Embarking on a custom home building project allows you to create a living space that reflects your unique needs, preferences, and lifestyle. As you plan your dream home, it's essential to consider not only your present requirements but also your future needs, ensuring that your home will continue to be functional and comfortable as your circumstances and abilities evolve. By incorporating universal design principles into your custom home project in Bend, Oregon, you can create a space that will grow with you and offer long-lasting benefits to you and your family.

Universal design refers to a set of principles aimed at making spaces accessible and functional for all people, regardless of age, size, or ability. This approach to design focuses on creating homes and environments that promote inclusivity, ease of use, and adaptability throughout life's ups and downs. When applied to custom home building projects, universal design principles can help homeowners create a space that is both stylish and practical, capable of accommodating changes in mobility or other accessibility needs that may arise over time.

At Mountain High Builders, we understand the importance of designing homes that cater to the diverse needs of our clients, both now and in the future. Our team of experts is committed to helping you incorporate universal design principles into your new home build, ensuring a living space that is both comfortable and functional no matter what life brings. In this blog post, we will discuss some essential universal design principles to consider as you embark on your custom home building journey in Bend, Oregon.

Planning Ahead: The Benefits of Universal Design in Custom Home Building

Incorporating universal design principles into your custom home project not only ensures a comfortable and accessible space for your family but can also increase the home's resale value and appeal to a broader range of potential buyers. Universal design elements seamlessly blend with your home's overall aesthetic while enhancing functionality and accessibility for all residents and guests, regardless of age or ability. Let's dive deeper into some key universal design principles and their applications in custom home builds.

Level Entryways and Wide Doorways: Enhancing Accessibility and Ease of Movement

One of the core principles of universal design is providing easy access to and throughout your home. Entryways with zero threshold or minimal step height improve accessibility for individuals using wheelchairs, walkers, or other mobility aids, and make entering and exiting your home safer and more manageable for everyone. Level entryways not only improve accessibility but also add an attractive and seamless element to your home's exterior design.

Wide doorways are another essential feature to consider when incorporating universal design principles into your custom home project. By ensuring that all interior doors and entryways have a minimum clearance of 32 inches, you can facilitate easy movement throughout your home, particularly for wheelchair users or individuals with other mobility challenges.

Open Floor Plans and Flexible Spaces: Versatility for Changing Needs

Open floor plans have become a popular design trend in recent years, and for a good reason. They create an inviting and spacious environment while offering the flexibility to adapt to your family's changing needs. By eliminating unnecessary walls, an open floor plan can improve mobility and make it easier to carry out daily tasks.

Flexible spaces are another key aspect of universal design, allowing homeowners to modify the function of specific rooms to meet their needs as they change over time. For example, a bedroom on the main level could serve as a home office initially but later be transitioned into a more accessible bedroom for an aging family member when the need arises.

User-Friendly Kitchens and Bathrooms: Accommodating a Range of Abilities

The kitchen and bathroom are two of the most frequently used rooms in any home, making it essential for them to be accessible and functional for all inhabitants. Applying universal design principles in these spaces can ensure that everyone, regardless of age or ability, can navigate them with ease.

In the kitchen, consider adding features such as multi-level countertops, pull-out shelving, and adjustable cabinets. These components not only make your kitchen more accessible but also improve overall functionality and convenience. Additionally, the installation of lever-style faucets and easy-to-use appliances can make daily kitchen tasks more manageable for all family members.

Similarly, incorporating universal design elements in your bathroom can significantly improve accessibility and safety. Features like curbless showers, grab bars, and adjustable showerheads can accommodate a range of abilities and make your bathroom a more inclusive space. A well-designed bathroom using universal design principles can strike a perfect balance between functionality, comfort, and style.

Smart Home Technology and Lighting: Enhancing Safety and Comfort

The integration of smart home technology and thoughtful lighting design can greatly contribute to a universally designed home. Smart home automation can simplify daily tasks, enhance security, and allow homeowners to manage their home's lighting, temperature, and more with just a few taps on their smartphone or voice command.

Incorporating a well-planned lighting scheme is also essential for creating a comfortable and accessible home. A combination of ambient, task, and accent lighting can not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home but also improve overall visibility and safety. Consider adding features like motion sensors, ample natural light, and adjustable lighting controls for optimal accessibility.

Embracing Universal Design in Your Custom Home Build

By incorporating universal design elements into your custom home project, you can create a living space that is comfortable, accessible, and stylish throughout all stages of life. Planning for the present and the future is essential in custom home building, and universal design principles can help you achieve the perfect balance of form and function.

At Mountain High Builders, we are dedicated to helping you design a home that meets your unique needs and preferences, ensuring a living space that is both practical and pleasing for years to come. If you're ready to embark on your custom home building journey in Bend, Oregon, and incorporate universal design into your project, contact our team of experts today to discuss your vision and transform it into reality.