial, for-profit ventures by simplifying compliance with Internal Revenue Service rules for program-related investments, a type of investment that private foundations are allowed to make.
What does the sales order process entail?
A purchase and sales contract signals the start of the order process. A $2,000 deposit is required at this time. WheelPad staff will work with you step by step to obtain the necessary permits and permissions. The permitting process includes drawings of the site and specs for installation, including a ramp. If we fail to obtain permits your deposit is 50% refundable.
Once permits are in place we work with you and your local contractor to develop a plan for the construction of the connector and schedule a delivery based on the timeline for completing the requested customization (if any), and available stock. You can read a more in depth process explanation here.
Does WheelPad come with a warranty?
Yes. WheelPad comes with a one year warranty starting as soon as the unit is connected to your house. This does not include any damage caused by the homeowner due to abnormal use or neglect. We will go over the terms of the warranty with you in detail as we go through the sales process.
How well insulated are WheelPad's products?
A weather tight home is very important for comfort. Our business is based in Vermont, where winter temperatures are regularly below freezing! Good insulation is also equally important for keeping the inside of WheelPad models cool on hot days. Insulation is measured in R-Value. WheelPad uses Structurally Insulated Panels (SIP) in the construction of our PADs. One of the many benefits is the high R-Value. Floor R-Value is 30.45; the walls R-Value is 22.95 continuous; the ceiling R-Value is above 41. Please feel free to check out this nifty table from Home Depot to learn more.
Do you offer in-home care services or preferred partners for caregiving?
At this time, no.