More and more homeowners are opting for universal design when making certain home renovations. The reason is simple. While standard design best suits the “average person” of average age, height, and agility, universal design accommodates all persons; regardless of age, size, or physical mobility. Creating a lifespan environment that serves each family member throughout their lifetime.

Taking universal design into consideration when planning a home renovation project can help to avoid costly alterations at a later date that might be required because of limited physical ability. This not only creates living space that work best for all persons who live in or visit your home. The real estate value of your home is increased, as well.

Universal interior design features include:

• Wider doorways
• Wider traffic areas around furnishings and fixtures
• Lower counter, table top, and workspace for ease of access, whether sitting or standing
• Lowered bathroom fixtures for greater independence
• Consistent lighting throughout the house for uniform visual clarity
• Brighter lighting for increased visibility
• Nightlights in all areas of nighttime activity
• Lights in all closets, as well as adjustable rods and shelves
• Easy to grasp handles for all drawers and cabinet doors
• Handrails on both sides of all steps
• Reflective non-slip tape on all non-carpeted stairs
• Grab bar installation where appropriate
• Phones with large buttons installed in each room, making access more convenient
• Lowered light fixtures with switch plates that make turning the light on and off easier, such as rocker switches
• Illuminated light switches where appropriate
• Timed, motion, touch, or voice-activated light fixtures where appropriate
• Specially designed door and window hardware; including lever door handles, swing-clear hinges, single-lever and tandem latches, and remote locks or keyless entry systems
• Ease of movement, non-slip floors and floor coverings

Note: most of the objects and materials required to make these type universal design modifications to your home can be purchased at local department or hardware stores.