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Incorporating Universal Design in Custom Homes in Bend, Oregon

Tom Sawyer • 12 September 2023
Universal Design in Custom Homes

Custom home building is all about creating a living space that is tailored to your unique needs, preferences, and lifestyle. One increasingly popular aspect of custom home construction is the incorporation of universal design principles, ensuring that your home is not only beautiful and personalized but also accessible and functional for all members of your household. In this article, we will explore the concept of universal design, its benefits, and how Mountain High Builders, Inc., a preeminent construction company in Bend, Oregon, can work with you to create a custom home that takes these principles into account and ensures every corner is a reflection of your personality and lifestyle.


Universal design is a design approach that seeks to create spaces that are usable and accessible by people of all ages, abilities, and needs, without the need for specialized adaptations. By embracing the principles of universal design, your custom home can be designed to accommodate the changing needs of your family, allowing you to age in place and remain in your dream home longer. Incorporating universal design principles can also increase the value of your home, as it appeals to a broader market of potential buyers.


Some of the key elements of universal design include barrier-free entrances, wide doorways and hallways, adaptable floor plans, and accessible bathrooms and kitchens. By making conscious and strategic design choices, you can create a custom home that is both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional, ensuring that it meets the needs of all occupants, regardless of age or ability.


At Mountain High Builders, Inc., our team of experienced professionals understands the importance of creating custom homes that are versatile, accessible, and able to adapt to the changing requirements of your family. As such, we are committed to working with you to incorporate universal design principles into your home, delivering a living space that is truly inclusive and designed to last a lifetime.


In the following sections, we will delve into the various aspects of universal design in custom home construction and provide insights on how Mountain High Builders, Inc. can work with you to seamlessly integrate these features into your dream home in Bend, Oregon. Let us help you create a beautiful, personalized, and inclusive living space that is welcoming and functional for all its inhabitants.

Key Elements of Universal Design

Incorporating universal design principles in your custom home construction requires close attention to detail and a commitment to creating a living space that is adaptable, functional, and welcoming for all occupants. Here are some of the main elements of universal design that Mountain High Builders, Inc. can help you integrate into your custom home:


  1. Barrier-Free Entrances: Ensuring that your home has at least one no-step entry point, such as a sloped walkway or a level entrance from the garage, can provide easy access for everyone, including individuals with mobility challenges or those using a wheelchair, walker, or stroller.
  2. Wide Doorways and Hallways: Wider-than-average doorways and hallways (preferably 36 inches or more) can accommodate wheelchairs, walkers, and other mobility aids, providing more space to navigate your home comfortably.
  3. Adaptable Floor Plans: Designing your custom home with an adaptable floor plan allows for greater flexibility as your family's needs change over time. This may include incorporating features such as first-floor bedrooms and bathrooms, converting a den into a bedroom, or planning for a future elevator if needed.
  4. Accessible Bathrooms and Kitchens: Universal design elements in the bathroom and kitchen can include installing grab bars, placing countertops and sinks at varied heights, ensuring ample knee and toe clearance, and using lever-style faucets for easy operation.

Designing Flexible and Adaptable Living Spaces

When incorporating universal design principles into your custom home, Mountain High Builders, Inc. can help you design flexible living spaces that meet the diverse needs of your family. Here are some ideas for creating adaptable living areas within your home:


  1. Open Floor Plans: Open floor plans are an excellent option for making your living space feel more spacious and accommodating. By eliminating unnecessary walls and barriers, you can create a communal environment that lends itself to easy mobility and interaction.
  2. Multi-Use Rooms: Designing rooms that can serve multiple purposes allows for greater flexibility within your home. For example, a home office can double as a guest bedroom, or a playroom can be converted into a study area as your children grow older.
  3. Flexible Storage Solutions: Incorporating adjustable shelving, pull-out drawers, and other customizable storage solutions enables your home to adapt to changing storage requirements, while keeping clutter at bay and maintaining a tidy, accessible living environment.

Incorporating Technology for Inclusive Living

Technological advancements can also play a significant role in creating a more accessible and inclusive custom home. Mountain High Builders, Inc. can help you explore and install various smart home features that support universal design principles, such as:


  1. Voice-Activated Controls: Integrate voice-activated systems for controlling lights, thermostats, and other household functions, allowing all occupants to have greater control over their living environment.
  2. Smart Appliances: Smart kitchen appliances, such as ovens with touch controls or refrigerators with see-through panels, can make tasks more manageable for individuals with physical or cognitive challenges.
  3. Home Automation: Installing a comprehensive home automation system can provide greater convenience, safety, and accessibility for all family members, making it easier to manage lighting, security, entertainment, and other aspects of your home.

Partnering with Mountain High Builders, Inc.

When it comes to incorporating universal design in your custom home construction, Mountain High Builders, Inc. is the ideal partner. Our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to understanding your unique needs and preferences, working closely with you every step of the way to ensure your custom home is truly accessible, functional, and welcoming for all. We are committed to staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in accessible design, remaining vigilant in our pursuit of creating living spaces that reflect your values, personality, and the needs of your family.

Conclusion:

Embracing the principles of universal design in your custom home construction not only creates a beautiful, personalized living space but also ensures that it accommodates the diverse needs of your family. By partnering with Mountain High Builders, Inc., you can seamlessly integrate these design elements into your custom home in Bend, Oregon, resulting in an elegant, functional, and inclusive environment. Let us help you create a custom home that cares for all its inhabitants, providing a comfortable and welcoming oasis that stands the test of time.


If you're looking for a trusted and professional custom home builder in Bend, OR, look no further than Mountain High Builders, Inc. Our team of experts has years of experience in building beautiful and functional homes that meet the unique needs and preferences of our clients. Contact us today to start bringing your dream home to life!

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