Basic Universal Design Home
A Basic Universal DesignHome should have at least the following features.
- An accessible entrance: No-step entrance with a porch or overhang
- Entrances: 1 zero step entrance with porch or overhang
- Entrances: 1 zero step entrance, no threshold, accessible path from street, drive, or sidewalk
- Key function areas located on an accessible level, for example kitchen, bath, and bedroom
(An accessible bath may be located on the Ground Floor, 2nd Floor or both. For example, an accessible bath on the 2nd Floor can be provided by the use of an elevator.) - Interior Circulation: 1 bedroom is located on an accessible level
- Bath-Ground Floor: Bath is located on an accessible level
- Bath-Ground Floor: Room depth for wheelchair user to enter and close door behind
- Bath-2nd Floor: Bath is located on an accessible level
- Bath-2nd Floor: Room depth for wheelchair user to enter and close door behind
- Kitchen: Kitchen is located on an accessible level
- Wide interior doorways (34-36 inches)
- Interior Circulation: All doors 34 in.to 36 in. wide
- Passages (42 inches)
- Interior Circulation: Circulation route 42 in. min. width
- Switches and controls located at accessible heights: Light switches, thermostats, power outlets, phone jacks, reachable electrical panel
- Switches & Controls: Light switches 44 in. to 48 in. high
- Switches & Controls: Thermostat 48 in. max height
- Switches & Controls: Electrical outlets 18 in. min. height
- Switches & Controls: Electrical panel top: 54 in. max above floor
- Switches & Controls: Phone jacks 18 in. min. height
- Wall reinforcing for grab bars in bathrooms – for future needs
(This feature may be available on either or both levels but at a minmium it should be available on an accessible level.) - Bath-Ground Floor: Broad blocking in walls around toilet, tub, shower for future grab bars
- Bath-2nd Floor: Broad blocking in walls around toilet, tub, shower for future grab bars
- Easy to use appliances: For example front load washer and dryer, cook tops with front controls
- Kitchen: Cooktop or range with front or side mounted controls
- Laundry Area: Front load washer, front controls
- Laundry Area: Front load dryer, front controls
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