Have you ever lived in a house that just didn’t work? The rooms were too small or too big. The furniture didn’t fit right. The house was a maze that simply didn’t flow. I could go on, but if you have lived in a house like this you know what I mean. There is nothing worse than living in a poorly designed home. Do I exaggerate? I’m simply trying to emphasize the importance of good design.

Remodeling a home to improve its livability requires not only an evaluation of the existing structure, but also an understanding of the people who live there and how they live. Two crucial questions I ask clients are:

Does this home meet the lifestyle needs of you and your family?

How well will this home meet your needs in ten to twenty years?

What can be done now to ensure that the owners can live in this home as long as they choose regardless of age or health? Will the home work if an aging parent needs to come live with them?

This is where “Universal Design” comes in.  The best definition of Universal Design I’ve found is “the design of products or the built environment for the greatest number of people possible without the need for adaptation or specialized equipment.” We also call it “Smart, Functional Design”.

In practical terms, this means that at least one entrance into the house has no steps (zero threshold entrance), 36″ wide doors throughout the house, lever door handles, first floor bedroom, over-sized bath with curbless shower, and appropriate lighting throughout. The list goes on, but you get the point.

Another important aspect of good design is performance.

·         is the home energy efficient?

·         is it sustainable?

·         was it built to last with quality materials?

·         what about maintenance?

These are all aspects of “green building” and are equally important to the concepts of Universal Design. After all, what good is a well designed home that will allow me to live safely and independently as long as I choose, if I can’t afford to heat the place?

Finally, the design also needs to be attractive and aesthetically pleasing. The good news is that Universal Design and today’s floor plans are very compatible. Open spaces and one-level living have become popular and make it quite simple to incorporate good design elements if you have a plan.

That’s where we come in. Gotcha Covered has been specializing in Universal Design for the past eight years. I was the first Certified Aging in Place Specialist in Delaware and am also a licensed real estate agent. Kathy, my wife and partner is a full time real estate agent and a designated Seniors Real Estate Specialist.

Whether you’re moving or staying, remodeling or building, doing a little or a lot, the best place to begin is with a comprehensive, well-designed plan for your future.