The clients’ original intent was to start with a master bath remodel. They were interested in making other improvements to their home over time, but wanted to start with just one project so they didn’t bite off more than they could chew. After we got to know them personally and learned more about their lifestyle and eventual needs for their home, the discussion turned to whether they should complete all their planned updates at once. That way, the disruption of everyday life due to construction would only happen one time. This ended up being a more cost-effective approach, as subcontractors could work on multiple projects in one visit, rather than coming out again and again. So the bathroom remodel became an entire main level remodel.

An important thing we quickly learned is that this is their “forever” home; they want to live there well into retirement. This brought about an important conversation about the need for an accessible/universal design that the clients hadn’t originally considered. To create a layout that can accommodate them in their elderly years, we made plans to incorporate ergonomic and structural elements to ensure optimal mobility and comply with Universal Design standards. Some of these features include:

– Hard surface floors without transitions (improves mobility quality for wheelchairs and walkers)
– 36” wide pocket door openings
– Zero-entry shower
– ADA toilet height requirements
– Open layout for 5’ turnaround
– Simple tile patterns to create softness in case of eye sight failure
– Large format tile (better for wheelchairs and walkers)
– Staircase adjustments
– Main level laundry
– Door levers instead of knobs
– Faucet levers instead cross handles
– Adjustments to control dust and indoor air quality