If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to live in a home that grows with you, adapting to your changing needs and life circumstances, then universal home design may be the answer you’re looking for.
What exactly is universal home design? What benefits can homeowners expect from UHD? And how can you go about implementing this concept into your home?
What Is Universal Home Design?
Universal home design is an architectural approach that aims to make living spaces usable by as many people as possible, regardless of their age, size or ability. The history of UHD traces back to the 1970s when architect Ronald Mace advocated for designs that made buildings accessible to everyone including persons with disabilities.
The key principles of UHD include:
• Flexibility
• Simplicity
• Intuitiveness
• Safety
These principles lead to designing homes that are easy to navigate and use, adaptable to changing needs and safe for most users.
What Are the Benefits of Universal Home Design?
One of the main benefits of universal home design is its accessibility. With UHD, homes are designed to be usable by a wide array of people with varying abilities. Features like wider doorways, lower countertops and grab bars in the bathroom are standard features for ease of use and for added safety.
Flexibility is another significant perk of UHD. As our lives change — whether due to aging, an accident or simply changes in lifestyle — our needs from our homes change too. Universal home design facilitates these changes without the need for more costly renovations or relocations.
Universal home design also promotes safety. By reducing clutter and lighting and installing features like non-slip flooring, the risk of accidents and injuries at home is significantly reduced.
UHD does more than make homes more livable — it also makes them more valuable. By making your home attractive to a broader market — including seniors and persons with disabilities — you can increase its resale value. Plus, by future-proofing your property through UHD, you can save on future renovation costs.
Common Misconceptions about Universal Home Design
Despite its many benefits, there are still some misconceptions about universal home design. Some people may think it’s only needed for the elderly or disabled. On the contrary, UHD benefits people of all ages and abilities by making homes safer and easier to use.
Another common myth is that UHD is expensive or unattractive. But in reality, many UHD features can be incorporated at little to no extra cost during construction or renovation and they can actually enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home.
How to Implement Universal Home Design in Your Home
Implementing universal home design in your home can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Start by consulting with a certified universal home design professional who can guide you through the process. Prioritize changes based on personal needs and budget, focusing on areas that will provide the most benefit.
And remember: even small changes can make a big difference!
Get Assistance from Omicelo Health
If you’re interested in exploring how universal home design can benefit your home but aren’t sure where to start, Omicelo Health is here to help. Specializing in aging-in-place solutions and home modifications, our team can provide guidance on how to incorporate UHD principles into your home design.
Reach out today if you have any questions about universal home design — we’re always here to assist.
