What is Universal Design?
Universal Design is a growing movement in residential construction for universal access. Modular and Mobile Homes are perfect fit for universal access homes. The costs are substantially lower when designing from scratch. Some consumers think it is just another way of describing “handicapped-accessible” construction or wheelchair accessibility, Universal Design is actually a much broader concept, intended to create houses that are usable by all people. By incorporating features such as level – stepless – entrances, wider hallways, and larger doors, a Universal Designed home becomes easier to navigate when pushing a child in a stroller or moving furniture in or out of a room.
Building a house with universal accessibility standards – one that can be entered without having to climb steps, that allows someone in a wheelchair or with a walker to circulate easily, and that has a full bathroom on the first floor adjacent to a room that could be used as a bedroom – makes it possible for an aging parent to move in some day. Given the astronomical costs of nursing homes, this is often the only viable option for families. Such Universal Design features also allow visitors with a wide range of physical abilities to feel welcomed and comfortable.
Modular homes can readily accommodate the principles of Universal Design. South Okanagan Modular Homes staff can modify most standard plans to enlarge the doorways, hallways, and bathrooms. Universal access may require us to change the shape and size of some rooms, but this usually will not present problems if the floor plan is large enough, and it is unlikely to cost much.
In addition to changes in the floor plan, universal home design incorporates user-friendly items like lever door handles and faucets. If you want to build a home that is usable by all of your family and friends, consider including some of the following Universal Design products and options in your home.
Some Universal design products and features now available.
• 36-inch-wide exterior doors
• 36-inch-wide interior doors
• Lever-handled interior door handles
• Extra wide 42″ hallways
• Easy-to-reach thermostat location
• Task lighting for specific activities, such as cooking, reading, and shaving
• Varying height kitchen work surfaces
• Extra maneuvering space in the kitchen and bathrooms
• Knee space at the bathroom vanity for a chair
• Offset tub/shower anti-scald controls
• Curbless shower with a flexible water dam
• Hand-held showerhead
• Blocking for grab bars at toilets, tubs, and showers
• Bathroom grab bars
When designing your next home , take the time to consider Universal Design home feature.
Jim
