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TRANSCRIPT
Residential Rehabilitation, Remodeling and Universal Design
THE CENTER FOR UNIVERSAL DESIGN NC STATE UNIVERSITY College of Design
Dedication
The Center for Universal Design dedicates this noteworthy publication to John
Dalrymple, who during his decades of work at the Division of Vocational Reha-
bilitation, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, devoted his
life to promoting independent living for all North Carolinians. John understood
that local recipients of state agency housing rehabilitation funds could benefit
from a publication such as this. He also knew if this document could be placed
in the hands of the Division of Community Assistance and the North Carolina
Housing Finance Agency, as well as owners of single-family housing, significant
improvements could be made in housing across the State.
John inspired the Priority Features List contained in this publication. In addi-
tion, the unique approach to a commonplace room found in all housing—the
bathroom—sets this publication apart from all others. Showing multiple strate-
gies to modify the same small residential bathroom has never been addressed
in this manner. The publication offers options for those wishing to make their
environment better accommodate their needs, perhaps allowing families to live
more safely and comfortably in the home of their choice as long as desired.
Produced by
TheCenterforUniversalDesign
CollegeofDesign,NCStateUniversity
for the
NCDepartmentofHealthandHumanServices
DivisionofVocationalRehabilitation
IndependentLivingServices
Credits
Authorship:LeslieC.Young
ArchitecturalDesignand
ConceptIllustrations:RexJ.Pace
Reviewers:JohnDalrymple,PhilProtz
GraphicDesignandProduction:JayHarlowandMarceloGuimaraes
Illustrations:RexJ.Pace
© 2006, Center for Universal Design
Residential Rehabilitation, Remodeling and Universal Design
Table of Contents Key Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 SelectingaDwelling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
PriorityList . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Entrance Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Ramps,Lifts,SiteGradingandLandscaping. . . . . . . . . 8
RemodeledEntry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Bathroom Modifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 FeaturesandElementsinthePlans. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
BathroomPlans. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Select Universal Features for All Housing . . . . . . 21
Recommended Universal Design References. . . . 23
IntroductionInrecentyearsithasbecomemorewidelyrecognizedthatresidentialdesign
mustaddressadynamicrangeofpeopleandabilities.Housinginthiscentury
mustbeadaptabletoaccommodatethedifferingneedsandrequirementsofthe
users.Individualcharacteristicssuchasstrengthoragilityshouldnotprevent
apersonfromsafelyusingandenjoyingallfeaturesintheirhome.Thisdesign
approach,knownasUniversal Design,strivestomakeday-to-daylivingand
hometaskspossibleandsaferforeveryone,allowingapersontoremaininde-
pendentforaslongaspossible.
Thesegoalsareassignificantforaffordablehousingastheyareformarket
ratehousing.Theymay,infact,beevenmorecriticalforhouseholdslackingthe
financialandcommunityresourcestoeffectivelydealwithdramaticlifechanges
fromsicknessandinjury,effectsofaging,orthosesupportingotherfamily
membersaffectedbytheseissues.Formanyhouseholds,findingdecent,afford-
ablehousingthatalsosupportstheiractivitiesisextremelydifficult.Afamily
livinginatypicalhomeoftenfacesexpensivemodificationstheycannotafford
suchasaddingramps,wideningdoorways,orcreatingusablebathrooms.
Littlehousingtoday,whethersingle-ormultifamily,adequatelyrespondsto
thediverseandeverchangingneedsofthepopulation.TheFair Housing Act
andtheNorth Carolina Accessibility Codearealteringthemultifamilyhous-
ingindustry,buttherequirementsoftheseaccessibilityprovisionsonlyoffera
limiteddegreeofusabilitytomanypeople.Universal Designincorporatesmany
accessibilitycoderequirementsandstressesinnovativesolutionstofacilitate
dailylivingandindependence,especiallyforpeoplewhohave,are,orwillbe
experiencingchangesintheirmobilityand/orsightandhearing.
Inthecomingyears,severalstateagenciesarerehabilitatingtargetedolder
homesownedbypeopleoflowincome.Significantrehabilitationmayoccurto
addressstructural,energy,weatherization,andplumbingconcerns.Insome
casesindividualhomesarealreadyidentifiedforupgradebasedontheoccu-
pant’sneeds,i.e.,olderadultsandpeoplewithdisabilities.Whensignificant
constructionisunderway,whatbettertimetoaddresskeyissuesofusability?
Entrancesandbathroomsaretwosignificantareaswheremobilityisessen-
tial.Itiscriticaltoensurethatpeopleareabletogetinandoutoftheirhome.
Usablebathrooms,ontheotherhand,areessentialforsurvivinginone’shome
withatemporaryoralong-termdisablingcondition.Safetyandindependence
�Residential Rehabilitation, Remodeling and Universal Design
Whensignificantcon-structionisunderway,whatbettertimetoaddresskeyissuesofusability?
�
withinone’shomeisimpactedbybathroomdesigntosuchagreatextentthatit
istheprimaryfocusofthisdocument.
Thispublicationintroduceskeyuniversalfeaturestoincludewhenmodifyingor
rehabilitatingasingle-ormultifamilydwelling.Themostcriticalfeaturesare
providedina14-itemlistwiththehighestpriorityassignedanumberone(see
page7).Inthebackofthisdocumentisamorecomprehensivelistofadditional
featuresthatcouldbeincorporated.Thosehomeownerswiththefinancial
resourcestoremodeltheirhomesmayfindhelpfulthedesignguidanceinthe
14-itemaswellastheexpandedlist.
