Universal Design in Modular Homes for Aging In Place

I recently received a question on my Linked-In profile, asking me how Universal Design is achieved in the construction of modular homes. I wanted to share my reply with everyone. I would be happy to answer any additional questions. Feel free to post your questions as comments on this post, and I will post answers!

Aging-in-place modifications can be made to the modular home during its construction in the factory, or modifications can be made once the modular is delivered to the home site and placed on the foundation.

Typical things we can do in the factory would include installing all the components needed to create an accessible bathroom (curb-free shower, grab bars, wheelchair turnaround room, accessible sink), raised outlets/lowered light switches for easy access without reaching or bending, and widened doorways and hallways. We can have additional electrical wiring installed during the construction phase in the factory to accommodate automatic switches, locks, door openers, alarms, etc. which would be installed on site. Lever-handle type door knobs, that you can easily push down instead of gripping and turning, can also be installed in the factory.

You don't have to trade beauty for function! Accessibility design can be breathtaking, too!

On site work may also include having the house delivered without kitchen counters so we can then install custom counters and cabinetry to accommodate a client’s specific needs, whether it be height or mobility limitations, etc. We can also have the house delivered either with standard ADA faucet options or without any faucets at all so we can install specialty faucets on site, like the kind that turn on by light touch or by motion detection instead of having to grip or turn knobs.

Universal design is for everyone! Who wouldn't want storage like this?!

Of course, we would also build wheelchair ramps on site as well. Modular homes are set on foundations. They cannot be set on slab-on-grade, so it is not possible to have a zero-curb entry. There is some height from the ground up to the front door entrance that would have to be accommodated by a ramp. As part of an overall aging-in-place design plan, I strongly encourage the use of ramps even if none of the residents are in a wheelchair. As the resident ages, and walking becomes more difficult, the ramp is much easier and safer to navigate than steps.

Even if no one in the home has any current aging or mobility issues, having some of these designs in place can really come in handy if someone suffers an injury and finds themselves temporarily in a wheelchair or on crutches or using a walker. It’s a great relief to know that your doors are already wide enough to accommodate assistive medical devices, and that you have ramps and grab bars to help you move around, so you don’t become a prisoner in your home just because of a temporary injury!

As a specialist in universal design, I am more than just your run-of-the-mill building contractor, I would sit down with my clients and create an action plan that would include absolutely everything we would need to do to make their home fully accessible, functional and comfortable as well as beautiful.

See some more great universal design tips here on ThisOldHouse.com.

Wheelchair ramps can be designed to blend nicely with the architecture of your home!