Get In and Out Easily – Accessibility Home Design
“It’s a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don’t keep your feet, there’s no knowing where you might be swept off to.”
J.R.R. Tolkien
Your front door is a first impression, a gateway to and from the world. As we age however, going through that gateway gets more difficult. We’re less mobile. Heavy front doors, crumbling stone steps, poor lighting, no handrails and long uneven driveways can pose serious problems. Even in summer, crossing the front entryway can be as dangerous as a sheet of ice. Accidents are common. Six out of every ten falls happen at home. But most of us want to stay in our home. Assisted living places are so expensive and impersonal. If you want to age in place, changes are vital. Improving the safety of an entryway takes some visionary planning and the decisions you make today will positively impact your life for years. So now is the time to plan and if you live in Washington, DC, Northern Virginia and Maryland area call Glickman/ Design Remodel Build.
Safety is personal for us
Universal Design is an important concept to keep in mind as you plan to age in place.
At Glickman it’s something we have created and implemented to keep people safe for over 40 years. More accessibility and safer access started within our own family. That’s why our primary goal of Universal Design is accessibility for everyone. From entryway to attic every Glickman remodel will be usable, safe and comfortable for people who want to age in place and for those with disabilities.
Making entryways accessible
The best way to start is at the beginning with the front door and entryway. The Glickman experts will sit with you and get into the fine details to fit your particular home. But here are some universal necessities: Ideally at least one of the entryways should be completely covered without steps. Widen doorways and hallways to accommodate wheelchairs. You will need to plan for a ramp. Throw rugs in the entryway should be discarded other rugs must to be fastened down. Prevent tripping by keep the entryway clear on objects. Secure electrical cords to the wall. Replace doorknobs with levers. Lower the doorbell to accommodate people with difficulty in raising their arms. Extensive accessibility modifications to the entryway include replacing tile flooring with vinyl or hardwood.
A bigger step for steps
Steps pose a risk of tripping or falling, but they are especially dangerous to seniors. Steps should be widened to at least three feet. All stairs should have handrails on both sides. Handrails should extend beyond the bottom and top of the stairs to provide solid footing for their entire length. Handrails should also be round so they’re easy to grip. A wheelchair ramp is one the most effective ways of improving accessibility. Ramps work for people who are actually confined to a wheelchair and those who simply need a less stressful way of leaving and entering the home. A few changes, working with the careful planners at Glickman and your entryway will be welcoming and safe for years.
Plan, design and create a better entryway today!
Glickman is the leading firm for home design and remodeling, providing customers in Washington, DC, Northern Virginia and the Maryland area with everything they need to improve front doors and entryways safer and accessible for everyone. Glickman was built on a foundation of integrity, care, and understanding. From day one our mission has been providing superior design, remodel and construction services to clients that value their fine homes and want to age in place. For over 40 years we’ve strived to exceed expectations focused on professionalism, clear communication, quality, craftsmanship and meeting unique needs.
For all of your building, renovations and remodeling needs, Glickman/Design Remodel Build is the right choice. If you’d like to discuss a potential project with a knowledgeable consultant contact us or call:
Maryland: (301) 444-4663
Virginia: (703) 832-8159
Washington, DC: (202) 792-7320