What in the World is
Universal Design?
You may have heard that Baby Boomers now make up about 25% of the nation's population...and they are an even larger percentage of our clients. Many boomers have a strong desire to stay in their own homes for as long as possible as they age. Incorporating the features of "Universal Design" into a home remodeling project will broaden its accessibility, usability and safety for everyone who lives in or visits the home, from small children to aging adults and people with disabilities.
How is Universal Design different from just making accommodations for elderly or disabled homeowners and visitors?
Although assistive features such as ramps and grab bars can be included, Universal Design doesn't just mean "wheelchair accessible." The focus is much broader. Sometimes Universal Design is called "design for all" or "inclusive design." With Universal Design, we create spaces that are usable and effective for everyone, no matter what their age or physical abilities. Even younger children benefit from reachable light switches and floors that aren't slippery. Moreover, we recognize that beauty is as important as function, so a home that incorporates Universal Design will not only be stylish and aesthetically pleasing, but the features can also be practically "invisible" – except for the fact that the home is an especially comfortable and convenient place to live or visit.
Not everyone needs all the modifications that are available, but you should consider including features that will:
- Compensate for a reduced range of motion
- Compensate for reduced strength
- Improve safety
- Assist reduced mobility and agility
- Improve lighting
What are some examples of Universal Design I might want to include in my home?
  The Center for Universal Design has established certain principles of use that are common features in Universal Design, including flexibility, simplicity, comfort, and ease of use. We can incorporate these into our clients' homes in ways that both improve livability and enhance beauty.
Some of the features that a home remodeled using Universal Design might have are:
- Entries and Doorways: at least one no-step entry, wider doorways and halls, interior thresholds no higher than 1/4", increased lighting
- Kitchen: lazy susans, pullout shelves, automatic (hands-free) faucets, varying counter heights, wall-mounted ovens
- Bathroom: lever-style faucet handles, detachable hand-held showerheads, curbless walk-in showers, anti-scald devices on sinks, tubs and showers
- Bedroom: light switches within easy reach of the bed, adjustable closet rods
Other general features throughout the home may include lever-style door handles; light switches and electrical outlets reachable from a seated position; adequate task lighting and increased lighting on stairways; and flooring materials that are hard, even surfaces or low pile carpeting.
Remember, the whole concept of a "universally" designed home is that it works well for everyone: young or old, able or disabled, and all those in between. If you have any questions about Universal Design or you'd like to know more about how it can improve your home and lifestyle, please contact us and we will help you decide which features might be appropriate for you and your family.
Maintenance Tip: Unplug to Save Energy
You know you can save energy by turning off lights and appliances when not in use. But you should also unplug items that don't require full-time connection or have finished charging. Alternatively, you can use power strips that can be flipped on or off as needed. Nearly 75% of energy consumed by home appliances occurs while they're turned off but still plugged in.
Thank You for the Referrals and Repeat Business!
We'd like to thank our clients for referring friends to us to help them with their remodeling projects. In Herndon, Virginia, Mr. & Mrs. Mulcahy referred Mrs. Griffin; in Potomac, Maryland, Mr. & Mrs. Hillard referred us to Mr. Coleman; Mr. & Mrs. Beam of Annandale referred Mr. & Mrs. Fallow of Alexandria; and Mr. Wolfe of Vienna referred Mr. Tifford of Centreville. We'd also like to thank Mrs. Mullins of Alexandria for considering us for another project.
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See you next month!
Mike Winn |
