Qualified Remodeler Magazine

JUL 2017

Qualified Remodeler helps independent remodeling firms to survive, become more professional and more profitable by providing must-have business information, namely best business practices, new product information and timely design ideas.

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adaptable home has all the features a fixed accessible home has, but it allows some items to be omitted or concealed until needed and is better matched to individual needs when occupied. Standards for adaptable design have been incorporated in both ANSI and UFAS; these standards specify adaptability criteria, which will provide a level of full accessibility when adjustments are made. In an adaptable home, wide doors, no steps, knee spaces, control and switch locations, grab bar reinforcement and other accessible fea- tures must be built in. Grab bars, for example, can be omitted and installed when needed. Because the necessary blocking is already provided, the bars can simply be screwed in place without opening the existing walls to install reinforcement. Knee spaces can be con- cealed by installing a removable base cabinet that can be unscrewed from adjacent cabinets and slipped out when needed, or by install- ing self-storing cabinet doors that fold and slide back. Countertops and closet rods can be placed on adjustable supports rather than fixed at lower heights as required for some wheelchair users. Adaptable features are a marketing ad- vantage for owners/occupants because they allow fully accessible homes to be suited to their users and marketable to anyone; it is not building inaccessible units on the promise they will be removed or remodeled for ac- cessibility upon request. For this reason, it is best to think of adaptable features as those that can be adjusted in a short time with- out involving structural or finished material changes. | Why is universal design important? ¡ Families are sharing the responsibilities of home life. ¡ How those responsibilities are carried out is evolving. ¡ e average life expectancy continues to increase. ¡ A typical family contains members of vary- ing ages, sizes and abilities. ¡ We should not be forced to move because a house is not adaptable to family change. ACCESSIBLE DESIGN Accessible generally means homes meet prescribed requirements for accessible hous- ing. Mandatory requirements for accessi- ble housing vary widely and are found in state, local and model building codes; in agency regulations such as the Department of Housing and Urban Development's pro- gram 202 and 811, section 504; and the Fair Housing Amendments Act requirements. ey are also found in standards such as the American National Standards Institute's A 117.1 and the Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards. Accessible features in homes include items such as wide doors, sufficient clear floor space for wheelchairs, lower countertop segments, lever and loop type handles on hardware, seats at bathing fixtures, grab bars in bathrooms, knee spaces under sinks and counters, audi- ble and visual signals, switches and controls in easily reached locations, entrances free of steps and stairs, an accessible route through the house, and pull-out features in cabinetry. Most "accessible" features are permanently fixed in place and very apparent. ADAPTABLE DESIGN Some accessible features such as knee spaces under sinks, lower counters and grab bars in bathrooms are obvious and change the way an accessible home looks and is used. An here has been a significant in- crease in the age of the popula- tion commonly referred to as the "baby boomer" generation. As this generation ages, it will become increasing- ly harder for people to stay in their homes. Aging-in-place has been widely recognized by A ARP, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines aging-in- place as "the ability to live in one's own home and community safely, independently and comfortably, regardless of age, income or ability level." Remodelers need to understand how to make a home more accommodating as people age because they will become the trusted resource to make the appropriate home adjustments. Another phenomenon is the increase in multigenerational housing needs as housing becomes less affordable. Family definitions are changing and, as the cost of single housing increases, more generations are moving back together, just as it was in years past. It will be the remodeler who is on top of chang- ing trends in housing and the technologies available—not just electronics available but construction technologies—that will stay in step with their clients' needs. Designing homes and remodeling proj- ects using the principle of universal design will help all generations live together in their homes comfortably, safely and with style for many years to come. Some things to remember: Not every client needs or wants what you have to sell, and not all features or principles need to be incorporated in every project. CONCEPTS OF UNIVERSAL DESIGN With thoughtful planning, we can create a home that will continue to work well for cli- ents throughout their lives. Universal design is becoming more popular due to the increas- ing trend of universal remodeling. T S C H E D U L E MAY — UDCP: Top 10 Universal Design Features for a Home JUNE — UDCP: Client Needs Assessment & Environmental Assessment JULY — UDCP: Elements of Universal Design/Home Modification AUGUST — CR: Project Management SEPTEMBER — CR: Standards of Practice UDCP: Elements of Universal Design/Home Modification 16 July 2017 QR QualifiedRemodeler.com PROFITS: NARI Recertification QR has teamed up with NARI to create a convenient way to earn credits toward your recertification. After reading this issue's article, take the test for CEUs at QualifiedRemodeler.com/NARI.

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