A Lifelong Builder Services The Home And Business Needs Of The Elderly And Handicapped With Tailored Renovations
One on One provides a variety of services beyond home renovations, like this residential dock project
VICTORIA – Andrew Hardgrave has always maintained a passion for making and fixing things; a passion he felt drawn to turn into a career.
A Vancouver transplant by way of the UK in the early nineties, Andrew took a Business Victoria program for new entrepreneurs after a temporary layoff, eventually leading to his formation of One on One Improvements in 1996, specializing in accessibility renovations for those dealing with mobility issues.
Andrew Hardgrave (left) and Robert Sands partnered to form Arcadia Elevating Services in 2017
On this Andrew says, “I wanted to cater to the elderly and those struggling with mobility. This is a demographic already facing unique challenges, one of which is often limited funding. One on One Improvements was created to meet these customer’s needs with the financial means they have available.”
One on One builds and installs ramps, grab bars, handrails, renovates bathrooms for accessibility with roll-in showers, builds sinks created to accommodate wheelchairs, and much more.
The service Andrew’s team provides goes beyond accessibility, however, offering everything from painting and decorating, plumbing and electrical work, to yard maintenance and deck and fencing construction.
In 2017, One on One took yet another step in offering those in need freedom of movement within their own homes and businesses, launching Arcadia Elevating Services, supplying high-quality stairlifts and home elevators.
“One on One Improvements subcontracted for the former Angel Accessibility Solutions, doing site prep work for vertical platform lifts and some residential ceiling lift installations, “explains Andrew on their new division. “Angel Accessibility had been acquired by a large corporation, and a decision was made to get out of elevating and focus on patient transfer. It was at that moment we saw the opportunity to expand into elevating on Vancouver Island.”
Arcadia Elevating Services build residential elevators to the same standard as commercial elevators, like this outdoor model
Robert Sands, an A-class certified mechanic at Angel with over 30 years of experience became Andrew’s partner in this venture, thus turning One on One and Arcadia into a one-stop-shop for elevating and home renovation needs.
Says Robert of their work, “We build residential elevators to the same standard as commercial elevators, and we are able to do the site preparation work for elevating ourselves. The customer will not need to hire a separate contractor for any of the work that’s required on their home or business, and that includes future maintenance.”
Andrew and Robert are dedicated to keeping their business Canadian-grown and operated, supporting local contractors for every construction job, and using a national and regional network of elevating suppliers and tech support. They’re also committed to addressing the safety and unique needs of each of their clients.
A specialized industry, with each person having their own set of circumstances, Arcadia custom tailors every service package to suit customers’ needs and safety. Andrew finds the result of their work the most edifying experience of his career.
Providing an example Andrew describes, “When you complete a new bathroom for a veteran for instance, tailored to their individual needs, it’s really cool to see how happy they are knowing they’ll not need to struggle to use their sink, or get out of the shower. It feels good.”
oneononeimprovements.com / arcadiaelevatorservices.com
