Bathroom interior with beautiful tile wheelchair-accessible shower
If you follow the news about the housing market, you may have noticed people are staying put in their homes.
Thanks to high prices and low inventory, selling a house and buying one that is more in line with their current needs and lifestyle is something many homeowners don’t find realistic. As a result, we have seen more homeowners looking to incorporate universal design elements into their remodels.
What is universal design, and should you include it in your space? Let’s find out!
Understanding Universal Design
Universal design prioritizes creating accessible and usable spaces for people of all ages and abilities. It allows residents to age in place and also allows other family members who may have mobility issues to live comfortably and confidently.
Some elements of universal design include making small switches around the house, while others call for completely transforming a space. Let’s look at some of the key components of universal design.
Key Components of Universal Design
Implementing universal design features can range from minor adjustments to extensive renovations. Widening doorways and hallways to accommodate wheelchairs or walkers is a simple yet impactful modification. Swapping out traditional doorknobs for lever handles throughout the home is another easy and beneficial upgrade.
The bathroom is one of the house’s most remodeled rooms and one where the most accidents occur. To prevent trips and slips, zero-grade entry showers are a must-have to allow easier access to the shower.
It’s also a good idea to have an oversized shower where a seat and grab bars can eventually be added, if necessary. Adequate lighting, including both overhead and vanity lighting, is another crucial safety component in the bathroom, ensuring clear visibility and reducing the risk of accidents, especially in areas prone to wetness and slippery surfaces.
In the kitchen, installing pull-out cabinet drawers with organizers improves accessibility by making it easier to reach pots, pans, and dishes. Investing in appliances with user-friendly interfaces and large front-screen displays also makes sense.
Easy-to-clean surfaces will make upkeep more manageable, too, so consider granite countertops that are easy to wipe down and flooring that does not require much maintenance.
Embracing Innovative Technology
We are so lucky to live in a time abundant with innovative solutions aimed at simplifying our daily lives. Features like touchless faucets and voice or motion-controlled lighting are excellent examples of new technology that will make a home’s features more accessible for all ages and abilities.
Considering these upgrades for your home remodel holds the potential to substantially elevate its functionality and accessibility. By crafting a living space that is more comfortable and tailored to your specific needs and preferences, delving into these options for your upcoming renovation endeavor becomes increasingly worthwhile.
In addition to enhancing accessibility, prioritizing home safety and monitoring is crucial. Installing a smart home monitoring system, complete with security cameras, video intercoms, and doorbell cameras will allow family members and caregivers to monitor the home remotely, providing everyone with peace of mind that their loved ones are safe.
If you’d like more information on including universal design elements in your home remodel, we are here to help every step of the way. Reach out to us, and together, let’s explore how we can optimize your home to accommodate the needs of every family member, fostering an environment where everyone can flourish and appreciate shared moments.
