Grow into your home
March 19, 2007Adjusting homes to accommodate the needs of disabled or aging individuals no longer means sacrificing aesthetics. While yesterday’s Universal Design entailed installing an unattractive grab bar or ill-fitting entrance ramp, today’s Universal Design (increasingly becoming known as Aging in Place) results in a home environment that is comfortable and beautiful.
The biggest misconception surrounding Universal Design is that it somehow harms the aesthetics of a room. This is not the case anymore. We’ve been able to complete many home remodels that incorporate Universal Design elements while retaining the beauty and style of the home.
More homeowners of all ages are interested in remodeling their home to grow with their changing needs and to prevent being forced from their homes in the future. People love their homes. They put a lot of work and heart into their home environment. There is no reason they should have to move because they are getting older.
Altering a home to include Universal Design can be as simple as adjusting the height of a light switch or as involved as removing walls and lowering kitchen counters. The following items list a handful of the most common, often invisible, “Aging in Place” adjustments people integrate into their remodeled homes.
- Zero-step entrances and thresholds with transitions of flooring 1/2″ or less
- 36″ wide interior doors or 32″-wide interior doors with swing away hinges
- Grab bars by the shower, tubs and toilet areas, and also in a long hall, closet or bedroom
- Curbless showers with 5′ circle of clearance
- Pull-down seats in the shower and removable showerheads with handheld and adjustable bar height features
- Comfort height toilets with elongated bowls
- Front loading washers and dryers
Iris Harrell, is owner and president of Harrell Remodeling, Inc.
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