Housingdesignsthatsupportoccupantswithadisabilitynowandrequireno
expensivemodificationslaterareclearlysuperiortostandarddesigns.When
housingcanbesaferandmoreusablebycurrentandfutureresidentsallowing
themto“ageinplace”,countlessdollarsincostlynursinghomeandMedicaid
expensescanbesaved.Closefamilyandcommunityrelationscanbemain-
tained,contributingtoanindividual’ssenseofplaceandhelpingtomaintain
communitycohesiveness,neighborhoodpermanence,aswellasindividual
mentalandphysicalhealth.
Key Features to Increase Function and UsabilityOverthenextfiveyearstheNCHousingFinanceAgency(NCHFA)andtheNCDivi-
sionofCommunityAssistance(NCDCA),willbeworkingtorehabilitatehundreds
ofNorthCarolinahomesusingHOMEInvestmentPartnershipProgramandCom-
munityDevelopmentBlockGrant(CDBG)funds.Bothagenciespresentlyserve
manyfamilieswitholderadultsandpeoplewithdisabilities.Eachagencyhas
affirmeditscommitmenttoUniversal Designwherefeasible.
The14-itemPriorityListonpage7offerscriticalkeyfeaturesandelementsto
includeinrehabilitationworkwhenonlyalimitednumberofuniversalfeatures
arepossible.Thenumbersinthe“Priority”columnindicatetheimportanceof
thefeature.IncorporatingasmanyfeaturesaspossibleinthePriorityListis
encouragedwhensignificantrehabilitationormodificationsarebeingconsid-
eredforinaccessiblehousingcurrentlyoccupiedbyanolderadultoraperson
withadisability.Recognizingexactdimensionscannotalwaysbeprovided,it
isrecommendedaclearusablepathwaybecreatedtoallowapersonusinga
wheelchair(orsomeonewithanymobilitylimitation)tosafelyenterandexitthe
dwellingandmaneuverthroughoutthelivingspacesonthegroundfloor,includ-
ingthebathroom.
AllfeaturesinthePriorityListarestructuralanddonotincludesuchitems
asgrabbars,easy-to-useleverfaucets,andleverdoorhardwarethatcanbe
addedlateratlittlecost.Thegoalofthisdocumentistoencouragetheinclusion
ofuniversalfeatureswhilesubstantialrehabilitationeffortsareunderway—
changesthatwouldbetoocostlytomakelater.Amorecomprehensivefeatures
list,providedattheendofthispublication,shouldbereviewedtodetermineif
additionaluniversalelementscouldalsobeincorporated.
DevelopedbytheCenterforUniversalDesignincollaborationwiththeDivision
ofVocationalRehabilitation,IndependentLivingServices,thefinalPriorityList
wasreviewedandinputwasprovidedbypotentialusers,includingseveralNorth
Carolinaagenciesundertakingrehabilitation.Eachagencyhasitsownguidance
manualorconstructionspecificationstoassistwiththeapplicabilityofthese
priorities.
�Residential Rehabilitation, Remodeling and Universal Design
�
Selecting a Dwelling Conducive to Accessibility ImprovementsResidentswithimmediateandimpendingneedswillbenefitmostfromahome
withtheadditionofspecificfeaturesthatmeet,orcanbeadaptedtomeet,
theirneeds.However,whennospecificfeaturesarerequiredatthetimeof
upgrade,thefollowingdesignfeaturesstillshouldbeconsideredtoprovide
thelongest-termaccessibilitybenefittoahome’spresentandfutureresidents.
Manyofthesehomesmay,overtime,houseotherfamilies,thusupgradesto
includeuniversalfeaturesmakeiteasiertoaccommodatetheneedsofany
newfamily.
Featurestoconsiderincludeahousewith:
1. alotthatwouldallowanyoftheentranceoptionsasshownonpage9ofthis
bookletoradwellingwiththefloorlevelnomorethan30inchesabovegrade.
Azero-stepentranceonanaccessibleroutecouldbeatthefront,sideor
backofthehome,orthroughanattachedgarage—wherevermostfeasible
forthegiventerrain.
2. parkingclosetoanentrance.Itmaybepossibletomoveparkingcloserand
installanearthbermwithgentlyslopingwalk(shallowerslopethanaramp)
toanentrance.
3. anentryporchorstepsthatmustbereplacedanyway.Astheporchis
replaced,itispossibletointegrateaconcretepadandexteriorelectrical
junctionboxforfutureinstallationofawheelchairplatformlift.Suchlifts
couldbeownedbyanorganizationoragencyandmovedtoalocation
whenneeded.
4. shortwidehallwaysor
5. hallwaysthatarepossibletowidenbecauseofotherplannedrenovations.
6. alargebathroomthatrequiressomemodificationorasmallbathroom
thatneedsasignificantupgrade,provideditcanbeexpandedthrough
feasiblymovingorremovingwalls.
Priority Features Listonthefacingpageoffersguidanceonselectinguniversal
featurestoincludeindwellingunits–withafocusonunitsbeingrehabilitated
and/or remodeled.Thefeaturesshouldbeincludedwhenevertechnicallyfeasible,
evenifexactdimensionscannotbeprovided,especiallyinhousingforolder
adultsorpeoplewithdisabilities.
Thesefeaturesaregiventhehighestprioritysoapersonusingawheelchairorothermobilitydevicecansafelyandindependentlyenterandexitthedwellingandgettoandmaneuverinthekitchenandbathroom.
