50+ Housing Council 50+ Housing Council

International Builders show 2011International Builders show 2011International Builders show 2011 International Builders show 2011

FIVE EASY THINGS to DO TOMORROW to Universally Design your Home

1) INSTALL EASY TO USE CONTROLS AND HARDWARE1) INSTALL EASY TO USE CONTROLS AND HARDWARE•Raise Electrical Outlets so it is easier to reach for everyone (Minimum 18” above the floor) •Install Paddle-type Lighting Switches -Easier to adjust (Locate at same height below 40” above the floor )•Use Lever Door Hardware – Easier to open•Install ‘D’ shaped Cabinet handles •Use Energy efficient HVAC Control Panel with Large numbers, Easy and Intuitive operation & Location L t d L b l th El t i l l f f ith fl hli ht b •Locate and Label the Electrical panel for easy access for anyone with a flashlight nearby

2) PROVIDE MANEUVERING SPACE & EASIER ENTRY INTO AND THROUGHOUT THE HOME

•Wider hallways and 2’-10 or 3’-0” doors throughout the home help everyone•Carrying larger objects through the home (laundry baskets strollers car seats etc)•Carrying larger objects through the home (laundry baskets, strollers, car seats, etc)•Moving furniture•Assisting children or older family members•Potential Special needs (Crutches, wheelchair, etc)

•Provide a Shelf outside Main Entry door to set down items while opening the door•“Key drop” inside Main Entry door and Bench for changing shoes•Make the Door from the Garage to the home a 3’-0” door (Easier to get groceries and packages through) Make the Door from the Garage to the home a 3 0 door (Easier to get groceries and packages through) •Rearrange furniture•Design or Retrofit a Bedroom on the Main First Floor Living Level •Easier and safer Entry into the home

•Front Entry under a porch to protect you in inclement weather.•Install a “keyless” entry •One “No step” Door (Create stem wall at front door, provide flashing and recess door sill) p ( , p g )•Provide a longer & meandering sidewalk and landscaping to make up the grade to the Entry•Access From a Deck designed for a (future) ramp •Through a Garage with Retrofit for a (future) ramp.

50+ Housing Council 50+ Housing Council

International Builders show 2011International Builders show 2011

3) CREATE VARIABLE & BETTER LIGHTING THROUGHOUT THE HOME•Task lighting for Reading, Cooking, Makeup, Shaving, etc.

•Install Dimmers to create Variable Task Lighting levels 

(Entertaining, Working, Reading, Cleaning, etc)

•Use Energy Star fixtures & Energy efficient bulbs (Reduce Utility bills)

International Builders show 2011 International Builders show 2011

Use Energy Star fixtures & Energy efficient bulbs (Reduce Utility bills) 

•Soft Lighting for night trips to the bathroom.

•Exterior Lighting for Security & Safety (Steps, Walkways, Front & Rear doors on Timers or Motion‐Sensitive)

4) GET ORGANIZED & COMFORTABLEL f S D & C bi f i d i•Lots of Storage, Drawers & Cabinets of varying type and size

•Locate Storage within Sight and Reach•Create a Comfortable Work area, Desk or Niche

•Computer workspace with Comfortable Seating and  Ergonomic typing area & Adjustable to the User

•Use Storage, Drawer & Cabinet Accessories to make it easier to Organize and Find things

5) DESIGN ROOMS THAT ARE EASIER TO USE BATHROOMS 

•Different height toilets so it is easier to use depending on location and users•Install Grab bars which are designed and used as Towel bars •Locate Toilets in corner adjacent to two walls

American Lighting

GE Appliances New Home Essentials KitchenDesigner: Mary Jo Peterson

•Hand‐held Shower heads•Grab bar reinforcing in wall (or use “Wing‐its”) 

•Install Low flow plumbing fixtures‐Reduce Utility bills 

•Provide Curbless Shower with Trough drain & Wide glass door (Removable )

KITCHENS •Different height working surfaces (36” counter heights are not for everyone)Different height working surfaces (36  counter heights are not for everyone)

•Cabinets with Roll‐out shelves & Drawers•Stove/ range (Consider Reach & Safety)•Side by side Refrigerator/ Freezer with water/ice dispenser (Less opening of doors and Easier to use)•Microwave/ Wall oven (Easier to get things in and out especially heavy pans)