When you design a home it should be for people of any ability. You will not incorporate every aspect of universal design into every home, but you do the best you are able with every project. The idea of designing your home now for what might happen is difficult for most people to imagine. Universal Design is a concept that has been around for years, but has only gotten a little attention until recently. The limitation to the idea has been the misconception that you are designing a home for a disability. The reality is that Universal Design is not about disability, but rather the idea of designing homes for any ability. Who would not want a more convenient home? Who does not want to bend less, step less, or stretch less to accomplish our everyday tasks? Check out this builder’s checklist of principles of Universal Design for your home and see where you stack up. This is the most comprehensive list I have found anywhere.
