The Accessible Home: Designing for All Ages and Abilities Paperback - 2012 - 1st Edition

The definitive guide to Universal Design. Create beautiful, comfortable, and functional spaces that are safe and accommodating for every person, regardless of age, ability, or life stage.

A truly great home is one that adapts as life changes. The Accessible Home moves beyond basic compliance to embrace Universal Design--a philosophy that results in seamless spaces easier to navigate and more enjoyable for everyone.

This comprehensive resource is essential for anyone planning a renovation, building a new home, or committed to allowing loved ones to comfortably "age in place."

This book provides the practical, detailed guidance necessary to make your home function efficiently for maximum independence. It covers:

• Whole-House Mobility: Expert strategies for optimizing layouts, floor transitions, and circulation paths, including essential information on ramp placement, stair lifts, and appropriate door widths.
• Key Room Functionality: Detailed plans for creating truly accessible kitchens and bathrooms, including specialized fixtures, adjustable-height counters, roll-in showers, and easy-access storage solutions.
• Aesthetic Integration: Techniques for incorporating necessary features--such as grab bars, accessible hardware, and lighting controls--so they blend beautifully and enhance the overall design of your home.
• Long-Term Value: Guidance on smart home technology integration and making cost-effective choices that ensure your home provides lasting independence and adaptability.

This is the essential resource for architects, designers, builders, and homeowners committed to building a safe, stylish environment that lasts as long as you plan to live in it.