Universal Design
Universal design is an approach to home design which incorporates features that make a home safe, comfortable, and accessible for everyone, young or old, whether they have a disability or not. It’s making a home for all ages and all stages of life.
Some features of a universally designed home include:
- No-step entry for at least one exterior door, and flush thresholds throughout the home.
- Wide doorways and hallways to accommodate walkers and wheelchairs, and to make moving large objects easier.
- At least one bathroom with accessible tub or walk-in shower, enough room for a wheelchair to turn around, and extra blocking for future grab bars.
- A variety of heights for counters, closet bars and shelves.
- High level of lighting, especially on stairways, hallways, and counter areas.
- Easy to use fixtures such as lever door handles, rocker light switches, and single lever faucets.
- For homes on more than one level, space designed to accommodate a future stair lift or elevator.
We can help you design or remodel your home to incorporate universal design features in a way that make them virtually invisible, yet make your home inviting for everyone.
For additional information, please call Tracy Mohr, CEPE, LEED AP at 530-893-1600, or send an email to tmohr@northstareng.com