Universal design is a relatively new paradigm that emerged from “barrier-free” or “accessible” design. It is a design approach that describes the design and construction of a home to fit the physical needs of its owner today and in the future. However, universal design and new home construction are not mutually exclusive terms. Some of the strongest advocates of universal design in the industry say they have been inspired through their own personal experience dealing with life-altering disabilities or clients with special needs; And many of these clients had a strong desire to stay in their current family home!

Let us tell you a little about the many people Universal Design was, well, designed for! Of course, the commonly used term “aging in place” is easily understood to refer to older adults whose changing abilities require changing environments. Many people who want to stay in their homes in retirement are planning ahead to start adapting their homes for years to come.

This mature section constitutes a large part of those who benefit from Universal Design. In 2008, the US Administration on Aging found that 1 in 8 Americans is 65 or older. By 2030, that stat will increase to 1 in 5! The agency took this study a step further and asked how many of these adults wanted to stay in their homes as they got older. A staggering 90% planned to stay in their current homes in retirement; 50% of those people are planning to remodel their home to suit their future needs. So I think we know that the aging population in our country is quickly realizing that certified universal design and on-site aging specialists will be the best way to age gracefully in your home sweet home.

But who else needs this kind of accessible design? Did you know that 11 million people over the age of 6 need help with daily activities around the house? and 10 million people aged 15 and over require a wheelchair or walker. Universal Design can help these millions and millions of Americans simply by making their home a friendlier place for them to perform basic tasks. The need may not even be permanent! Many people quickly understand the need for this type of design plan after an injury. Planning for this in advance can make life easier, but even making adjustments after injury will have amazing benefits.

Another growing group of Universal Design recipients are veterans. Whether they are wounded veterans of today’s war, returning home to find new challenges in mobility and independence, or even older veterans of wars in our past whose combat injuries still cause pain and mobility problems. This group has the ability to receive assistance from the Veterans Administration to remodel your home to suit your needs.

Finally we want to introduce you to the term “Visibility”. Visiting accommodations are a kind of barrier-free design guidelines that apply to family and friends of people with disabilities who want their homes to be visitable for all levels. The recession has boosted the market for visitor accommodation, with several generations temporarily living under one roof or with family and friends consolidating their homes. Hopefully this has given you a better idea on the many reasons to consider Universal Design when starting ANY remodel project.