Renovate or Build to AGE IN PLACE
Amity Construction and Design has all the right answers…
The project is finished. The scent of fresh paint, the warm tones of wood surfaces and the light glistening off the cabinetry and countertop surfaces fill the senses. How could life get much better?
Now imagine that same home 10, 15, 20 years from now. Will you still be able to effortlessly reach those top cabinet shelves? Will those front steps become more of a barrier than a point of entry? Will doorways seem tight and restrictive if at some point you require crutches, a walker or possibly a wheelchair?
All this leads to the inevitable question: At some point in the future, will you need to pay for an expensive renovation or will you possibly be forced to leave the home?
If you worked with Amity Construction & Design and incorporated the principles of universal design today into the original build or renovation, the answer to all those questions would be an emphatic “no.” The reason is Amity’s ability to build or renovate a home so that its owners can remain there as long as they like. Some call this aging in place; Amity calls it business as usual.
While normally associated with modifications made for the disabled or the aged, true universal design is a methodology that works to ensure that buildings can be used by virtually everyone, regardless of age, stature or level of ability. This is becoming more and more intertwined in conversations Amity is having with clients.
Amity views universal design as much more than a style of design. For them, it’s an approach to design that actually enhances the modern, open layouts that have become a trademark of the Old Lyme-based custom builder.
“It’s all about doing things smarter,” said Russ Smith, Amity’s founder and president. “It’s all about innovative design that provides ease of living now and in the future.”
The result is a home that enhances clients’ lives without sacrificing style, amenities or comfort, all while reducing expenses and energy consumption – now and for the long run.
Some of the overall facets of universal design include one-story living, no-step entry, wide hallways and doorways, improved lighting with LED bulbs that are both long-lasting and energy efficient, and easy-to-reach and easy-to-operate controls, switches and handles in the entire household, including kitchens and baths.
Here are just a few of the specifics of Universal Design: Bathrooms: They should utilize non-slip surfaces and have blocking in the walls for future installation of handrails for shower and tub. Vanity, shelving and medicine cabinet height should be lowered to allow ease of access.
Kitchen: Appliances (including ovens, cooktops and microwaves) should be designed for easier accessibility. Upperwall cabinetry is lowered and gets built-in organizers and roll-out shelves. Drawers get floating shelves that help organize smaller items. Tables and counters are placed at a variety of heights to accommodate standing, seating and a range of different tasks. An overall roomy layout provides ease of movement for people of all ability levels. Stairs: If the home has two floors, the stairs can be widened and given a lower step height, making them easier to climb. Amity also can do the prep work for a future elevator or lift system. Exterior: Quality windows, siding, roofing and trim provide for maintenance-free living. Landscaping features low-maintenance shrubs and plants. If ramps are necessary, they can be incorporated into the exterior design without detracting from the home’s appearance.
Garage: It should be easily accessible to the house, with room enough to meet future accessibility needs.
Simply put, universal design is an allinclusive approach that benefits virtually everyone, regardless of their level of ability or disability. A prime example are curb ramps that not only serve persons in wheelchairs, but also function for pedestrians with strollers. Apply that same principle to a home, and you have a place that serves its occupants now and for years to come.
Does this sound like something you would be interested in? Now is the time to discuss and explore opportunities for renovations or new home builds that address these issues. Also, multi-generational homes are becoming more common and should also have these features incorporated into them.
Call Amity Construction & Design at 860-434-5500, view their work online at www.amitycd.com or visit their showroom in the Old Lyme Marketplace from 9-3 weekdays, and evenings and weekends gladly by appointment (and by chance).