Universal Design Principles for your Last Home Renovation
Today, we’re diving into your final home remodel! This is the last design project you’ll tackle before you settle into the glory of retirement and all its golden days. You’ll want to live long and comfortably in this space, right? These tips are also perfect if you're building an ADU for your parents, so they can enjoy the space comfortably too. And of course, these ideas work for anyone who wants to make their space more universally welcoming and comfortable for everyone. Think of this guide as your secret weapon to avoid costly mistakes or regrets about how the space turns out!
Grab Bars
Plan ahead: Add blocking behind shower walls and around the toilet for future grab bar installation. Just because you don’t currently need them doesn’t mean you can’t be prepared for the day you do! Blocking provides necessary support for weight-bearing grab bars and is very difficult to install later. Also, grab bars aren’t those outdated, hospital-style ones you might remember. Modern grab bars are stylish and blend seamlessly with your decor!
Doorway & Hallway Clearances
Let’s talk hallways and doorways! Standard doorway width is 27-30”, but for better accessibility, aim for something wider. Hallways should be at least 36” wide for easy movement. In the kitchen, make sure there’s 40” of space between the island and perimeter cabinetry for smooth mobility. And for the shower, you’ll want at least 32” of clearance when the door is open at 90°. Giving yourself that extra space means you’ll have room for accessibility items to move freely through the space!
Faucets & Door Handles
For faucets, it’s important that they can be turned on and off with one hand and require less than 5 pounds of force—no twisting or straining needed! The same goes for door handles; they should be easy to use with one hand and need minimal effort. Make sure they’re mounted 34”-48” from the floor and have smooth, rounded edges for extra accessibility and comfort!
Flooring
Flooring is a key factor in universal design! The best flooring choice for accessibility? Non-slip tiles! They’ve got just the right texture and grip to help prevent slips. Also, keep your flooring thickness consistent throughout the house—no unexpected bumps or tripping hazards when moving from room to room! Below you can see a seamless transition from tile to hardwood.
Future Elevator Planning
When building a space from scratch, there’s so much you can do to make your home accessible for the long haul! One of our favorite tricks? Stack two large closets in a two-story home—boom, you’ve got the perfect spot for a future elevator. Planning ahead means you can skip the stair chair lift down the road and keep your home both stylish and functional! Below you can see a future elevator spot that is currently being built out as a closet.
Adequate & Proper Lighting
Lighting isn't just important—it’s a game-changer, especially in the spaces where we spend the most time! The right lighting keeps our eyes happy and our spaces functional. Add task lighting where it matters most—like mirrors and glam stations in the bathroom, key countertops in the kitchen, and cozy reading nooks in the living room.
Curbless Shower
Go curbless if you can—it’s sleek, modern, and easy to step into! If a fully curbless shower isn’t an option, aim for the lowest threshold possible (around 3” is as low as it gets). Whether you can go curbless depends on factors like your bathroom’s location, your home’s slope, and other building quirks. But if your shower is tiny, curbless might not be the way to go—it can turn into a splash zone fast! In that case, keep the curb low for the best of both worlds.
ADA Height Toilet with Bidet
Make sure you install an ADA-height toilet! These are taller than standard toilets, making it easier to sit down and stand up. We also recommend adding a bidet to improve accessibility. Honestly, we’re obsessed with having a bidet on every toilet!
