Universal Design Homes are Easier to Get Into: Entrances, Walkways, and Lighting

How to Get into Your Universal Design* home

Entrance, Walkways, and Lighting Ideas that make Coming Home Easier

Your new Universal Design home design begins with thoughtful entrances, walkways and lighting. Whether you're considering a new home in a 55+ community, or a fabulous home on acreage of your own, here's what you need to know - and what else to ask about from your accessible home builder:

Entrance

The entrance to your Universal Design home is where it all begins. Before you get started with your Universal Design home, think about including some or all of these Universal Design features.

• At least one entrance that doesn't require steps
  • Porch floor, stoop, or landing should be at the same level as the floor inside the home
• Exterior door at least 35 inches wide
  • Eye-level peephole for adults, children, and wheelchair access
  • Lever or D-shaped door handle
  • Easy-to-reach, lighted doorbell or intercom
• Flat threshold
• No slip flooring
• Large, simple typeface house numbers 60 inches off the floor
• Overhead covering (roof extension, overhang or awning)
• Chair, small table, bench or shelf by the door

Walkways

Don't forget about how you and your guests will actually gain access to your new Universal Design home! Universal Design concepts extend to the outdoors, and should include easy ways to get to that fabulous entrance.

• Textured
• Nonslip
• Level or gradually sloping
• 36 inches to 66 inches wide
• Concrete or other solid surface material
• Ramps
  • No more than one inch rise for each 12 inches in length
  • Five foot landing at top and wherever ramp changes direction
  • Handrails on both sides that can be gripped while sitting and standing

Lighting

Lighting can be easy to overlook. But a few small additions can really brighten your new Universal Design home.

• Small, low-voltage lights that illuminate walkways, with extra lights as elevation changes
• Covered light fixtures above eye level at entrance to minimize glare
• Illuminate door handle, lockset and house numbers

Other Easy Access Ideas

Ask your accessible home builder about some of these other popular Universal Design ideas.

• Placement of the home that does not require ramps
• Several fixtures such as scones or hanging lanterns
• Recess lights in the underside of eaves or roof overhang
• Perimeter area spotlights directed at walls, dark corners and garages
• Motion or light sensor that switches on and off automatically
• Door locks that are easy to operate, such as keyless locks with remote control, push-button or keypad
• Intercom system-connected to phone or stand-alone
• Passive or active solar heating (e.g., south facing windows)

*Universal Design (UD) (encompassing "aging in place," "accessible living," and "barrier-free living") is an approach to building that makes everyday actions easier.

Universal Design meets the needs of the present and the future.

Consider universal design concepts for your next home - universal design is most cost efficient and effective when incorporated directly into your new home, and is increasingly popular in Raleigh 55+ communities.

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