What are the Most Common Features Included in Universal Design Homes?
A universal design home is safe, easy to access, and comfortable. Whether you're planning to be in your new Raleigh home for a few years or for the rest of your life, implementing universal design at the beginning of the process will save money and give you a more versatile home, for everyone to enjoy.
What makes a universal design home different? Stanton Homes has put together information on some of the top considerations for a Universal Design kitchen concept in your new Raleigh home.
Universal Design Kitchen - Most Common Features in "Easy Living" Homes
The menu of features that make a home easier to use can be extensive. Here are some of the Top Ten most common Universal Design considerations for your kitchen. Work with your Raleigh new home builder to add or subtract as best fits your needs, budget, and location.
Universal Design Kitchens - Most Common Features
The kitchen is the heart of the home, and probably one of the most used rooms, both for entertaining and on a daily basis. What are some universal design features that can make the kitchen enjoyable for everyone?
Easy Living Kitchens Feature #1: Sufficient clear floor area
Is there enough room for everyone? Plan for 5 feet of open floor space between the different portions of the kitchen, so there will be enough space for more than one cook or for a mobility device. Islands can get tight sometimes, check those dimensions carefully!
Easy Living Kitchens Feature #2: Planned work centers
Think about food prep, cooking, clean up, and specialty work centers. Varied countertop heights can make a big difference - consider including a "table height" food preparation section with at least 36 inches of open knee space for easy use with a chair.
Easy Living Kitchens Feature #3: Staging or landing areas
Create "staging" areas no more than 4 feet from all major appliances, with at least 15 inches of countertop. That way you can set down hot or heavy dishes easily. 
Easy Living Kitchens Feature #4: Single lever faucets
A single lever faucet is easiest to use, whether your hands are dirty or you have limited hand strength. Include some variety of pull out sprayer to fill pots without lifting them into or out of the sink.
Easy Living Kitchens Feature #5: Pulls on cabinets
Select hardware for cabinet doors and drawers that are easier to grasp. C-shaped or D-shaped handles with enough room to slip fingers through are easiest to use.
Easy Living Kitchens Feature #6: Roll out shelves
Roll out shelving can be incorporated into nearly any kitchen layout. A roll out shelf can reduce bending and make lifting easier.
Easy Living Kitchens Feature #7: Open or visible storage
Consider including glass doors on upper cabinetry. This can help everyone see where things are stored, and eliminate time and energy looking for specific items.
Or replace some cabinets with open shelving, which can even lower the cost of your cabinetry package.
Easy Living Kitchens Feature #8: Contrasting colors
A high contrast between flooring, countertop, backsplash, cabinetry, appliance, and walls can increase visibility - and add a lot of unique flavor. A bright wall color can add light to the room, and even help light switches and decorative trimwork stand out. 
Easy Living Kitchens Feature #9: Natural Light
Nothing's better than plenty of natural light. Work with the builder to add a window, windows, or skylight to the kitchen.
Easy Living Kitchens Feature #10: Lighting
Consider plenty of lighting options, including recessed lights, undercabinet lights, pendants over islands and eating bars, ambient lighting above cabinetry, and even in-cabinet lights for glass door cabinets. Rocker switches can be easier to use, too.
A little planning ahead can make a BIG difference. Look for a new home builder experienced with universal design, and willing to be flexible enough to meet your goals.
Universal Design meets the needs of the present and the future.
Consider universal design concepts for your next home - universal design is most cost efficient and effective when incorporated directly into your new home.
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Finding Your New Home in the Raleigh Area
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