Recapping Universal Design Features at Parade of Homes

As another successful year is added to the history of Parade of Homes, this year’s event is sure to be remembered for its incorporation of universal design features, one of the latest trends in homebuilding. Unlike most trends that focus on defining the appearance of a home, universal design is unique in that it prepares homeowners for the varying life stages of a family. This growing trend has lasting power, because it essentially allows a family to stay in their home through the challenges of aging or dealing with an unforeseen temporary or permanent disability. Many of the newly built houses at this year’s Parade of Homes featured universal design options.

It is quite possible that even if you attended the 2007 Parade of Homes, you may have overlooked the majority of universal design options featured. Often times, universal design features are invisible to the naked eye; therefore, there is no need to worry that they might detract from the beauty of your home. For example, a number of bathrooms featured reinforced walls so they can accommodate grab bars in the future. Another example is flooring under both kitchen and bathroom cabinets. This may avoid the cost of new floors should the cabinets need to be altered to allow for wheelchair access in the future. Similarly, cabinets under the kitchen and bathroom sinks can have finished interior sides to allow for the future removal of the center cabinet door for roll under capacity. These examples show that a home does not necessarily have to look any different just because it incorporates universal design options. For more information on the Parade of Homes models that incorporated universal design, visit www.mbaonline.org.

Planning for universal design features means your home can readily change to accommodate the addition of new features should a need arise. Take for example, the addition of a residential elevator. Many new home designs are featuring closets that are stacked so they can easily be converted to make room for a future elevator. A home with an elevator, or one that will readily accommodate an elevator, will appeal to more homeowners so the resale value will continue to grow.

Universal design options not only focus on allowing more accessibility in your home in the future, but they also focus on offering ease in everyday activities. Lever door handles and lever sink handles are two examples. These handles are a popular trend in modern homes and they also make it easier for people to live in a home. A parent with an arm full of groceries or a sleeping toddler can easily use an elbow to open a door with a lever handle. Likewise, a person who has arthritis can utilize a lever handle much more readily than they could grasp and turn a traditional door knob or faucet.

The benefits of universal design are nearly endless. If you are taking the time and effort to build a new home, why not take the extra step to ensure that the home you create will be enjoyed for years to come.