Universal Design anticipates the diverse ways in which our space, movement and functionality needs evolve over our lifetimes.

Encompassing a blueprint stage to upgrade decisions, from installing fixtures to finding furnishings, Universal Design produces homes that are enhanced in value: attractive, comfortable over the long term, and safer to live in for all family members.

A broad spectrum of senior- and child-friendly specifications, ease-of-use functionalities, and design plans that take restricted movement, physical needs and disabilities into account, Universal Design recognizes that living requirements are dynamic. Based on the principle that anticipating needs is less expensive – and better design - than reacting to them after the fact, Universal Design accommodates the full spectrum of lifelong use, with emphasis on safety and ease of use. For example, Universal Design means situating bedrooms on the first floor to build in safety for infants, and avoiding physical exhaustion for young parents. It means planning wider doorways and larger halls to allow a wheelchair user to visit the home or live there, when that need arises.   

 Key elements of Universal Design include:

• 30-36” doorways and halls
• No-step entryways
• Bedrooms on the first floor
• Lever handles
• Open floor plans
• Cabinets with pull-out shelves
• Non-slip-non-fall safety measures like bathtub grab bars, use of slip resistance