Asheville Real Estate Journal. - Universal Design Elements for All Ages an
d Sizes -Families of all ages and sizes can delight in homes where a serious nod has been given to universal design elements.
Ages and sizes matter, especially if you are a Baby Boomer who desires to stay in your home.
In Part 1 and Part 2* (see below) of this series, we took a look at a number of such features. Here the list of universal design elements to consider if you are any age or size.
I'm smiling as I think about the "universal" part of "universal design elements"... and am reminded of this Healthy® Built Home (see photo)just completed at the Villages at Crest Mountain, in Asheville's LEED® Registered Neighborhood.
it is a perfect example, as is the one shown in the previous post and video in this series, of the happy use of universal design elements.
UNIVERSAL DESIGN ELEMENTS can be a comfort to those who live within such homes...Let me expand on that with a few more elements to consider:
Electrical, Lighting, Safety and Security- Light switches by each entrance to halls and rooms, light switches, thermostats and other environmental controls placed in accessible locations no higher than 48 inches from floor. clear access space of 30 inches by 48 inches in front of switches and controls, rocker or touch light switches, high-tech security/intercom system that can be monitored, with the heating, air conditioning and lighting, from any TV in the house, pre-programmed thermostats, wired for computers
Flooring - Smooth, non-glare, slip-resistant surfaces, interior and exterior (we like bamboo and recycled hardwoods)
Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning -HVAC designed so filters are easily accessible , energy efficient units, windows that can be opened for cross ventilation, fresh air
Energy Efficient Features- In-line framing with 2 by 6 studs spaced 24-inch on center, air-barrier installation and sealing of duct work with mastic, eeduced-size air conditioning units with gas furnaces, mechanical fresh air ventilation, installation of air returns in all bedrooms and use of carbon monoxide detectors, installation of energy efficient windows with Low-E glass
Reduced Maintenance/Convenience Features - Easy to clean surfaces. a central vacuum, built-in recycling system, and an intercom system
Exterior- Low-maintenance exterior (fibercement, brick)- native, low-maintenance shrubs and plants, deck, patio or balcony surfaces are no more than ½ inch below interior floor level if made of wood
Whether you are buying or selling property, I am a seasoned REALTOR® who successfully can complete real estate transactions in the beautiful Asheville North Carolina area. Our areas of specialization: 1) Aging in Place in WNC HealthyBuilt® / Accessible/ Universal Design Quality Mountain Homes and 2) LAND!
* Part I : 80% of Baby Boomers Desire THIS! and
* Part II: Needs of families of All Sizes and Ages
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