Plan for the Future . . .

The universally accessible home is easy to construct, welcoming to all guests, creates easy movement, and enables you to remain in your home. Building universally accessible housing adds little to the cost of new construction unlike the high cost of renovation to make a home accessible.

Some universal designs include: 

• zero step entry

• First floor exterior door that is at least 36 inches wide

• First floor interior doors between rooms that are at least 34 inches wide or open doorways that are at least 32 inches wide with thresholds that are level, ramped or beveled.

• Interior hallways that are level and at least 36 inches wide.

• Environmental, utility controls and outlets located at heights in compliance with standards adopted by the Vermont Access Board.  For more information on The Vermont Access Board contact the Department of Labor & Industry at (802) 828-5098 or www.state.vt.us/labind

• Bathroom walls that are reinforced to permit attachment of grab bars.  This is one of the easiest up front steps and totally unnoticeable.  Conversely, to retrofit the bathroom for grab bars is messy and costly.

• Full bath or at least one-half bath on main floor.

The Lifespan Home
Information on building a home for life's changes (brochure)