Universal design, also known as barrier-free or accessible design, is a user-friendly approach to home design. Whether you're remodeling for disabilities or looking to age in place, universal design practices will help ensure everyone in your home experiences a safe and comfortable living environment regardless of age or physical ability.
According to the Center for Universal Design at North Carolina State University, common universal design principles include:
- Flexible use – design should allow for individual preference and ability such as right- or left-handed access
- Equitable use – design should be useful by people with diverse abilities and not segregate its users from others with different abilities
- Simple, intuitive to use – design should be consistent and easy for anyone to understand
- Perceptible information – design should communicate necessary information using a combination of pictorial, verbal or tactical clues
- Tolerance for error – design should minimize adverse consequences as a result of unintended actions
- Low physical effort – design should be efficient and comfortable to use without causing fatigue
- Size and space for approach and use – design should provide easy reach and manipulation regardless of user’s mobility, size or posture
Universal design remodeling not only helps create a home that remains safe and comfortable as the user’s abilities change, but also increases the home’s resale marketability to a variety of potential buyers.
Tour a LifeWise House to see how LifeWise Renovations uses universal design to ensure homes retain their beauty as they gain functionality.
