Universal Design Universal Design means building your home to accommodate multiple forms of accessibility needs.  The general population is living longer and many more are surviving disabling accidents. Many people have accessibility needs now or will have later.  Building-in easy access to your home inside and out adds value, ease-of-use and reduces remodeling costs in the future. Universal Design is also practical and makes your life easier!  For example, make your vehicle work for you and landscape your site so you can drive up to the front door instead of climbing steps.  Here are some Universal Design ideas that are lower cost to implement.

Open floor plan (fewer hallways) with a single level Sinks with no under cabinet Dishwasher installed 2’ higher than floor 5’ x 5’ open space in front of front entrance Extra space around the commode in the bathroom Decks are the same height as the house floor

Little Changes Make a Big Difference! Making a few little changes to the design of your home creates large improvements for Universal Design.   When you configure your new home, add a few of these details.

Contrasting edges on counter tops Contrasting edges on stair treads Motion detector activation for lights Insulating covers on exposed hot and cold pipes under cabinets Hardwood or linoleum floor coverings Larger space around vehicles in driveway and garage Tall window next to front door flush with floor 42” wide hallways 36” wide doorways with flush thresholds 5’ turning space in front of doors Closets with one rod only 48” from floor Front mounted controls on all appliances Glare-free task lights under cabinets

Universal Design Choices Here are some easy choices as you pick out the accessories for your home that will support Universal Design.

Lever style door handles Rocker switches for wall light controls Roll-out shelves in cabinets Side-by-side refrigerator with pull-out shelves Counter-tops next to refrigerator to hold heavy items Loop type door pulls for cabinets Faucets with single lever action Side bars around commode and in shower Handheld shower head with 60” to 72” long hose One roll-in shower stall