What Is Universal Design?

hallway renovation with hardwood floors and white wallsUniversal design is for everyone. Also called accessible design, this is an approach to building or remodeling a home that caters to people of all ages, sizes, and abilities. The idea is to fill the environment with products, fixtures, and details that make it usable for all, including those with limited mobility, balance issues, cognitive impairment, and sensory disabilities.

Designing for all — or at least as many people as possible rather than the “average” user — has gained awareness in recent years. Still, contemporary home design has yet to reflect this new trend on a large scale. Instead, it continues to cater to the traditional four-person nuclear family, which hasn’t been the leading demographic in America for decades.

What Are the Living Arrangements of American Households?

large dinging space connected to living room with sark wood beamsAccording to the U.S. Census Bureau’s annual America’s Families and Living Arrangements, the demographics of the average U.S. household have changed drastically in the 60 years since family statistics began being collected. For instance, single adults living alone comprise 28% of all households compared to just 13% in 1960. There are also far more instances of couples without children, adults living with roommates, single-parent families, and multigenerational households.

Universal Design Elements

A home designed with accessibility in mind needn’t look institutional. The goal is to achieve flexibility so everyone’s needs are met, both now and in the future. After all, anyone’s abilities may change, whether due to a sudden life-altering accident, temporary illness, or gradual aging.

Here are some features you might find in a universally designed home:

  • Wider doorways measuring 36 inches instead of the standard 28 inches
  • Tiered or height-adjustable cabinets and countertops designed to accommodate seated and standing people
  • Spacious bathrooms and closets
  • Grab bars and railings
  • Non-slip surfaces
  • Curbless showers and walk-in tubs
  • Comfort-height toilets
  • Multifunctional furniture
  • Ramps or single-story construction
  • Automated smart features
  • Customizable home elements that can adapt from one user to the next

Benefits of Universal Design

With traditional buildings still the most common option, why should you consider accessible design? Consider these benefits:

  • Live independently: If you have been in an accident, put on bed rest, or noticed your needs are changing with age, universal design allows you to continue living comfortably and safely in your home for years to come.
  • Cater to aging or disabled friends and family: You want everyone you love to feel comfortable visiting your home. If you have a friend in a wheelchair or an elderly loved one who stays with you sometimes, designing your home to meet their needs makes them feel more welcome.
  • Plan for the future: Perhaps you don’t currently have any disabilities. However, you can’t expect to operate at full capacity during every activity for your entire life. That’s why it’s wise to incorporate universal design elements into your next home renovation.

Remodel Your Arizona Home with Universal Design Elements

Universal design requires an awareness and appreciation for the varying abilities of different people. At Aaron & Co., we can help make your home more user-friendly for all with our accessibility remodeling services. Let us transform your kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, or any other space to cater to your or your family’s changing abilities without needing to leave your home.

Call Now for Free Consultation

When you’re ready to begin your universal design home renovation, call (520) 999-4138 or contact us online for a free consultation.

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  • “Aaron designed plans for my wife and me that combined a 3-room casita with attached 2-car garage. His comprehensive knowledge and attention to the smallest details were enormously helpful. From structural considerations to aesthetics, from siting to permitting, he made a complex process simple, providing multiple iterations until the vision we had for this space was realized. His focus on cost-savings as well as quality were greatly appreciated. Aaron was a pleasure to work with and we highly recommend him.”

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  • “The construction process was smooth and Aaron’s team was in constant communication with us. They provided us with proper expectations and then met or exceeded them. This gave us a great sense of ease for we have remodeled before with a different contractor and it was constant anxiety. Aaron & Co finished the project about two weeks early than promised and kept the project within our provided budget, including the changes that we requested. The final product turned out beautifully and the service rendered was outstanding.”

    Rich Cunningham

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