Remodel Trends

Local experts offer plenty of suggestions for homeowners looking to incorporate aging in place and universal design elements into their remodeling plans. Here are a few of their ideas:

In the bathroom, use nonslip
flooring. Also, install a
chair-height toilet and a low- or
no-threshold shower with a built-in
bench or seat. Add grab bars in
the bathroom or reinforce the walls
so they can be added later.

In the kitchen, use easy-access
storage such as pull-out
shelves and appliances such as
a side-by-side refrigerator and
dishwasher drawers. Create multilevel
countertops with open space
underneath so a person can work
while seated.

At least one entry into the
home should have no steps
and be 32 inches wide or more.
Hallways and corridors
should be at least three feet
wide.

Lower light switches and
thermostats should be
installed so they can easily be
reached by someone in a wheelchair.
Also, use rocker-style light
switches.

Use lever-style door handles
and faucets, which are easier
to open and turn on.
Choose front-loading laundry
appliances and consider
raising them on pedestals.