Thesefeatures,whenincorporatedintothedwelling,offerresidentswithchildren,afamilymemberwithadisabilityoranolderadultthepossibilityofbeingsafeandindependentforaslongaspossible.
Offsetcontrolsofferincreasedsafetyforallusers.
�Residential Rehabilitation, Remodeling and Universal Design
AREA PRIORITY UNIVERSAL HOUSING FEATURE
Entrances 1. Oneentrancewithoutstepsandaflatorverylowthreshold
2. Minimum60”by60”levelmaneuveringspaceatsteplessentrance(roofoverentranceoffersadditionalconvenience)
General Interior 3. Hallwidthsof42”(wherepossible)
4. Passagedoors32”clear(typicallyprovidedwith36”door)
5. Maneuveringspaceatdoors—ifinswingingdoorobstructsabathroomorkitchen fixtureorappliance,useoffsethinges,swingdoorout,hingedooronoppositejamb, orwidendoorway
6. Increasednumberofelectricaloutletsforadditionallightingandalarmindicators, especiallyinbedrooms
Kitchens 7. Clearfloorspaceinkitchens;manyconfigurationspossible,60”minimum turningcirclerecommended
8. Adaptablecabinetstorevealkneespaceatsinkandunderworksurfacenear cookingappliance
Bathrooms 9. Clearfloorspaceinroom;modestincreaseinroomsizebeyond5’ X 8’
10. Adaptablecabinetswithundersinkkneespace
11. Broadlyappliedbandsofblocking(reinforcement)insidewallsaroundtoilets andbathingfixturesforfutureinstallationofgrabbars
12. Offsetcontrolsintuborshowertominimizestooping,bending,andreaching
13. Toiletina48” X 56”spacewithcenterlineoftoilet18”fromsidewall
14. Curblessshowers,ifinstalled,atleast36”X60”
Priority Features List
�
Entrance OptionsWhenmodifyinganexistingentrance,optionstocreateasteplessentrance
includeramps,verticalplatformliftsandlandscaping.Eachisappropriatefor
aparticularcombinationofresources,heights,andsiteconditions.Theadvan-
tagesanddisadvantagesforeachoptionmustbecarefullyconsidered.
Ramps
Rampsarethemostfamiliarresidentialaccessibilitymodification.Theycanbe
builtrelativelyquicklyandinexpensively.Althoughrampsmakeabigdifference
inthelivesofthosewhousethem,theydohavesomedrawbacks.Rampsac-
commodatingrisesabove30inchesrequireextensiveconstruction,maybevery
long,occupyasignificantamountofspace,andcanbequiteexpensive.Ramps
arenotmaintenancefree.Leaf,snowandiceremoval,painting,andperiodic
repairsalltaketimeandresources.Rampsshouldbethoughtfullyplannedso
theyareconstructedinastylecompatiblewiththehouse.Someresidentsare
concernedthatrampslabeltheoccupantasvulnerableandmakethemmore
susceptibletobreak-ins.
Lifts
Takinguplessthan30squarefeetofspace,anelectricallyoperatedvertical
platformwheelchairliftcanavoidthespaceproblemsoflongramps.Wherepos-
sible,locateliftsundercovertoreducesnowandiceaccumulationinthewinter.
Onsitespronetoflooding,potentialwaterdamagetomechanicalcomponents
mustbeconsidered.Thecostoflifts,includingaconcreteslab,electricalpower
andrelatedremodelingexpenses,rangesbetween$5,000-$15,000.
Site Grading and Landscaping
Siteconditionscanofferanopportunitytouselandscapedearthpathwaysfor
amorenaturalandblendedsolution.Thisapproachmayincludearetainingwall,
anearthberm,andsometimesabridgetoanentrance.Asafepathwithagentle
slopeof1:20orlesscanbebuiltwithouthandrails(unlessthereareabrupt
drop-offsortheyareneededbyusers),therebyavoidingthecostandintrusive
appearanceofhandrails.Landscapedoptionsmaybemoreexpensivethanan
equivalentramp,butusuallyhavealongerlifespanandrequirelessmainte-
nance.Theremodeledentranceshownonpage10makesuseofthe“earth
bermconcept.”
Multifamily Housing Entrance Upgrade
�Residential Rehabilitation, Remodeling and Universal Design
Single-family House Entrance Upgrade plantingsminimizeandsoftenthevisualimpactoframps
Ramps workbestforheightsupto30”
Lifts space-savingoptionforheightsover30”
Earth Berms and Regrading dependingonsiteconditions,canworkforallheights.Seepage10foramoredetailedillustrationofanearthberm.
sitearrivalpoints
accessaisleandaccessibleparkingspaces
curbramp
accessibleprimaryentrance
curbramp
Coveredentrancehelpscontrolwateratlowthresholdandprovidesprotectionduringinclementweather
Provideadequatemaneuveringspacearoundscreenorstormdoors
5’ x 5’minimumlevellandingareaformaneuvering
4’-0”widewalkwayslopedat1:20orless,slopessteeperthan1:20necessitatehandrails
Usingacombinationofearthbermandretain-ingwallsisaneffectivemethodforprovidingasteplessroutetothelandingwhilemaintaininganintegratedappearancewiththehomeandsurroundingsite.
