San Antonio Express-News (Sunday)
How to incorporate universal design features into your home
COVID-19 has led many homeowners to rethink the way that their homes live and operate, as telecommuting to work and school has increased significantly in the past year.
In homes where multiple generations are now living under the same roof, homeowners may be noticing aspects of their home that should be updated to make it easier for everyone to live, work and play.
Does this sound like your home? Consider incorporating universal design features in your home.
There are Remodelers who specialize in this or you can buy a new home with these features. One of the key benefits of universal design is that it is designed to suit every need, no matter your age, your height, or ability. Through universal design, everyone can enjoy the same home and features that allow you, your parents or loved ones to live comfortably as we age or have special needs.
Common universal design features include:
n No-step entry. No one needs to use stairs to get into a universaldesigned home or into the home’s main rooms.
n One-story living. Places to eat, use the bathroom and sleep are all located on one level, which is barrierfree.
n Wide doorways. Doorways that are 32-36 inches wide let wheelchairs pass through. They also make it easy to move big things in and out of the house.
n Wide hallways. Hallways should be 36-42 inches wide. That way, everyone and everything moves more easily from room to room.
n Extra floor space. Everyone feels less cramped. And people in wheelchairs have more space to turn. • Floors and bathtubs with non-slip surfaces help everyone stay on their feet. Handrails on steps and grab bars in bathrooms are also handy and wide roll in showers too.
In addition to thinking about your overall floor space and transition points, there are technology updates you can include to help improve the livability of your home:
n Motion-sensor lights make it easier to see, especially when you are walking down a hallway or set of stairs at night. Nonskid floors help reduce the risk of injury.
Smart home technology
n works with multiple personal devices, making it easy for anyone to access and see or hear notifications. Applications include video doorbells, thermostat adjustments, ability to turn appliances and lighting on and off, or even control of the blinds and shades.
Extra undercabinet lights
n in the kitchen are great to help people see the counters below. You can also consider counters with adjustable heights to help make it easy for everyone to reach them, as well as installing
Other considerations may include color, patterns, textures, and sound. Creating environments that promote not only better usability — such as using different colors to highlight transitions — but also better mental health and stress reduction can be advantageous, given the multiple functions that homes now serve (e.g., office, school, gym, etc.). Flexible spaces that can be adjusted to accommodate myriad uses will be key in the post COVID-19 environment we are all living in.
Universal design is related to agingin-place remodeling, and a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) can help you remodel your home using universal design concepts. The NAHB Remodelers — in collaboration with Home Innovation Research Labs, NAHB 55+ Housing Council and AARP — developed the CAPS program to address the growing number of consumers that require these modifications. While most CAPS professionals are remodelers, an increasing number are general contractors, designers, architects, and health care consultants.
Several of the new homes in the
Spring Tour of Homes (open this weekend and next) have all these universal design features. Builders are more than willing to build you and your family a home where you can live comfortably for many years to come that will meet your needs and the needs of your family.
For more information on finding a Builder, Remodeler, Supplier, Vendor or Contractor, please visit the Greater San Antonio Builders Association website at www.sabuilders.com. Be sure to check out the homes on the Spring Tour of Homes too!
Sincerely,
Ed Berlanga, President Greater San Antonio Builders Association