Asheville Real Estate Journal. - Baby Boomers and the Allure of Universal Design Elements
The Worthy Demand for Asheville Handicap Accessible Real Estate- Wheels & Universal Design Elements Series
FYI- Poll: Opinion Research Corporation for AARP, a "baby boomers" majority said they intend to stay in a one-level home, relocate to one, and/or downsize. Nearly 80 percent of baby boomers say they would like to continue to live at home for so long as they can. Living at home- What makes this possible in terms of the environment itself? Planning, design and development of homes in sustainable communities-with a whole systems approach and a nod to practical comfort via universal design elements.
Universal Design Elements- are special features in and around the home that allow home owners to "age in place." According to the National Association of Home Builders, those features can include:
Overall Floor Plan -Main living on a single story, including full bath, no steps between rooms/areas on the same level and a -foot by 5-foot clear/turn space in living area, kitchen, a bedroom and a bathroom. (see photo)
Hallways- Minimum of 36 inches wide, wider preferred and that the hallways are well lit
Entry- Accessible path of travel to the home, at least one no-step entry with a cover, sensor light at exterior no-step entry focusing on the front-door lock, non-slip flooring in foyer, doorbell in accessible location, surface to place packages on when opening door
Thresholds- Flush preferable, exterior maximum of ½ inch beveled and interior maximum of ¼ inch
Interior Doors- 32 inches of clear width and a 36-inch door, levered door hardware
Windows-Plenty of windows for natural light, lowered windows or taller windows with lower sill height, low maintenance exterior and interior finishes, and easy to operate hardware
Faucets- Lever handles or pedal-controlled. thermostatic or anti-scald controls. pressure balanced faucets
Kitchen and Laundry- Counters- adjustable and/or varied height counters and removable base cabinets, pull-down shelving, glass-front cabinet doors, open shelving for easy access to frequently used items -and-Appliances - (preferably energy efficient)- front loading laundry machines. microwave oven at counter height or in wall, side-by-side refrigerator/freezer, 30-inch by 48-inch clear space at appliances or 60-inch diameter clear space for turns, multi-level work areas to accommodate cooks of different heights. task lighting in appropriate work areas, loop handles for easy grip and pull, pull-out spray faucet; levered handles.
Bathroom- Wheelchair maneuverable bath on main level with 60-inch turning radius or acceptable T-turn space and 36-inch by 36-inch or 30-inch by 48-inch clear space, curbless shower with seat .toilet 2 ½ inches higher than standard toilet (17 to 19 inches) or height-adjustable, wall-hung sink with knee space and panel to protect user from pipes, slip-resistant flooring in bathroom and shower.
Whether you are buying or selling property, my team and I am seasoned REALTORS® who successfully can connect you with beautiful and comfortable homes in the Asheville North Carolina area. Our areas of specialization: 1) Aging in Place in WNC HealthyBuilt® Homes/ Accessible/ Universal Design Quality Mountain Homes and 2) LAND!
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27 Comments on Asheville Handicap Accessible Real Estate- "80 % of Baby Boomers Desire THIS!"
Hi janeAnne -- When I get to that age, I would love to be able to stay in my own home, I can definitely see the draw there. I have heard that some builders are incorporating this into their plans as options.
JaneAnne I think more builders will be taking this approach. From conversations I have had with this group this is eaxactly what they want.
janeAnne, we really needs homes like this in my area....they would sale really fast.
JaneAnne - I would think I had died and gone to heaven with a house like that. The use of warm woods is exquisite. When I was younger I wanted a 2 story. Now that I'm older, I'm a single story gal. I also like the great room concept which can be used multiple ways. When my kids, and grandkids come home, my present home bursts at the seams. The house pictured has that room that would handle the generations.
I also agree with the idea of having hallways at least 36 inches. . .Afterall, if I need to get a Lark one day, I'll need room to drive it:-)
Lovely post JaneAnne and thank you. Yes one level living with all the ammenities and great room to accommodate grand children and future great grand children belongs on our needs and wants list as well.
Time to dump our two story. Again, thank you.
Frank D'Angelo Eco Broker
Minneapolis MN
Jack~
I am happy that you mentioned this: "...NC seems to be at the forefront of the entire "aging in place" sensitivity movement." THX!!!
Malcolmb~ Me,too! having been involved with the rights of handicapped individuals, I know how important it can be to stay in your home and be surrounded by Family and neighbors who know and care about you.
Chris~
Yes the National Association of Home Builders call this Universal Design Elements. We see attention to Universal Design Elements here in Asheville. People far and wide,can expect more attention to these elements as the Baby Boomers arrive at the age when they demand excellence in terms of their homes and for their final decades of life. . . .
Jennifer~
That is really, really good news! When compassion becomes economically desirable, everyone can win...
Rebecca~
GOOD POINT....the desirability of such homes! Thanks for highlighting it.
Myrl~
Of course, you know, you are a person after my own heart. I can see myself with grand-kids playing games in the great room pictured here. ..the fireplace bringing warmth to an autumn day and the chance to "age in place"...to be with Family... bringing warmth to our hearts.
By the way...This is a photo my son took of the honest-to-goodness greatroom in a home in North Carolina that is TOTALLY wheels-accessible!...it even has a concrete runway out to 3+ acres....
Frank~
I'm smiling as I read your comment: " Yes one level living with all the amenities and great room to accommodate grand children and future great grand children belongs on our needs and wants list as well....: especially the great-grand children part =)
Interesting information JaneAnne. It is funny how everything is so precisely measured.
Hi Bill~
It has to do with the width of the vehicles on wheels and how much turning radius is required. When we were helping out with Dad it was a real advantage also to have a bathroom sink where he could roll under it...more on that later on in this series.
Good Information! My area is primarily made up of Buyer's searching for a retirement home and 'aging in place' is very important to them.
Good to know. Let's work on referrals =)
janeAnne - great information. Aging in place... it's sometimes very difficult to lure elders out of a home they've been in for many years. Some of the ammenities will certainly help those who can afford them.
Beautiful home in your picture... who wouldn't like that!? All those amenities make sense for people of any age.
April~
As thoughtful "Baby Boomers" here in Asheville look to the future, they are demanding comfortable and energy efficient living spaces.
Georgina~
You make a great point, " All those amenities make sense for people of any age."..and here in Asheville wheelchair accessible homes are more and more in demand.
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