Providegoodoveralllightingplusfocusedlightingatlocksetsandhousenumberfornighttimesecurityandease-of-use
Highcontrasthousenumbers,easytoreadfromadistance
Handrailwithintegralpackageshelf
Originalsmallstoopremoved
Newporchlandingsetatsamelevelasinteriorhousefloor,eliminatesstepatentrydoor
5’ x 5’clearlevelareaformaneuveringonthelandingisrecommendedandmaybenecessarywhenscreenorstormdoorsareprovided.
18”minimumtopullsideofdoor,24”preferred
Remodeled Stepless Entry
10
Bothentryandscreendoorprovideamin.32”clearopening–leverhandlehardware
5-0”minimumlandingsize
5-0”m
inim
um
Additionalloweredpeep-holeforseatedorshortadultsandchildren
Flushorlowprofilethreshold,1/2”highmax.
Bathroom ModificationsMereinchesmakethedifferencebetweenindependenceanddependence.Howcan
thegreatestusabilitybeachievedwithinverytightconstraints?Asmallbath-
roomplanwithallplumbingfixturesmountedalongacommonwallisthebasisfor
ninedifferentsolutions:fromrenovationsinsideexistingwallstomoreextensive
constructionusinga“bumpout”or“mini”addition.Thesemodifiedplanscanbe
consideredinavarietyofapplicationsfromsingle-familytomultifamilyhousing.
Bothbathtubsandroll-inorcurblessshowersareaddressed.Seethepublication
Curbless Showersforadditionalinformationontheuniquefeaturesofthisbathing
fixture,availableforfreedownloadatcenterforuniversaldesign.org.
Additionalguidanceisprovidedoneachplanpagetohelpselectthemostappro-
priatebathroommodification.Eachpageindicateswhichplanmodificationcom-
plieswithspecificNCaccessibilityrequirements.Althoughnotalwaysnecessary
forbathroommodificationstocomply,itgivesthecontractorareferencepoint
andsomeawarenessofhowsuccessfulthemodifiedbathroommaybeforaspe-
cificuser.Aresidentmaybeabletobetterarticulatepersonalneedsifheorshe
canuseplanstoinitiatediscussion.
Themodifiedplansareshownfromleastusable/accessibletoprovidingamuch
higherlevelofaccessibility.(Accessibilitycodesonlyprovideinstructionsfor
minimumlevelsofaccessibility.)TheNCHousingFinanceAgencyQAP“bonus
points”bathroomsaremuchclosertoa“universallyusablebathroom.”
higher usability
moderate usability
lower usability
QAP
MeetsNCACTypeAandincorporatestwoadditionalfeatures:a5’X5’clearfloorspaceforthetoiletandacurbless(roll-in)showeratleast60”longand36”deep.
MeetstherequirementsintheNCACfor“fullyaccessible”TypeAunits.QualifiedAllocationPlan(QAP)requirementsestablishedbytheNCHousingFinanceAgencyallowbuildersofmultifamilyhousingunitsfundedunderthelowincometaxcreditplantobeawardedextrabonuspointsforunitswitha5’ X 5’clearfloorspaceatthetoilet.Curblessshowersatleast36” X 60” (largerrecommended)arenowrequiredin5%ofallQAPunits.Theseunitshavesomeofthehighestlevelsofusability.
NCAC Type A
TypeA“fullyaccessible”unitasspecifiedintheNCAccessibilityCode.
MeetsState“fullyaccessible”designrequirements.(Note:buildingcodesprovidetheminimumrequirementsforcompliance).
NCAC Type B
TypeB“accessible”unitasspecifiedintheNCAccessibilityCode.
MeetsState“accessible”orFairHousingdesignrequirements.TheserequirementsarelessthanforTypeAandofferamodestlevelofaccessibility.
11Residential Rehabilitation, Remodeling and Universal Design
12
Features and Elements Shown in the Plans
•Allmodifiedplansincludekneespacebelowlavatories.
•Horizontalandfold-downgrabbarsareshowninconventionallocations.
•Additionalspacehasbeenallocatedbesidethetoilettoallowsafer
transfersandassistanceifneeded.
•Extramaneuveringandclearfloorspaceisprovided.
•Pocketdoorsareshowninsomeplans.
•Offsetcontrolsareshowninbathtubsandshowers.
•Clearfloorspaceisshownforapproachtofixtures.
•5-footdiameterturningcircleisshownwhenspaceisavailabletoexecute
suchaturn.
• Allplansshowreinforcingaroundtoiletandbathingfixtures.
Pocket Doors.Veryinexpensivedoorsmaybeproblematic;however,manypocket
doorsareavailablethatcansuccessfullybeusedintheseinstallations.Pocket
doorsareshownbecauseinsmallspaceshingeddoors,ifinswinging,oftenlimit
maneuveringspacewithintheroom.Outswingingdoorshavethepotentialto
injuresomeoneapproachingtheroom.
Grab Bars and Reinforcing.Incertaininstancesthelengthofthebarmaybeshorter
thanspecifiedinaccessibilitycodesandstandards;however,inrehabilitationand
remodelingworkthisisgenerallynotascriticalunlesscomplianceisrequired.
Reinforcingabroadbandofwallareaaroundbathingfixturesandthetoiletis
preferredtoinstallinggrabbarsinthelimitedlocationsspecifiedinmanyacces-
sibilitydesigndocuments.Asinglebarlocationdoesnotworkforallusers.Other
locationsareoftendesirableandneededandcanbeaccommodatedifenlarged
reinforcedareasareprovided.
