Frequently Asked Questions

Universal design in housing refers to the creation of living spaces to be usable by all individuals, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or modification. When done well, universal design becomes virtually an invisible design element of the home.

Universal design focuses on inclusivity from the start, benefiting everyone. Accessible design focuses on removing specific disability barriers within the spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) through tailored modifications and/or assistive technology. Though not enforceable in private residential homes, the ADA and its associated ADA Standards for Accessible Design (ADASAD) provides a good starting framework for designing functional and barrier-free homes for individuals with disabilities.

A visitable home is designed to be accessible to not only the homeowner, but to visitors of all ages and abilities, ensuring that visitors can navigate the home with ease of use, inclusive of ingress and egress. Examples include a first-floor guest room with an accessible ensuite, and/or a first-floor wheelchair accessible powder room, all of which can not only enhance the function, but also the resale value of the home. A visitable home is accessible and safe, while supporting the dignity, respect and independence for all of one’s guests.

Inclusive Home Designs, LLC Accessibility Navigator ^TM assessment covers all aspects of the home environment to assist in meeting the specific needs of a client’s disability or aging in place requirements for a future home build or an existing home remodel. The assessment includes at minimum:

1.     In-depth client interview

2.     Summary of the current home environment limitations

3.     Review and documentation of overall safety & accessibility challenges

4.     Assessment of bathroom and kitchen limitations

5.     Evaluation of private and communal living spaces challenges

6.     Review of outdoor spaces, including ingress and egress needs

7.     Research and identification of helpful accessible products and/or assistive technology

8.     Personalized recommendations and an action plan presented in a digital report

9.     Follow-up and support as needed during the design phase and during product selection and installation.

Much like the home inspection one receives when negotiating the purchase of a home, the Accessibility Navigator ^TM takes on average 2-4 hours to complete but may take longer or less depending on the size of the client’s existing home, and the complexities of the disability and/or aging challenges and barriers presented. The resulting Accessibility Navigator Report is provided within 2-4 business days, on average, of the assessment completion.

The cost of the Accessibility Navigator ^TM, if recommended by the builder-designer, is included and quoted within the designer/builder's fees and contractual agreement between designer/builder and client. Inclusive Home Designs LLC serves as a third-party vendor, conducting the assessment on behalf of the builder/remodeler/designer and thus contracts directly with the builder/remodeler/designer-- invoicing the firm for the cost of the assessment services provided.

Investing in our Accessibility Navigator ^TM is essential for optimizing project costs and timelines. By leveraging the Accessibility Navigator ^TM  upfront, clients and design firms can eliminate the sometimes-costly trial and error that can arise from the design firm having only a peripheral view of the client’s disabilities and their individualized home needs relative to activities of daily living, thereby reducing the time associated with design creation and sourcing product solutions that may not succinctly hit the mark right out of the gate.