Universal design and aging in place trends have taken hold in the residential remodeling industry. Bathrooms with disability access needed are exactly why aging in place home modifications for independent living and elder construction in Austin are so important. The current housing inventory doesn't offer the features needed for safety and accessibility in the numbers needed to deal with the growing demand. It is ultimately up to the homeowners and their families to plan for future housing needs. Just what are the most important design issues regarding aging in place home modifications done br home remodeling professionals in Austin?
To begin with, the JCHS data showed that one of the top priorities with aging in place consumers is low maintenance. They want their houses to look great and require as little maintenance as possible. There is a minimal need for landscaping and outdoor upkeep, exteriors that require periodic painting, and a preference for newer houses rather than older ones where things don't break down as easily. These are the main reasons why the aging population considers moving. However, the kitchen and bath in existing homes are the two main areas most referenced when considering improvements.
People who are interested in aging in place home improvements are now looking for a level entry into their home along with the maneuverability that a more open floor plan having greater clear unobstructed floor space presents. They desire flat floors without transitions requiring steps or stairs to move around. Ramps having a correct 1:12 slope can be used to get them up to the level floor space at the exterior entries or the garage access.
Most aging baby boomers prefer one story homes in which to age in place and this has become a primary reason to relocate versus a remodel. They are looking for an accessible master suite and kitchen located on the same floor. However, some developments mandate building two story homes. The above requirement can be easily met by placing the guest bedrooms and accompanying bath upstairs. If the master suite for any reason needs to be upstairs, closets can be stacked between floors to house a future elevator installation.
Many people find themselves needing accessible homes for themselves or family members requiring disability access remodeling. There are approximately 30 million Americans using wheelchairs and the number of people who need accessible homes will continue to increase as disabled and aging people are finding more ways to remain living in their homes. One important way to increase independent living is making a home accessible to an individuals personal needs. Elder living solutions and home modifications can increase safety, accessibility, and independence for people who want to live independently.
The Top Five Items To Include In An Accessible Kitchen Design
1. Doorway Clearance and Hallway Widths
Installing 36" wide doors will allow for the required minimum clearance of 32" for disability access baths and kitchens. Lever lock sets should be installed on each door and clear swing out hinges provide a greater clearance. Unobstructed clear hallways should be at least 36" wide but 42" is preferable.
2. Kitchen Wall Cabinets
Kitchens have evolved because fewer cabinets are needed within the more open designs. Fewer wall cabinets are needed because of personal reach limitations. For those that are used, they can be installed at 14" above the base cabinet work top instead of the standard 18" spacing. The cabinet top is now lowered by two inches and installed at a universal 34" height. This makes a net 6 inch lower installation height for the bottom of the wall cabinet. All types of cabinet inserts like pull out shelves and specialized drawers are now available for installation in both base and wall cabinets. These devices will certainly help solve the reach problem. Base cabinet kick spaces can be raised to 9" and deepened instead of the standard 4" to allow for wheelchair access. Recognized clear knee spaces can be incorporated into the design for roll under access at the sink, prep area, and cook top. Doors are the worst enemy for anyone using a wheelchair. Pull out open shelves and drawers are preferable for not causing architectural barriers. Graspable pulls should be used with a "C" or "U" shaped configuration.
3. Kitchen Work Surfaces
Ideally you would measure individual comfort ranges for working in the kitchen for whom the kitchen is being accommodated. Accessible counter workspaces are a minimum of 30" wide and should be installed at 34" above the finished floor. Countertops should not be obstructed by base cabinets in wok areas like food prep areas, sinks, and dining areas.
4. Kitchen Sinks
Sinks that have open space beneath the sink that provides wheelchair or walker accessibility will allow users to access the sink. Knee clearance for a sink needs to be at least 27” high, 8” deep at the knees or 11” deep for children.The drain should be placed in the rear of the sink so the piping underneath will not prevent a person in a wheelchair from rolling underneath. Pipes should be insulated or enclosed by a removable panel to protect legs from scalding. Using a single lever faucet is a lower cost option to making the faucet accessible. There are also touch control faucets that allow the user to turn on and off the faucet with one touch. Also, installing the faucet to the side of the sink may make it more accessible for some people. A 24" reach limit should be observed.
5. Appliances
The lack of bending motion and decreasing reach distances is changing the way we purchase and install appliances at comfortable heights. Placing dishwashers higher by a few inches to limit bending has become a reachable fad and the new height is changing the old look of our kitchens. Refrigerator drawers, dishwashing drawers, and double ovens that are no longer stacked are just a few changes within the present day appliance marketplace. Cooking ranges with the controls located on the front represents another metamorphosis helping with reach problems. Microwaves can be installed on the now lowered countertop or within the lowered base cabinet according to the consumers need for adequate reach.
In Conclusion:
The National Association of Home Builders, in partnership with the AARP and Home Innovation Research Labs, created the CAPS program, which includes training and education on the technical, business management and customer service skills essential to compete in the fastest growing segment of the residential remodeling industry--home modifications for aging in place. David L. Traut CAPS owner of T-Square Company in Austin, Texas is one of the select group of professionals nationwide to earn the Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist (CAPS) designation, identifying him as a home remodeler and builder with the skills and knowledge necessary to remodel or modify a home to meet the unique needs of the older population, disabled owners or their visitors.
For additional information about the CAPS program, visit nahb.org/CAPS. For more information about T-Square Company, visit www.tsquareco.com or call 512-444-0097.
