"Universal Design" - Not only for Baby Boomers!

Q: What is "Universal Design"?

A: "Universal design is the design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design."

–Ron Mace (Founder and Director of the Center for Universal Design at NC State University)

     In building a home or remodel project, it would be a worthwhile idea to access the project for universal design opportunities. Many of these ideas can be implemented with little or no additional costs and can make for a more enjoyable living experience as a whole. It does not take away from the "style" of the house; it just requires a little thought and planning. Overall, using "Universal Design" techniques is a wise investment not only for your need, but if you plan to sell in the future. With the advancement of medicine and the wave of Baby Boomers retiring, it can be a very strong selling point.
    
Here are some ideas:

• No step entrances
• Large overhang or porch at entrance
• Interior doorways 34 " - 36" wide
• Hallways 42" wide
• Wood wall reinforcement inside walls for future grab bar installation
• Light switches, thermostats, phone jacks, electrical panel, located at reachable heights
• Front load washer and dryer
• Cook tops with front controls
• Lever door handles instead of round knobs
• Single lever plumbing fixtures instead of knobs
• Master bedroom and bath downstairs
• Tub designed with ledges and toe kick so as to make easy access
• Efficient and well designed lighting placement
• Curbless showers
• Comfort ease toilets
• Maneuverable bathrooms
• Open cabinet pantry so as to avoid the opening of cabinet doors and drawers
• Stair case design / elevator provisions
• Casement windows / lower profile

Please read the attached St. Petersburg Times article about a home we remodeled for Universal Design http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/sptimes/access/44966037.html?MAC=e34a68d050d6e09326fe4920f590e3f5&did=44966037&FMT=FT&FMTS=FT&date=Sep+18,+1999&author=JUDY+STARK&printformat=&desc=Able+adaptation+Series:+HOME+&+GARDEN

The Center for Universal Design NC State University link = http://www.design.ncsu.edu/cud/index.htm

Green or Gimmick?

That is what a lot of people are asking. The answer; both! This house is the REAL thing. It has been certified by a third party to meet the standards of a Silver Certified North Carolina Healthy Built Home as per NC State's Solar Center program. As you can see it looks like a "regular" home. But the differences stop there. This house is built and designed to achieve high energy performance, water conservation, and above all, a Healthy indoor air quality; par none. By using basic building science strategies designed for the Charlotte area, you can see a 50% savings in your electric bill without adding a bunch of fancy and expensive equipment. It's all in the design and supervision of details during construction!

With GREEN being the buzz word today in marketing, everybody is using it. Commonly called, green washing. The average homeowner is starting to educate themselves about these differences and ask the right questions. Anybody can call themselves green, but to be legitimate they should have the certification from a third party rater who has verified the building process.

NAHB 2009 First Time Home Buyers Tax Credit Video

This is an informative video about the 2009 First Time Home Buyers Tax Credit.
http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/2009/resources.html