What Is Universal Design?

Universal Design is about creating an attractive, stylish home that everyone, regardless of age, size, or ability, can live in or visit. It's a home that is easier for all residents to live in or guests to visit now and in the future, even as needs and abilities change.

Universal Design features are those parts of a home that work well for everyone. Incorporating them into a home in the pre-construction stage often adds little cost and is usually much cheaper than remodeling after a house has been built with traditional design features. Having these features and products in a home makes good sense and can be so attractive no one notices they're there.

Essential universal design features include:

• No-Step Entry: At least one entrance into the home either through the front, back or garage door that is step free lets everyone, even those who use a wheelchair, enter the home easily and safely.
• Single-Floor Living: A bedroom, kitchen, full bathroom with plenty of room to maneuver, and an entertainment area on the main floor is convenient for all families.
• Wide Doorways and Hallways: Thirty-six inch wide doorways allow large pieces of furniture or appliances to easily pass through and hallways that are 42-inches wide and free of hazards or steps let everyone and everything move in, out and around easily.
• Reachable controls and switches: Light switches 42-48 inches above the floor, thermostats no higher than 48 inches off the floor and electrical outlets 18-24 inches off the floor are easily reachable by anyone.
• Easy-to-use handles and switches: Lever-style door handles and faucets and rocker panel light switches make opening doors, turning on water, and lighting a room easier for people of every age and ability.

There are many other universal design features and products that many people put into their homes, including:
  Raised front-loading clothes washer, dryer, and dishwasher.
  Side-by-side refrigerator.
  Easy access kitchen storage (adjustable height cupboards, Lazy Susans).
  Low or no-threshold stall shower with built-in bench or seat.
  Non-slip floors, bathtubs, and showers.
  Raised, comfort-level toilets.
  Multi-level kitchen countertops with open space underneath so one can work while seated.
  Windows that require minimal effort to open and close.
  Covered entryway to protect from rain and snow.
  Task lighting directed to a specific surface or area.
  Easy-to-grasp D-shaped cabinet pulls.