For the tools and information needed to succeed in the Saint Paul real estate market, look no further. Saint-Paul-Real-Estate.com offers valuable information on St.Paul neighborhoods and surrounding communities including St Paul Eastside real estate.
As our population ages, it becomes more vital to take different levels of ability into account when building or renovating our homes. By incorporating universal design elements into a new home or renovation project you can not only increase your number of potential buyers if you sell your home later on, but it will make your home more accessible to you if you find yourself having mobility problems later in life.
Universal design isn't designed specifically to be a home style for disabled or elderly residents however. The purpose behind the philosophy is that the designs are to work well for everyone, no matter their ability level, from the very young to the very old. Many of the differences that would be important in a universally designed home would be overlooked by someone without any disability. However, it is amazing what a difference that small changes can make in someone's day to day life.
One of the most important aspects of universal design is that of the entrance way. It is essential that at least one entrance way into the house be at ground level to make it easily accessible to anyone, including those with mobility problems. Along with the entrance height of the entrance way, it is important to ensure that the doors and halls in the house are wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair and allow it to navigate through the house.
The bathroom is also a vital area that requires enough space for wheelchair accessibility as well as certain other safety features. At least one bathroom on the main floor of the house should be set up with a wheelchair in mind. It should have a raised toilet, lowered countertops, and a curb-less shower for easy entry. Non-slip floors in the bathroom, particularly the shower area are also beneficial.
Most of the design changes that would be needed to make your house more universal design friendly are things like making space for a wheelchair to maneuver, large rocker switches, lever door handles, loop-style drawer and cupboard pulls, and other easy design choices that have an eye toward being use able by everyone. It's not hard to finish your house with some universal design elements, try to keep the principles in mind when planning your new home or renovation for best finished results.
- Related Articles
- Related Q&A
- Interior Design- the marks of your prestige and style
- Interior Design For The Home
- Interior Design Facts That You Should Know
- The Modern Look Of Art Deco Interior Design
- Design and Building Trends Over the Last Century
- Basement Interior Design Principles
- Get the Best and Fresh Ideas for Interior Designing of Any Kind
- Laminate Flooring Installation - Laminates Lead The Way In DIY Interior Design
You can still own your own home with Seller Financing. And get the $8,000 tax credit to help you pay for it
By: Earl Hider | 12/11/2009The death of the sub-prime mortgage has discouraged a lot of folks who really yearn for the pride of home ownership. There is just something special about coming home after work to a home that you can call your own. Sure, you still owe somebody a bunch of money for it, but you know that if you take care of your home and even improve it, you alone will benefit
Realtor Commissions - How Much Should One Negotiate?
By: Forrest Ochoa | 12/11/2009In contrast to diverse media reports, real estate investing or REI remains as one of the finest paths to get by. Although many reports organizations are putting the current housing market in a bad light, many financiers are still making enormous profits by purchasing and selling properties. In reality, executive info showed clearly that home sales have shown remarkable recovery recently. This particular means of living is serious business. For a genuine real estate financier,...
US Senate and House Passed the Home Buyer Tax Credit Extension!
By: Lee Graham | 12/11/2009Home buyers rejoice! Good news has come for the housing market!
Real Estete Developers Delhi Noida Ghaziabad Gurgaon
By: Priyanka Sethi | 12/11/2009Grand Realty is one of the leading provider commercial property. We are capable of meeting various requirements of our client for all types of commercial property in Delhi and NCR. We provide our clients with the process-driven results of commercial property management services.
Tips on Buying or Selling a home in Chandler, AZ
By: Anthony Boydston | 12/11/2009If you are thinking about buying or selling a home in Chandler, Arizona, there are several factors you need to consider.
If You are Purchasing a Second Home, There are Several Factors to Consider
By: marco | 12/11/2009If you are on the real estate market for a second home or if you are planning to be on the market for a second home, there are several things that you should consider before making a final decision. Buying a second home, whether you are planning to do it as a rental investment or as a place that you can run off to whenever you have some free time, may seem like a good idea if you have the money available to make the purchase without putting yourself in a financial bind.
4 Steps You Must Do in Looking for a Denver Property
By: Margarito Gonzales | 12/11/2009Searching for a condominium in Denver can sometimes be a tedious endeavor especially if you are not sure of what you must do first or what you should do next . In fact, a successful Denver condo search would depend on the processes that you will make. First, in your condo search in Denver, you should reflect on what you like in a condo. Decide whether you want to live in high rise condos or the mid rise ones. Ask yourself if you want the design to be artistic or the elega...
Houses in Washington D.C
By: Denny Horner | 12/11/2009Founded July 16, 1790, Washington, D.C. is the capital of the United States. The population of Washington D.C. almost doubles in size during the weekdays. This is due to all the individuals who commuted into work from the outlying suburbs of Virginia nad Maryland. The District of Columbia, D.C., is a part of Washington Metropolitan Area.
Buying or Living in a Home with Black Mold
By: Matt Barker | 17/09/2009 | Real EstateStachybotrys, or toxic black mold, mold spores are carried on the air and on clothing and pets into your home. While molds in general are quite common in the home, toxic black mold is not as common as other forms. Toxic black mold can cause some pretty serious health problems, particularly for anyone with allergies or pre-existing respiratory issues.
Buying a Home on the Eve of Destruction: How to Live Comfortably in the Aftermath
By: Matt Barker | 15/09/2009 | Real EstateIf you anticipate the Rapture being the most likely, then you won't really need to worry about how your house meets your needs AFTER the event—or will you? If you suspect that you would in fact be left behind, then you'll need to decide if it's likely that society would fall in the aftermath before you invest in reinforcing your living space.
Why Rent Furniture for Staging your Home
By: Matt Barker | 22/07/2009 | Real EstateProspective buyers in an empty house are forced to use their imaginations to see how they might use these empty spaces, which often results in a lack of interest in your home. Entire empty houses are even harder for a prospective buyer to feel at home in as it's really just a big empty shell.
Saint Paul: Historic Jewel of a City
By: Matt Barker | 22/07/2009 | DestinationsThe other attractions St Paul has to offer include visits to the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, gangster tours of the Wabasha Street caves, the Minnesota State Fair, the Minnesota Opera, and visits to the stunning historic Cathedral of St Paul which was built in 1904.
Staging Your Home with House Plants
By: Matt Barker | 25/06/2009 | Real EstateThe species of house plants to purchase or borrow for your home will also depend on how much light each room gets. Sun loving plants will not tolerate shady areas well and vice versa. For any rooms that you think lack of light may be an issue, look into using silk plants instead. If you have children or pets, keep in mind that some plants are quite toxic and may be better avoided.
Alternatives to Mobile Homes
By: Matt Barker | 25/06/2009 | Real EstateFor a more portable alternative, there are a few companies that produce small custom pre-made homes built on trailer frames. These homes range from 65 square feet to about 130 square feet. These homes are beautifully crafted small homes, full of rustic charm and personality.
The Return to Decorating With Wall Paper
By: Matt Barker | 09/06/2009 | Interior DesignAs with so many other trends in home styles and decorating, wallpaper has ridden the rising and falling waves of popularity over the years. However, in recent years wallpaper has come back into style with some rich new designs and textures. Whether making your new home unique, or prepping your house for sale, wallpapering can provide great visual interest.
Incorporating Universal Design Into Your Home
By: Matt Barker | 09/06/2009 | Real EstateAs our population ages, it becomes more vital to take different levels of ability into account when building or renovating our homes. By incorporating universal design elements into a new home or renovation project you can not only increase your number of potential buyers if you sell your home later on, but it will make your home more accessible to you if you find yourself having mobility problems later in life.