Offset Controls.Thissimpleconceptassistsallusers.Wheninstallingnewfaucet
controlsinthebathtuborshower,locatethecontrolsclosetotheoutsideofthe
enclosure.Controlsinthispositioncanbeeasilyoperatedfromoutsidetosetand
testthewatertemperaturebeforeentering.Thislocationiseasiertoreachand
requiresmuchlessbendingandstoopingforastandingpersonandofferseasier
accessfromoutsidethebathingfixtureforapersonusingawheelchair
orscooter.
1�Residential Rehabilitation, Remodeling and Universal Design
4’-6”min.recommended 5’-0”min.recommended
4’-0
”min.recom
men
ded
8”max.recommended Faucetcontrolsset
towardtheoutsideofthetuborshowerminimizestoopingandbending.
Reinforcing Enlarged Areas of Reinforcing around Toilet
Controls Offset Tub and Shower Control
Doorway Width Swing-clear Hinges Installed to Widen Interior Doorway
Swing-awayorswingclearhingesallowdoortoswingoutofdooropeningincreas-ingtheclearwidthbyapproximately2”
1�
Bathroom Plans
Changes• Removebathtubandreplaceentirefloor• Newwideroutswingingdoor• Newwall-hungcountertoplavatory
Plan Meets: NCACType“B”AccessibleRequirements
Plan Does Not Meet NCACType“A”FullyAccessibleRequirements
Advantages and Concerns Additionalspacebesidetoilet Wetareaoptionutilizesexistingplumbing locations Significantlymorespaceformaneuvering thanininaccessibleplan.Floorarealacks fullturningspaceforwheelchairusers.
Toiletlocationrequiresfold-downgrab bar(formanyusers,lesssecurethanwall- mountedbar).
Fold-downgrabbaroption 2’-10”doorwithswing-
clearhingesandcustomtrimwork,necessaryifstandarddepthlavatorycounterused
Plan 1: “Wet Area” Design (Changes within existing room only)
Common Problems• Narrowentrydoor• Lackofturningspace• Lackofmaneuveringspacetosideoftoilet• Toiletlocationobstructsbathingfixture• Nokneespacebelowlavatory• Noreinforcinginwallsforgrabbars
Inaccessible Plan Conventional
5’-0”
lessthan32”
7’-6
”
Wall Key:existing
new
1�Residential Rehabilitation, Remodeling and Universal Design
Changes• Incorporate1/2ofrightcloset• Relocatetoiletandlavatoryplumbing• Newwideroutswingingdoor• Widerwall-hungcounterlavatory
Plan Meets: NCACType“B”AccessibleRequirements
Plan Does Not Meet: NCACType“A”FullyAccessibleRequirements
Advantages and Concerns Someadditionalspacebesidethetoiletfor wheelchairusers Improvedlavatoryaccess Existingbathtubremains
Recommendedinstallationofoffsettub control
Floorarealacksfullturningspaceforwheel- chairusers Fold-downgrabbarbesidetoiletmaybe necessaryforsomeusers.Shortsidewall, reducedbydoor,limitsgrabbarlength.
Changes• Removebathtubandreplaceentirefloor• Widerdoor(pocket)• Relocatetoiletandshowerplumbing• Newwall-hunglavatory
Plan Meets: NCACType“B”AccessibleRequirements
Plan Does Not Meet: NCACType“A”FullyAccessibleRequirements
Advantages and Concerns Additionalspacebesidetoilet
Designdependentoncurblesswetarea
Turningaroundpossible,butobstructedby lavatory.Peopleusingscootersoroversized wheelchairsmustmakemultipleadjustments andturnstomaneuver.
Plan 2: “Wet Area” Design (Changes within existing room only)
Plan 3: Tub Location Unchanged (Modest Expansion)
Locatedoorascloseaspossibletolavatorycountertop
Wall-hungfixtureorunder-sizedcountertoptopermitmaximumdoorwidth.
3’-6
”
Fold-downgrabbaroption
1’-6
”1’
-3”
1�
Bathroom Plans
Changes• Incorporateportionofadjacentrightcloset• Relocatetoiletplumbing• Widerpocketdooroption• Newwall-hunglavatory
Plan Meets: NCACType“B”AccessibleRequirements
Plan Does Not Meet NCACType“A”FullyAccessibleRequirements
Advantages and Concerns Improvedaccesstobathtub Existingbathtubremains
Recommendedinstallationofoffsettub control
“Obstructed”wheelchairturningspacerelies onclearancebelowlavatory Whileadditionalspaceisprovidedbeside toilet,thisspacemayneedtobeenlarged forsomeusers Fold-downgrabbarbesidetoiletmaybe requiredforsomeusers.Shortsidewall, reducedbydoor,limitsgrabbarlength.
