Universal Design
![Universal Design](/img/universal_design.jpg)
1. Entering Home
- Outdoor ramp with gradual incline integrated into exterior home design
- Covered porch providing protection from the elements
- 42 inch wide entry door with a half inch beveled door threshold
- Five by five foot open area at either side of the entry door
2. General Floor Plan
- Single floor living
- All hallways are 48 inches wide
- All interior doors and passageways accessing a major room are 36 inches wide
- All interior doors called out to have levered handles
- Optional basement – Stair risers are 6 1/2″ high for easier stepping and stair width is 3′-6″ to enable a future straight rail stairlift
3. Master Bath
- One lavatory sink countertop lowered and open underneath for assisted mobility
- Large curbless walk-in shower
- Glass shower enclosure can be removed and replaced with a curtain rod for easier transfer to a shower seat
- Soaking tub set into a platform allowing one to sit and rotate into the tub vs. stepping into the tub
- Comfort height toilet seats (17 inches vs. standard 15 inches)
- Structural backing called out on drawings for future grab bar locations
- Universal Design
4. Kitchen
- Built-in oven at countertop height for easier food transfer
- Microwave oven located in built-in lower cabinet for easier food transfer
- Sink and cooktop can be retrofitted to be open underneath for assisted mobility
- Roll-out shelves in pantry and lower cabinets
- All cabinet hardware called out is easy-to-grip handles
5. Garage
- Garage large enough to accommodate accessible ramp
- Garage ceiling height allows for retrofitting to a 9 foot height garage door for accessible van with a higher than normal cab