The framing is complete at the 105 house in Nicholasville KY.

Email us now to get on our open house list to come see what's behind our walls.

You might have some questions about our services, so feel free to email us at info@vjjmbuilder.com or click on the Contact Us button below and fill out our form.

  








  © 2009 VJJM LLC.
All Rights Reserved.
Site by MWS
 

What is UNIVERSAL DESIGN?
 

FEATURES FOR TODAY

What makes a home "Universal"? It's simple. Everyone can use universal design! It doesn't matter if you are young or old. You could be short or tall, healthy or not. You might have a disability. Or you may be a prize-winning athlete. Because of universal design, people who are very different can all enjoy the same home. And that home will be there for all its inhabitants even when their needs change.

Here are some of the more common universal design features:

  • No-step entry. No one needs to use stairs to get into a universal home or into the home's main rooms.

  • One-story living. Places to eat, use the bathroom and sleep are all located on one level, which is barrier-free.

  • Wide doorways. Doorways that are 32-36 inches wide let wheelchairs pass through. They also make it easy to move big things in and out of the house.

  • Wide hallways. Hallways should be 36-42 inches wide. That way, everyone and everything moves more easily from room to room.
 
 

EXTRA FLOOR SPACE.
EVERYONE FEEL LESS CRAMPED.AND PEOPLE IN WHEELCHAIRS HAVE MORE SPACE TO TURN.

FEATURES FOR COMFORT

Some universal design features just make good sense. Once you bring them into your home, you'll wonder how you ever lived without them. For example:

  • Floors and bathtubs with non-slip surfaces help everyone stay on their feet. They're not just for people who are frail. The same goes for handrails on steps and grab bars in bathrooms.

  • Thresholds that are flush with the floor make it easy for a wheelchair to get through a doorway. They also keep others from tripping.

  • Good lighting helps people with poor vision. And it helps everyone else see better, too.

LEVER DOOR HANDLES AND ROCKER LIGHT SWITCHES ARE GREAT FOR PEOPLE WITH POOR HAND STRENGTH. BUT OTHERS LIKE THEM TOO. TRY USING THESE DEVICES WHEN YOUR ARMS ARE FULL OF PACKAGES. YOU'LL NEVER GO BACK TO KNOBS OR STANDARD SWITCHES.

FEATURES FOR LATER

Universal design gives you great home feature you can enjoy now. It also helps you plan for the future. Take closets for example. When you build a closet, add some adjustable brackets. Later on, you can use those brackets to move clothing rods and shelves to a better height. This tiny investment helps a closet grow along with a child. It also means you can use the closet even if you start using a wheelchair. This kind of planning can help you make sure every part of your home will adapt to your changing needs.


FIXING HARD-TO-USE HOMES

You may have your own ideas about universal design features that could help you. Take a good look around your home. Make a list of the things that bug you. Tired of bending to plug in the iron? Sick of stretching to reach your favorite platter? Can't stand carrying laundry to the basement? Don't worry. Universal design can help.
Give it a try!

This article from www.AARP.org