New construction continues to embrace open floor plans and increased spaciousness in traditionally small rooms. These types of home designs are already on a pathway to making residential properties more accessible to people with mobility limitations. Given that fully accessible homes would only increase the field of potential buyers, making them comply with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards is the next logical step. Construction outfits and new homebuyers can include the following elements that make homes both attractive and accessible.
In many ways, an accessible kitchen design mirrors elements that make them ergonomic for most people. These beautiful kitchen designs employ space efficiency in a way that simplifies meal and beverage preparation. Before offering an example, it’s essential to note that an accessible kitchen typically needs to meet five ADA criteria. These include the following.
Meeting these accessibility guidelines is not far afield from popular kitchen layouts with center islands. Minor modifications to commonplace kitchen designs such as countertops being wall-mounted instead of on top of cabinets are relatively simple. Center islands only need an open area underneath for clearance to meet the ADA standards.
The ADA standards for accessible entryways are not vastly different than many others. Standard doors of 36 inches often provide the minimum of 32 inches of clear space to meet the guidelines. It’s not uncommon for new construction homes to include at least one exterior doorway of 38 inches or larger to move large furniture and appliances in and out of the home. So, the doorways are typically not an impediment. The issue that causes some builders to shy away from ADA entryways is the wheelchair-accessible ramps.
One of the solutions has been to include expansive attached garages that accommodate either a ramp or wheelchair lift. The increased square-footage of attached garages improves property values and has been widely embraced by homeowners in general. Being able to pull into an attached garage during inclement weather and walking groceries up a modest incline is usually preferable to climbing stairs in the pouring rain. Placing this element in the garage also eliminates the appearance of cumbersome front-yard ramps.
Everyday people often consider bathroom grab rails as an element specific to handicapped bathrooms. That idea changes dramatically when someone injures their back or sprains an ankle. Accessible toilet side and back grab rails are 1.24 to 1.5 inches in thickness and must be securely mounted to the wall at heights between 33-36 inches.
By integrating these and other accessibility elements into new construction, property owners derive ergonomic space benefits. Those with physical limitations enjoy an improved quality of life. Adding these sometimes subtle design enhancements also means the home will better serve a wider demographic.
Ted draws energy and joy from building synergetic relationships with his Clients. Ted's nature is graciously gregarious and persevering; he's honest; and he's been dedicated to a substantial list of clientele throughout his 25 years in the hospitality business and almost two years as a REALTOR. His passion is creating a sincere, successful relationship with people.
Ted grew up in a family of Realtors in central Indiana, earned a degree in economics and philosophy from the University of Notre Dame, and jumped into all aspects of the restaurant business. His ensuing hospitality career path eventually led him into the Event Management Sales & Service role in hotels and quickly guided him to Los Angeles, San Francisco, and finally to a luxury resort in the Napa Valley, where he, his husband, and their dog have resided for almost a decade now.
The irony is not lost on Ted that his ‘growth’ journey has culminated in“living happily ever after” in an agricultural area with a small-town feel and sense of community strikingly reminiscent of his youth…and as a REALTOR nonetheless!