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Universal Design Universal Design features increase the usability of a home by people of all ages,
sizes, and abilities and enhance the ability of all residents to live independently in their own homes for as long as possible.
When complemented with green building techniques, it provides a better home and environment for the occupants. A key component of universal design is the successful integration
of the universal features into the overall scheme of the home. Universal design becomes a virtually invisible element of a
home when properly implemented. A sampling of
Universal Design features follows and it is often quite easy to integrate the majority of these principles and features into
most new construction. One should always give consideration as to how many of these items may be implemented when
remodeling an existing residence or constructing an addition to an existing home. Exterior Low-maintenance exterior (example would be stucco or brick) Low-maintenance shrubs and plants (Xeriscape) Deck, patio or balcony surfaces are no more than ½" below interior floor level if made of wood (wheelchair
accessibility - try to use artificial decking material)
Overall Floor Plan Main
living on a single story, including at least one full bath No steps between rooms. Ideally, all areas would be on the same level 5′ diameter turning area in living area, kitchen, a bedroom and a bathroom
(For a wheelchair)
Hallway Entries Accessible path of travel to the home At least one no-step entry with a cover Sensor light at exterior no-step entry focusing on the front-door lock 36″ door min. at entry with levered hardware Non-slip flooring in foyer Entry door sidelight or high/low peep hole viewer; sidelight should provide both privacy and safety. Doorbell in accessible location Surface to place packages on when opening door Exterior thresholds maximum of ½" beveled
Interior Doors Windows Plenty of windows for natural light Lowered windows or taller windows with lower sill height Low maintenance exterior and interior finishes Easy to operate hardware
Garage or Carport Covered carports and boarding spaces Wider than average carports to accommodate lifts on vans Door heights may need to be 9′-0″ to accommodate some raised roof vans 5′ minimum access aisle between accessible van and car in garage If code requires floor to be several inches below entrance
to house for fume protection, can slope entire floor from front to back to eliminate need for ramp or step Ramp to doorway if needed Handrail if steps
Faucets Lever handles
or pedal-controlled Thermostatic
or anti-scald controls Pressure
balanced faucets
Kitchen
and Laundry Counters Wall
support and provision for adjustable and/or varied height counters and removable base cabinets Upper wall cabinetry - 3″ lower than conventional height
Accented stripes on edge of countertops
to provide visual orientation to the workspace Counter space for dish landing adjacent to or opposite all appliances Base cabinet with roll out trays and lazy susans Pull-down shelving Glass-front cabinet doors Open
shelving for easy access to frequently used items At least one wheelchair maneuverable bath on main level with 60″ turning radius or acceptable T-turn space
and 36″ x 36″ or 30″ x 48″ clear space Multi-level work areas to accommodate cooks of different heights Open under-counter seated work areas Placement of task lighting in appropriate work areas Loop handles for easy grip and pull Pull-out spray faucet; levered handles In multi-story homes, laundry chute or laundry facilities
in master bedroom/bathroom Wall
support and provision for adjustable and/or varied height counters and removable base
Bathrooms Bracing in walls around tub, shower, shower seat and toilet for installation of grab bars to support 250 - 300 pounds
If stand-up shower is used in
main bath, it is curb less and minimum of 36″ wide Showers with fold down seat, adjustable handheld showerheads and 6′ hose, tub/shower controls offset from center,
shower stall with built-in antibacterial protection, light in shower stall and levered handles Bathtub/showers - lower for easier access and have a 30"x60"
parallel and 48"x60" forward approachable area Water closets with 33" min clearance along wall, 2 ½" higher than standard toilet (17″ to
19″) or height-adjustable, have a 66"x48" forward and 56"x48" side approachable area Design of the toilet paper holder allows rolls to be changed
with one hand Wall-hung sink with
knee space and panel to protect user from pipes At least one sink is 34" max. measured to the top of the rim and a 30"x48" parallel or forward approach
with knee clearance At least one
bathroom must have a 32″ of clear width, which requires a 34″ door min. Slip-resistant flooring in bathroom and shower
Appliances Easy to read controls Washing
machine and dryer raised 12″ - 15″ above floor Front loading laundry machines Microwave oven at counter height or in wall Side-by-side refrigerator/freezer Side-swing or wall oven Raised
dishwasher with pushbutton controls Electric
cook top with level burners for safety in transferring between the burners, front controls and downdraft feature to pull heat
away from user; light to indicate when surface is hot
Stairways, Lifts and Elevators Adequate hand rails on both sides of stairway, 1 ¼" diameter Increased visibility of stairs through contrast strip on top and bottom stairs,
color contrast between treads and risers on stairs and use of lighting Multi-story homes may provide either pre-framed shaft (i.e. stacked closets) for future elevator, or stairway width
must be minimum of 4′ feet to allow space for lift Residential elevator or lift
Ramps Slope no greater
than 1″ rise for each 12″ in length, adequate handrails 5′ landing provided at entrance 2″ curbs for safety
Storage Electrical,
Lighting, Safety and Security Light
switches by each entrance to halls and rooms Light receptacles with at least 2 bulbs in vital places (exits, bathroom) Light switches, thermostats and other environmental controls placed in accessible
locations no higher than 48″ from floor Electrical outlets 15″ o.c. from floor; may need to be closer than 12′ apart Clear access space of 30″ x 48″ in front of switches
and controls Rocker or touch light
switches Audible and visual strobe
light system to indicate when the doorbell, telephone or smoke or CO2 detectors have been activated High-tech security/intercom system that can be monitored,
with the heating, air conditioning and lighting, from any TV in the house Easy-to-see and read thermostats Pre-programmed thermostats Flashing porch light or 911 switch Direct wired to police, fire, and EMS (as option) Home wired for security Home
wired for computers
Flooring Smooth, non-glare, slip-resistant surfaces, interior and
exterior If carpeted, use low
(<.50″ high pile) density, with firm pad Color/texture contrast to indicate change in surface levels
Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning HVAC should be designed so filters are easily accessible Windows that can be opened for cross ventilation, fresh air
Other Ideas Water based paints, finishes and other wet materials with
zero or nearly zero VOC content Separate
apartment for future caregiver Flex
room that can used as a nursery or playroom when the children are young and as a home office later; if combined with a full
bath, room could also be used for an aging parent/aging in place
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