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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(*)/'(*) _______________________ " We are on the roll for sustainable innovation." Unauthorized reproduction of any information including photos on this site is a violation of existing copyright laws. All rights reserved. Eco-Friendly Mountain Homes and Land Legacies-Asheville NC Real Estate Universal Design Elements Series- - Poll Says 80 % of Baby Boomers Desire THIS © 2010. ___________________________________________________________________
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Asheville NC Real Estate Journal for Mountain Homes and Land Legacies- Asheville 1031 Realty© 2012.. Designations: NAR GREEN®, EcoBroker®, Eco Certified ®Real Estate Consultant, ePRO®. Unauthorized reproduction of any information including photos and graphics on this site is a violation of existing copyright laws. All rights reserved.
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