Plan 4: Tub Location Unchanged (Modest Expansion)
Fold-downgrabbaroption
Wall-hungfixtureorundersizedcountertoptopermitdooropening
4’-0
”
1’-6
”
1’-3
”
2’-6”
Common Problems• Narrowentrydoor• Lackofturningspace• Lackofmaneuveringspacetosideoftoilet• Toiletlocationobstructsbathingfixture• Nokneespacebelowlavatory• Noreinforcinginwallsforgrabbars
Inaccessible Plan Conventional
5’-0”
lessthan32”
7’-6
”
Wall Key:existing
new
1�Residential Rehabilitation, Remodeling and Universal Design
Changes• Incorporateportionsofbothadjacentclosets• Relocatetoiletandlavatoryplumbing• New“curbless”roll-inshower• Newwideroutswingingdoor• Newwiderlavatorycounter
Plan Meets: NCACType“B”AccessibleRequirements
Plan Does Not Meet: NCACType“A”FullyAccessibleRequirements (primarilybecausesidewalltooshortto supportacomplyingbar)
Advantages and Concerns Improvedaccessformostusers Goodbathingandlavatoryaccess Turningspaceoverlapsflattrenchdrain Noturnsareexecutedacrossshowerfloor warpedtothecenterdrain Showeroccupiesbathtubspace 36-inchshowerdepth,deepershowers bettercontainwater
Someusersmayneedmorespacebeside thetoilet Grabbarlengthonsidewallrestricted bydoorlocation
Changes• Incorporateentireadjacentrightcloset• Relocateallplumbing• Newwideroutswingingdoor• Additionalstoragespace
Plan Meets: NCACType“B”AccessibleRequirements
NCACType“A”FullyAccessibleRequirements (primarilybecausesidewalltooshortto supportacomplyingbar)
NCQAPfor95%ofunits,butnotthe5% requiredtohavecurblessroll-inshowers
Advantages and Concerns Improvedaccesstoallfixtures Goodaccesstobathtubandtubcontrols Fullunobstructedturningspace
Restrictedaccesstotoilet Someusersmayneedmorespacebeside thetoilet Lengthofgrabbarbesidetoiletisrestricted bydoorlocation
Plan 5: Increased Usability with Tub (Modest Expansion)
Plan 6: Increased Usability with Shower (Larger Expansion)
trenchdrainprovidesflushtransitionbetweenroomandshowerfloors
36”x60”clearfloorspaceforshower
customcountertoporwall-hunglavatoryrequiredfor3’-0”min.widetoiletalcove
storageshelvesorcabinet
4’-6
”3’
-0”
1’-6
” 3’-0
”
lessthan54”
3’-0
”
1’-6
”1’
-3”
lessthan54”
1�
Bathroom Plans
Changes• Incorporateentireadjacentrightcloset• Incorporatesmall“bumpout”ormini- additionforshower• Relocateplumbingandallfixtures• New“curbless”roll-inshower• Newwideroutswingingdoor
Plan Meets: NCACType“B”AccessibleRequirements NCACType“A”FullyAccessibleRequirements NCQAPforbonuspoints
Advantages and Concerns Improvedusabilityformostpeople Goodaccesstoallfixtures Unobstructedturningspacethatonly minimallyutilizeslavatorykneespace Generousspacetosideandfrontoftoilet accommodatesawiderangeoftransfer styles
Layoutrequiresaminiaddition
Plan 7: Accessible with Shower (Expansion and “Mini” Addition)
Common Problems• Narrowentrydoor• Lackofturningspace• Lackofmaneuveringspacetosideoftoilet• Toiletlocationobstructsbathingfixture• Nokneespacebelowlavatory• Noreinforcinginwallsforgrabbars
Inaccessible Plan Conventional
5’-0”
lessthan32”
7’-6
”
5’-0”
2’-6
”
6’-8
”
1’-6”
storageshelforcabinet
QAP5’ X 5’clearfloorspacefortoilet
48”deepclearfloorspaceforentrydoor
locateentrydoorascloseaspossibletoadjacentsidewall
36” X 60”clearfloorspaceforshower
Wall Key:existing
new
1�Residential Rehabilitation, Remodeling and Universal Design
Changes• Incorporateadjacentleftand1/2of rightcloset• Incorporatesmall“bumpout”• Relocateallplumbing• New“curbless”roll-inshower• Widerpocketdooroption• Widerwall-hungcounterlavatory• Additionalstoragespace
Plan Meets: NCACType“B”AccessibleRequirements NCACType“A”FullyAccessibleRequirements NCQAPforbonuspoints
Advantages and Concerns Workswellforarangeofusers Goodaccesstoallfixtures Unobstructedturningspace Otherimprovements:widerlavatorycounter, linenstorage,basecabinets,windows Generousspacetosideandfrontoftoilet accommodatesrangeoftransferstyles Compartmentalizeddesignanadvantagefor familiesandinothersharedfacilities
Changes• Incorporateadjacentrightandof1/2 leftcloset• Relocatelavatoryandtoiletplumbing• Widerlavatorycounter• Wideroutswingingdoor• Additionalstoragespace• Existingbathtubreplumbedtoinclude offsetcontrols
Plan Meets: NCACType“B”AccessibleRequirements NCACType“A”FullyAccessibleRequirements
Plan Does Not Meet: NCQAPforextrabonuspointsduetolackof curblessshower
Advantages and Concerns Workswellforarangeofusers Goodaccesstoallfixtures Unobstructedturningspace Otherroomimprovements:widerlavatory counterandlinenstorage.
Plan 8: Universal with Bathtub (Larger Expansion)
Plan 9: Universal with Shower (Expansion and “Mini” Addition) see illustration on next page
4’-0” min.
3’-6
”
1’-6”
8’-4”
5’-0
”5’
-0”
3’-6
”
storageshelvesorcabinet
QAP5’ X 5’clearfloorspacefortoilet
36” X 60”clearfloorspaceforshower
storageshelforcabinet
20
Remodeled Bathroom
Pocketdoorwithloophandlehardwareis
analternativetoout-swingingdoorthatmayobstructhall
orroomcirculation
Switchesandoutletsineasy-to-reach
accessiblelocations
Leverhandlefaucetcontrol
Shallowlavatorywithreardraintopermit
kneespaceclearances
Hand-heldshowerheadonadjustableheightslidemountwithoff-setanti-scaldvalveandsingleleverhandlevalve
Incorporateadditional“livability”featuressuchasstorageorshelving
Wholewallareasofplywoodorothersolidmaterialreinforcingallowgrabbarplacementatthebestheightsandconfigu-rationstosuitindividualneeds
Toiletseatheightfrom15”min.to19”max.
