Universal Design

Universal Design and Aging-in-Place


Planning for the future in your home remodel can be easy, practical and beautiful. Universal design is the design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design. Grab bars or rollout drawers in the kitchen are popular universal design products.

AGING IN PLACE IN-LAW SUITES

Common Interior Modifications

  • First floor master bedroom suites: 1st floor master bedroom and bathroom additions
  • “Rough-in” for a future elevator when building an addition onto the home
  • Expanded width of hallways and doorways so wheelchairs can easily go through
  • Tile underneath vanities so if the vanity eventually needs to be replaced to accommodate a wheelchair, the bathroom won’t require a complete renovation
  • No-step shower for future wheelchair use
  • Grab bars in the bathtub or shower
  • Pull out drawers in the kitchen
  • Task lighting to make everyday activities easier to accomplish
  • Levered faucets and doors
  • Remote controlled thermostats
  • Motion sensor lighting

Common Exterior Modifications

  • Add at least one no-step entrance
  • Obstacle free walkway to front doorway from vehicle parking and sidewalk
  • Overhang above main entrance
  • Slip resistant flooring inside and outside of the entrance
  • Lever door handle on the front door or a key-less lock system
  • Modified threshold height at main doorway
  • Handrails on both sides of the steps
  • Lighting for walkways
  • Ramps built into landscaping or porches
  • Vertical lifts built into porches

Satisfied Clients

Plan, Design and Create Your Home For Life Today!