In the last two articles we gave a brief overview of what Universal Design and Aging in Place issues are all about as well as the differences between the two.
Briefly again,Universal Design or “Lifetime Design”,as it is sometimes referred to,means creating an environment that is user-friendly at any age or level of ability. Aging in Place is more specific to the issues of aging and the associated disabilities. At either level,incorporating these designs into a new construction or remodeling project can mean being able to live comfortably and independently in your home for a lifetime.
Now let’s take a look at some of the myths and realities of these practices.
Myth:#1 Universal Design is unattractive.
In reality UD and AIP designs are unnoticeable for the most part. The makers of fixtures and appliances that are intended for this purpose have gone to great lengths to make their products as universal as possible (pun intended).
Many of the techniques of installing larger doors,no steps or stairs,accessible cabinets,etc.,are pretty much transparent. There is the occasional oversized button or switch that for the most part goes unnoticed.
Myth:#2 Universal or Aging in Place Designs are costly.
Many Universal Design or Aging in Place products cost no more than other products. For example,most lever-style doorknobs don’t cost any more than traditional round knobs. Yes,there are some minimal cost differences for having such things as wider doors but again,there are ways to mitigate most of these small extra costs.
It would be inaccurate to say there are zero extra costs to implement these designs and principles but “where there’s a will there’s a way”.
Many of our UBuildIt clients have used the savings created through our system to accomplish these desires.
Myth:#3 I don’t need Universal or Aging in Place design. I’m not disabled.
Universal design is beneficial for everyone. How many times have your hands been full when you needed to open a door? You can open a lever-style lock with your elbow. How many times have you wished you had better lighting in the bathroom or how often have you wished you could reach the top shelf of a kitchen cabinet without using a stool.
The dictionary definition of the word universal as:“common to all members of a group or class” and “useful for many purposes” So you see,Universal Design is really as the name implies “Universal”.
How big is Aging in Place?
- 89% of people 50+ wish to remain in their own homes indefinitely (AARP).
- 75% of remodelers have seen an increase in requests for aging in place work (NAHB).
- 60% of remodelers already perform aging in place work (NAHB).
- Over half of all 55+ households rate their current home a 9 or 10 out of 10 (American Housing Survey).
- The aging population is the number two issue to affect the remodeling industry over the next five years,only behind the availability of skilled labor (NAHB).
Talk to The Renner Companies about your goals and desires for a new home or remodeling project. It’s really all a matter of planning,so get started now.
