Universal Design Homes

Universal design homes can be found at most retirement commmunities. Some use only a few of the principles while some make a point of using many of the features.

What Are Universal Design Homes

At an expo on aging I was introduced to the concepts of Universal Design and Aging in Place. The main idea is that these principles can be used to the benefit of everyone universally, irregardless of age; not only for the aged or those with physical disabilities. You can use and enjoy these principles starting today whatever age you are because the principles are needed by everyone.

The newest designs use them without your knowing they are even there and they will make your life easier in your home.

Aging in place is another concept associated with aging. This is the idea of being able to age in your home and not needing to move somewhere else because of the effects of aging. While aging in place refers to all resources that will enable you to age in your home and not have to move, Universal Design are the features of your home that help you stay there. The goal is to build all new homes using these principles so they won't have to be added later at great expense.

Most retirement communities will have some of the universal design features in their home portfolios. They may make it an optional package at extra cost.

The more you, the customer, inquire about Universal Design Homes, the more builders will begin to use the features. They may have one or two floorplans that they state have universal design features. Some will say they use these features in all floorplans. Some may use only a few of the most important features.

(For an example, see K. Hovnanians website for selected floorplans that have options for universal design features. This is Residence 1 of the Palm Collection. Also see Residence 4 of the Canyon Collection. Please verify all information as information can change or be modified without notice. Subject to availabilities and options may be at additional cost and subject to construction cut-off dates.) K Hovnanian Residence 1 Patio

If you know what the features of Universal Design Homes are, you can begin to notice if they are being used as standard features or if they are available as options.

Here are the main principles of universal design:

• Bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens on first floor -- at least one bedroom and bath on first floor.

• Turning space in bathroom and kitchen

• Walkin shower

• Wider doorways and hallways.

• More spacious bathrooms and kitchens so that if a person is in a wheelchair they can turn around in the room.

• Lower light switches that can be reached by someone in a wheelchair.

• At least one stepless entry or ramp up to entry for persons in wheelchairs.

• Grab bars in shower or tub areas or blocking for.

• Lever handles instead of knobs for persons with sensitive wrists (in the age of computers we can all certainly benefit from this)

• Lower rise steps

• Good lighting throughout the home.

• Exterior windows have crank handles or a design for easier opening.

More design features are being found to be beneficial:

• Slip proof bathtubs

• Raised Toilets
• Towel bars become grab bars
• Railings down hallways and stairs
• Bathroom shower has a level no-threshold entry
• Bathroom showers have seats in them
• Kitchen sink can have under-cabinet knee space.
• Raised dishwashers to eliminate extreme bending as well as other adjustments for appliances
• Lowered clothes racks by making closet bars adjustable
• Lower cabinets for easier reaching

It is best to have these features built into the home as it is being built rather than having to spend thousands of dollars in remodeling costs later.

At my tai chi class (tai chi is an exercise often recommended for seniors because it is not strenuous) not too long ago, the instructor asked the group of seniors, some of whom were in their 70's and 80's, what they feared most.

Nearly all stated falling was their greatest fear. And rightly so, as 1/3 of seniors over 65 will have a serious fall. The principles of Universal Design greatly aids to lessen this fear. You may not feel this way yet, but someday it may be important.

In a survey to assess over 55 communities for universal design being used, out of 25 models in 8 communities visited, 52% had no-step entry, 52% had turning space in bath and 40% had wider interior doors. So there is a ways to go for all builders to begin using these principals.

Fortunately, there are associations that promote universal design to homebuilders and architects. The Homes for Life Coalition of Howard County in Maryland has as its mission to increase the number of new and renovated homes that are safe and convenient for all residents of Howard county. The means to do this is education and public awareness. 410-313-6410.

There is a brochure on the products for universal design for a shipping fee available from National Builders Association here (or an option to view online):

Universal Design Products Brochure

You can also find out more information here on certified age-in-place specialists (universal design).

Please verify the accuracy of all information on the Universal Design page. This is not a complete list of the principles of universal design. Please contact your builders, architects and certified age in place specialists and other real estate professionals for advice. This site is information only .

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