Arlington, Virginia is ranked as one of the best cities to live in the U.S., so it’s little wonder that its residents want to stay there. Rather than move out of a house to accommodate needs that arise as they get older, people are choosing to use “Universal Design” to remodel their homes, which allows them to age in place. Arlington presents some unique challenges to an effective remodel, but we think it’s a great way to get the best of this amazing city.
After deciding to age in place and encountering physical limitations, our clients sought to create a single-level living space in their Arlington Cape Cod home, where they had lived for 27 years. We completed a home addition and extensive interior renovation, including wider doorways and the ability to add ramps in the future, to make that possible.
What is Universal Design?
When a home is built, updated, or remodeled, taking into account the needs and abilities of all potential residents, it follows a Universal Design approach. Like its name, Universal Design is intended to be accessible to everyone. The approach takes into account small details like lever door handles and no-slip surfaces in showers and baths, as well as intermediate issues like wider doors and access ramps. In a new construction or major remodel, single-floor living or elevators address mobility challenges and allow people of all abilities to live comfortably in the home.
Why Age In Place?
For people who love their home and community, relocating to a new space that accommodates aging may not be appealing. In a city like Arlington, the local services, activities, and opportunities make it particularly attractive to continue to call it home. Instead of a significant, stressful transition, a smart remodel transforms the home with features that will last a lifetime. Using Universal Design, a multi-story, older home can be transformed into a beautiful and functional space that meets the needs of all users as they arise.
For this aging-in-place addition and renovation project, we designed a first-floor master suite, leaving the second floor intact for guests. We included multiple grab bars in the shower and bathroom for future needs. While the shower could not be zero-entry due to existing conditions of the home, a 3″ entry was a huge improvement over a 14″ step in the bathtub.
Working With Arlington Homes
Single-family homes in Arlington typically have a compact footprint. Located on 50’ lots and limited to homes of 30’ width or less, creativity and careful attention to permits make the difference in designing a forever home in the city. Instead of adding a bedroom and bathroom to the back of the house, it may be better to reconfigure the entire main floor to create a more seamless flow, improved accessibility, and enhanced comfort. From an aesthetic perspective, it’s essential to consider the existing style of the home and pay attention to details. For example, there are alternatives to huge ramps to mitigate the challenge of front doorsteps.
Budget and Timing
The time to consider a remodel with Universal Design is before it’s needed. A major remodel can cause disruption and may require temporarily relocating out of the home. This will be all the more challenging if a medical condition is the reason for the change. Depending on the project’s scope, it can take weeks or even months to complete, so it is essential to plan a time when this causes the least amount of interference. When considering changes, the budget is always a key consideration. A significant change, such as installing an elevator or making a main floor addition, will have a range of prices. Therefore, it’s essential to work with your builder to understand the options that fit your needs within your budget. While a single-phase remodel is likely the least expensive option, long-term considerations, such as an elevator rough-in, will allow for an easier subsequent project when the time comes.
The home addition also created a light-filled space for entertaining and provided storage space for often-used items that had been relegated to the basement. In the kitchen, the cabinets were installed with large pulls and configured at a low height for wheelchair accessibility. Extra space was also left between the island and the cabinets for wheelchair access.
At Alair Homes, we pride ourselves on staying on top of the latest developments in Universal Design. We have been helping Arlington homeowners create spaces that will continue to serve them as they age. Whether it’s a new, custom home or a remodel, we can work with our clients to create their forever home. If you are considering a project on your existing home or a remodel, contact us today for a consultation.
