What is an Inclusive Home
Inclusive home design is a methodology that is getting more attention lately, as it should. Home residents are all different, and so are their abilities. An inclusive home design includes features that make everyday life easier for all abilities.
Accessibility isn’t the only goal. Accessible design and inclusive design both work hand in hand by lowering the possible barriers that some people may experience. These barriers are inadvertently created during the design process when contractors and designers build with only people like themselves in mind. However, when inclusive design is applied, diverse groups of people are taken into consideration, and the designers, in turn, build homes that are accessible to all.
A Deep Dive into Inclusivity
Design that begins with considering all people in mind is where inclusive design sits. A chair lift or elevator may be what those who cannot use stairs may need, but it may not be as helpful to people who don’t have the mobility of their arms. Inclusive design solves this problem by providing an overall outlook of potential adaptations and what may be helpful, not only what may be a necessity.
We design WITH people, not FOR them.
When modern home builders, and even custom home remodel designers decide to design for and not with people, it can create an unequal power dynamic. Leaving many people to feel mismatched in their place of living. That is why home construction should start by focusing on the need for accessibility for both people with disabilities and society as a whole – inclusive design.
This type of methodology requires a diverse group of people ranging from many races, abilities, genders, and socioeconomic backgrounds to be considered in the design process from the very start of the process to the end. This ensures that the most extensive possible range of homeowners can easily adapt and feel comfortable and safe in their home environment.
Why is This Methodology Important?
There are many reasons designers and home construction managers should begin with this approach. Above, the term mismatch was referenced. When someone feels mismatched in their home, it means the features and build doesn’t fit their abilities or preferences. No one wants to feel out of place in their own home or even that the home doesn’t fit their needs.
A few examples of this would be the countertop height for those who are shorter than the average counter height requirements. They may have to require a stool to do everyday tasks or even need help to reach cupboards. This can easily be avoided by considering the client in this part of the construction process. Some homeowners may benefit from wider hallways and open-concept bathrooms to be able to move easily in their wheelchairs through their homes. Each contractor should approach their client before the build to see if these custom changes need to take place rather than building a “one-fits-all” home that really will not fit the homeowner, who will then feel mismatched with their newly built home.
How Does Glickman Apply Inclusive Design?
Throughout our business history, we have learned every client is different and requires different needs. Accessibility is important to us. We begin each project by talking with every homeowner in depth about what they may want to make their home feel more comfortable to them. This doesn’t only include renovations for more aesthetic kitchens with all the gadgets and features. This includes home renovations that help with accessibility, aging-in-place, and even handicapped design.
We offer insight into features that may be helpful specifically for the client and give our expert experience to help find the best solutions. This means we help create the best plan for the client’s home design renovations that fit them perfectly. Our goal is for those who work with us to have exceeded expectations when they see the finished product.
This is why we focus deeply on inclusive design for all clients. We apply it to every project, big and small.
Overall, it isn’t about creating one generic collusion that ‘usually’ works for every person in all circumstances. It’s about including every person in the process to arrive at a solution and even learning something we didn’t know before that reshapes how we design the solution.
If you are looking to redesign your home and hire a custom home designer that listens and includes you at every point, reach out to us at Glickman Designs. We are eager to help your home match you.