Removablepipepro-tectionandappearance
panelcarefullycon-figuredtoprovidethenecessarykneespaceforaforwardapproach
Toiletplacedinthecornerofa60”X60”clearfloorspaceisideal,creatingunobstructedareasinfrontandtooneside—thisallowsgreatermaneuveringandtransferoptionsforpeopleusingwheelchairsandthoseneedingassistance
Adaptable Vanity Cabinet Tocreateamoreconventionalandmarketableappearance,kneespacemaybeconcealedwithretractabledoorsoraremovablecabinet.
“Curbless”(roll-in)showerisaversatilefixtureusablebypeoplewithdifferingabilitiesandnecessaryforsome,36”X60”orlarger
Wholewallareasofplywoodorothersolidmaterialreinforcing
Enlargedreinforcedareasprovidemoresecuremountingforfutureinstallationofshowerseats
Recessed Floor Detail Toacheiveacurblessflushshowerthreshold,thefixturemustberecessedintothefloor.
34”max.
18”
36”
min.
60”diam.
Framewidthforpocketdoorsshouldbeatleast
36”toachieveaclear32”opening.Anaccessiblehandleorastopinside
thepocketshouldpreventthedoorfromslidingcompletelyinto
theframe.
Entrances1. Accessibleparkingconvenienttodwelling
(coveredfromtheelements)
2. Accessiblepath of traveltodwellingfrom
parkingordropoffarea(slopeof1:20orless
eliminatesthenecessityforhandrails,except
whenneededbyaspecificindividual)
3. Atleastoneentrancewithout stepsandflush
orlowprofilethreshold
4. Minimum5-feet X 5-feetmaneuveringspace
atsteplessentrance
5. 36-inchminimumexteriordoorwithlever
hardware
6. Movementsensorlightatentrance
7. Asidelightorapeepholeat42and60inches
abovethefloor
8. Ambientandfocusedlightingatkeyhole
9. Highvisibilityaddressnumbers
General Interior1. Hallwidth42 inchesminimum(interior
accessiblerouteis36inches)
2. Interiordoorwidth32-inchminimum
(requires34or36-inchwidedoor),equipped
withleverhardware
3. Flushtransitionsbetweenfloorsurfaces
(maximumof1/2-inchrise)
4. 5 poundsmaximumforcetoopendoors
5. 18-inchminimumspaceatlatchsideofdoor
6. 5-feet X 5-feetmaneuveringspaceineach
room(afterfurnitureisplaced)
7. Increasednumberofelectrical outletsfor
additionallightingandalarmindicators,
especiallyinbedrooms
8. Electricaloutletsat18-inchminimumheight
9. Lightswitches44 inchesmaximumabovefloor
10.Viewwindowsat36-inchmaximumsillheight
andlargeenoughtouseasanescaperoute
intheeventofanemergency
11.Crankoperated(casement)orlightweight
slidingwindows
12.Closetrodsadjustablefrom30inchesto66
inchesabovethefloor
13.Looporothereasy-to-usehandlepullson
drawersandcabinets
14.High contrast,glarefreefloorsurfacesandtrim
15. Low pilecarpetorsmoothanti-slipflooring
16.High-speedInternetaccessdataconnection
portandcabling
21Residential Rehabilitation, Remodeling and Universal Design
Select Universal Features forAllHousing:Single+Multifamily
22
Bathrooms1. 60-inchdiameterturningcircle
2. 30-inch X 48-inchareaofapproach(forward
orparallel,dependingonfixturetype)in
frontofallfixtures
3. Toiletmoreusablebymanyifpositionedin
a5-feetX5-feetspacewithcenterline
18inchesfromsidewall
4. 32-inchminimumlavatorycounterheightwith
leverfaucetcontrol
5. Adaptablecabinetstorevealkneespace
underlavatory.Exposedpipinginkneespace
shouldbepaddedorconcealed.
6. Whentuborshowerareinstalled,select
modelsdesignedtoacceptaportablebench
orbathingseat
7. Curblessorroll-in showerplusstandardtub
8. Offsetsingle-levercontrolsintubandshower
tominimizestooping,bending,andreaching
9. Adjustableheighthand-heldshowerheadin
additiontostandardfixedshowerhead
10.Anti-scalddevicesonallplumbingfixtures
11.Enlargedreinforcedareasaroundtoiletand
bathingfixturetoprovidesecuremounting
locationsforgrabbarsandshowerseats
12.Mirrortobacksplashatlavatory
13.Contrasting coloredgeborderatcountertops
* SeeCurbless Showerbookletavailableasfree downloadfromtheCenterforUniversalDesign
website:www.centerforuniversaldesign.org
Kitchens 1. 60-inchdiameterturningspace
2. 30-inch X 48-inchareaofapproach(forward
orparallel,dependingonfixturetype)in
frontofallappliances
3. Cooktoporrangewithfront-orside-mounted
controlsandstaggeredburnerstoeliminate
dangerousreaching
4. Front-mountedcontrolsonwasheranddryer
5. Adaptablecabinetstorevealkneespace
(whenneeded)atsinkandunderworksur-
facenearcookingappliance
6. Variableheightsinkadjustablebetween32
and40inches
7. Exposedpipingandanysharporhotele-
mentsinanykneespaceshouldbepadded
orconcealed
8. Single-leverfaucetcontrols
9. Fullheightpantrycabinetsforhighandlow
storage.
