A Home by Design: Housing with Accessibility in Mind

This post was submitted by Annabelle Harris of elders.center

Nearly 49 million Americans are living with some form of a disability today. Because of this, many builders and remodelers have taken to planning their home designs with accessibility in mind. If you find yourself looking for a new place to call home, you have more options than ever before. But you can’t go into the house-hunting or building process blindly. The Invisible Diseases Blog shares some things to think about whether you’re planning for yourself, an aging family member, or a child with disabilities, visible or invisible.

Single-Level Living Is Ideal

When most people think of a single-story house, the iconic ranch-style property comes to mind. However, according to Better Homes and Gardens, there are other home designs to consider. These include Cape Cod, Tutor, Craftsman, and Mediterranean. A single-story property means there are no stairs to navigate to get to the main living areas. These properties also often have a ground-level entrance at the front and rear, which is excellent for people with mobility issues.

Who You Work with Matters 

Once you have determined the style of home you want, you’ll have to decide on who will build or help you buy and modify it. If you don’t already know a reputable home builder, don’t just call the first number in the Yellow Pages. Instead, check reviews and photos of completed projects from verifiable customers. You’ll also want to touch base on their potential timeline and cost based on the general scope of the project.

If you choose to build, the layout is a blank slate, which allows you plenty of latitudes when it comes to design. Keep in mind that whether you hire an architect or a general contractor directly depends on where you’re building. Some planned communities have contracts with local builders, and the selection of floor plans and exteriors is limited mainly according to HOA guidelines. If not confined to such rules, hiring an architect gives you total control regarding specific design plans. 

If you plan to buy an existing property, you’ll want to research real estate agents. Try to look for an agent who is sensitive to the needs of people with disabilities and is extremely knowledgeable about the types of properties available in your area. You’ll also need to decide on a general contractor for remodeling projects. 

Features You Might Need

While no two people are alike, there are a few universal features that are desirable for those with disabilities. These include things like an accessible bathroom, which is one large enough to maneuver a wheelchair. You’ll also want at least one shower or bath with no barrier to make keeping up with your hygiene less of a challenge.

Wide doorways and, if not a ground-level entry, enough room to build a wheelchair ramp are also crucial. Lowe’s explains that the ramp slope and size is “a critical project consideration.” You will need to have room enough for a 1:12 slope, which equates to a 24-foot length for an entryway two feet off the ground.

Remember too the importance of features like dimmable lighting, an air purification system, soothing room colors, and tactile needs to make your house universally accessible.

As you decide on the features of the home, remember to design with an eye toward the future, when you may choose to put your house on the market. Your custom home will sell faster when it meets your needs as well as those of a larger pool of buyers.

Plan Your Move

When the time comes to move into your new home, you’ll want to have your move carefully planned. This includes an organized packing system, and hiring movers, which will make this transition easier on you and your friends and family. Check out several different moving companies to find the right pros. Simply use the search terms moving companies near me to access a list of experts, and then check out customer ratings and testimonials to find the best match. Don’t forget to ask about any special offers or deals. Some moving companies offer discounts for veterans. 

There is no one option between building a home, buying an existing accessible home, and remodeling an imperfect property that makes sense for everyone. Just as each house is unique, so too are your needs. What’s important is that your decision reflects what’s best for your family’s lifestyle and budget. Don’t rush the decision; buying a house is a huge investment, so it’s worth the time and energy to research your options first.

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