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

The parts of a home that work well for everyone are Universal Design Features.  Incorporating them into your home in the preconstruction stage often adds little cost and is usually much cheaper than remodeling a home with traditional design features.  Having Universal Design features and products in a home makes good sense and can be so attractive that no one notices them - except for how easy they are to use.  Aging in Place (AIP) takes the Universal Design further to specifically meet the needs of an older adult so that they will be comfortable and free of hazardous condtions in their current home.

Essential Universal Design features include:

-No step entry: At least one step-free entrance into your home.

-Single-floor living: Having a bedroom, kitchen, full bathroom with plenty of 

 maneuvering room, and an entertainment area on the same floor.

-Wide doorways and hallways: At least 36" wide, hallways are 42" wide

-Reachable controls and switches: 42-48" above the floor, and electrical outlets are

 18-24" off the floor.

-Easy to use handles/switches: lever style door handles and faucets, rocker light

 switches

Additional Universal Design features are:

-Raised front-loading clothes washers, dryers, and dishwashers.

-Side by side refrigerators.

-Easy access kitchen storage.

-Low or no-threshold stall showers.

-Non-slip floors, bathtubs, and showers.

-Multi level kitchen countertops with open space underneath.

-Windows that require minimal effort to open.

-A covered entry way to protect you.

-Task lighting directed to specific areas.

-Easy to grasp D shaped cabinet pulls.