10. Adjustableheightshelvesinwallcabinets
11.Refrigerator/freezerwithfrozenfood
storageinthebottomorside-by-side
refrigerator/freezer
12.Variableheightcounter surfacesoradjustable
througharangeof28to40inches
13.Basecabinetswithpulloutshelvesordrawers
14.Contrasting coloredgeborderatcountertops
15.Microwaveovenatcountertopheightwith
uninterruptedcountersurfaceorpullout
shelftosupportthesafetransferofhotand/
orheavycookware
16.Undercabinetglarefreetask lighting
2�Residential Rehabilitation, Remodeling and Universal Design
Recommended Universal Design References
Accessible Home Design: Architectural Solutions
for the Wheelchair User
ThomasD.Davies,AIA,KimBeasley,AIA
1999, $22.95
PVADistributionCenter
P.O.Box753
Waldorf,MD20604-0753
888-860-7244(tollfree)
www.pva.org
Aging in Place: Aging and the Impact of
Interior Design
AmericanSocietyofInteriorDesigners,2002
608MassachusettsAve.NE
Washington,DC20002
Freeatwww.asid.org/research.asp
Building for a Lifetime: The Design and Construction
of Fully Accessible Homes
MargaretWylde,AdrianBaron-Robbins
1994, $44.95
TauntonPress
63S.MainStreet
P.O.Box5560
Newtown,CT06470
800-888-8286
www.taunton.com
A Consumer’s Guide to Home Adaptation
AdaptiveEnvironments,1995, $12.00
374CongressSt.,Suite301
Boston,MA02210
617-695-1225
www.adaptenv.org
Creating the Not-So-Big House
SusanSusanka,2000,softcover$24.95
TauntonPress
63S.MainStreet
P.O.Box5560
Newtown,CT06470
800-888-8286
www.taunton.com
Directory of Accessible Building Products
2006, $5.00
NAHBResearchCenter
400 PrinceGeorge’sBoulevard
UpperMarlboro,MD20774
301-249-4000; 800-638-8556
Freeatwww.nahb.org
Elderdesign: Designing and Furnishing a
Home for Your Later Years
RosemaryBakker,1997, $14.95
www.elderdesign.homestead.com/elderdesign.html
(orwww.amazon.com)
The Healthy House
JohnBower,2001, $23.95
TheHealthyHouseInstitute
430N.SewellRd.
Bloomington,IN47408
Phone/fax812-332-5073
www.hhinst.com/booksvideos.html
2�
A House for All Children: Planning a Supportive
Home Environment for Children with Disabilities
NewJerseyInstituteofTechnology,2000
CampbellHall,Room335
UniversityHeights
Newark,NJ07102-1982
973-596-3097 www.ahouseforallchildren.njit.edu
Housing Choices and Well-Being of Older
Adults: Proper Fit
LeonPastalanandBenyaminSchwarz(eds.),
2001, ISBN 0789013215, $24.95
TheHaworthPress,Inc.
10 AliceStreet
Binghamton,NY13904
800-429-6784
www.haworthpress.com
Universal Kitchen and Bathroom Planning
MaryJoPeterson,1998, $79.95
McGrawHillOrderServices
P.O.Box 545
Blacklick,OH 43004
800-722-4726
books.mcgraw-hill.com
Available from CUD
Center For Universal Design
NCStateUniversity
CampusBox8613
Raleigh,NC27695-8613
Tel:919-515-3082
Infoline800-647-6777
www.centerforuniversaldesign.org
Publications:
Affordable and Universal Homes: A Plan Book
NCSUSchoolofDesign,2000, $10.00
North Carolina Accessible Multifamily Housing
1999
NCResidentsfree
Out-of-State$5.00
Products and Plans for Universal Homes
HomePlanners,LLC,2000, $20.00
Tech Packs (subject-specific illustrated booklets):
Bathrooms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$10
Bedrooms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$8
Decks,Patios,Porches,andBalconies . .$5
DoorsandDoorways . . . . . . . . . . .$8
EntrancesandSiteDesign . . . . . . . .$10
GrabBars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$3
Kitchens. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$10
ReadingArchitecturalDrawings . . . . .$5
VehicularTransportationandParking. .$7
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$7
Disclaimer
The statements and conclusions contained in this booklet are those of the Center for Universal Design. This document is intended to serve as a guide to design professionals and those involved in remodeling single- and multifamily housing. The Center for Universal Design has made every effort to verify the accuracy and appropriateness of this booklet’s content so it may be regarded as a valuable resource document. Yet, the infor-mation is advisory and the guidance provided not legally binding. Read-ers are advised to refer to specific codes, regulations, and requirements within their jurisdictions and to remember that no guarantee is offered or implied for the completeness of the information provided.
Campus Box 8613
Raleigh, NC 27695-8613
Tel: 919-515-3082 (V/TTY)
Fax: 919-515-8951
Info: 800-647-6777 (V/TTY)
www.centerforuniversaldesign.org
THE CENTER FOR UNIVERSAL DESIGN NC STATE UNIVERSITY College of Design
XXX copies printed by PBM at a cost of XXX or XX per copy.