Linda Everson and her husband built a 1,000 square foot mother-in-law suite in their Alabama home. Linda’s mother has rheumatoid arthritis, and although she doesn’t need a wheelchair, the space was designed to be accessible.
The Eversons interviewed three builders before selecting Baugher Design & Remodel. They spent several months working on a floor plan that includes a bedroom with 12-foot ceilings, a bathroom, kitchenette, 12x8 foot closet, laundry room, and a glassed-in sunroom.
Universal Design
Rob Baugher is CEO of Baugher Design & Remodel in Birmingham. He is also a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS). The CAPS program was developed by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Remodelors Council. Aging-in-place simply means remaining in one's home safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level.
Aging baby boomers are the fastest growing segment of the residential housing market. "Baby boomers more than likely won't go to nursing homes," said Baugher. Instead, they will build or remodel homes that they can stay in for life. He adds, "Universal design is a common-sense decision that works for everyone."
"Universal design is good design. It is more comfortable, more efficient, and more beautiful. Universal design is ergonomic and doesn't have to be adapted. You shouldn't have to stoop, bend, step, climb, or reach. Why settle for anything else?" said Rebecca Stahr, president of the Universal Design Alliance, Inc. The Alliance is an international organization that wants consumers to understand that universal design is for everyone.
Universal Luxury
Bathroom - "If everything is well planned, I can take you inside a universal design home and you wouldn't know it. It is high-end design, not a clinical feel," said Baugher. He explains that bathrooms are spacious. Showers don't have doors. "You'll never have to clean a shower door again," he said. The showers he builds have a "U" shape with a half wall of tile. It feels open, but water doesn't splash out. The no threshold entry eliminates stepping up to enter a shower. Shower benches are standard features as is an adjustable water wand. The bathrooms have 30 percent more lighting.
"We've stopped putting in two-foot wide bathroom doors," said Baugher. Doors are 36-inches wide. Sometimes, he uses two French doors and creates a four-foot wide doorway. A traditional bathroom sink was positioned at a 30-inch height, probably so children could reach the faucet. Baugher raises the sink in master bathrooms to 36 inches. He asks, "If you have a bad back, do you want to bend over to wash your hands?
"People are spending the time to have a well-thought out bathroom. The bathroom is more expensive per square foot than a kitchen, even though it is smaller," said Diana Schrage, interior designer at Kohler Design Center. She said, "Our traditional products can be installed in creative ways to meet ADA (American Disability Act) guidelines. For example, the Kohler Tea-for-Two Tub meets ADA requirements when used with a 15-inch transfer seat. The tub has not changed, but how we think about it has."
Consumers can make simple changes during remodeling projects that enhance their homes. Baugher suggests his clients include a telephone outlet and cable line in the bathroom. Each feature costs approximately $7 if done during construction. Place light switches beside the bed to eliminate stumbling in the dark. Raise outlets 18 inches from the floor to reduce the amount of bending when plugging in the vacuum. "Small common-sense changes are perceived as luxury by consumers," said Baugher.
Kitchen - The kitchen is the hub of the home and another area where universal design benefits the whole family. Raising the dishwasher a few inches off the floor makes loading and unloading less of a chore. "Providing a variety of counter heights is a trend in kitchens," said Mary Jo Peterson author of Universal Kitchen and Bathroom Planning. She suggests kitchens include work areas that allow cooks to sit. Homeowners should install under-cabinet lighting and lazy-Susans in cabinets. Use a rolling server cart that coordinates with the cabinets to take food to the table, dirty dishes to the sink, or groceries to the pantry.
Universal Acceptance
A universally designed home is safer and more comfortable for all members of a household, whether they are age 6 or 96. As people age, their vision, hearing, mobility, and strength may decrease, so anticipating potential needs and modifying a home is a wise decision.
Everson is pleased with her new addition. She just wishes all the doors in her home had levered handles and every doorway was wide enough for large furniture. While she originally built the suite to accommodate her mother's needs, she now knows that it is an investment in her own future.
