Universal custom home design is a growing trend in the world of new home construction! With an increasing awareness and focus on accessibility and functionality for people of all ages and abilities, more and more homeowners are recognizing the need for universal design in their homes.

Whether you need modifications in your home today or you’re preparing for your potential needs tomorrow, designing your custom home to be accessible will allow you to live in your dream home for as long as you’d like. Before you begin your design/build process, explore the importance of universal custom home design and all of its versatile possibilities.

What is Aging in Place?

Aging in place refers to the idea of a person being able to remain in their own home and community as they age, rather than having to move into a retirement home or care facility. This concept has become increasingly popular as people are living longer and healthier lives, with most people living 15-20 years after retirement. 

People who age in place generally enjoy a better quality of life and remain healthier longer than those who move into facilities. Offering more self-determination and privacy, remaining in your home in old age has become the preferred option for millions of Americans.

Unfortunately, aging in place is a privilege that not everyone has. For someone to age in place, they need to have a home that is functional and accessible for people of all ages and abilities. This requires careful planning and design from the beginning, rather than quick modifications later on when they become absolutely necessary.

What is Universal Design?

Universal design is an inclusive design philosophy focused on creating spaces that are accessible and functional for everyone. This includes the elderly, but it can also include people with disabilities or just people who appreciate easy-to-use design.

Accessibility awareness first began to grow in the 1960s, culminating in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Today, accessibility is more important than ever, especially as the number of Americans aged 65 and older is projected to more than double by the year 2060. There will also be fewer young people to help care for the elderly, making universal design crucial for enabling seniors to care for themselves with minimal intervention.

How to Modify Your Custom Home

Luckily, there are virtually endless options for your custom home design, which extends to accessibility modifications and assistive technology. When designing your custom home, it’s important to consider not just what your family’s needs are today, but also what your potential needs might be throughout your lifetime.

Universal design can help you improve every space within your home, from the bathroom and kitchen to bedrooms and even hallways. Generally, universal design limits the use of stairs and keeps everything on one level. This is because climbing stairs can become difficult as you age, potentially cutting off access to large parts of your home. If stairs do need to be incorporated, handrails are installed on both sides to provide additional support.

Universal design also incorporates a lot of light. Natural light tends to enhance the feeling of wellness and boost mood, so universal custom home design typically incorporates many, large windows. It also tends to include an automated lighting system, which turns on lights in a room that is occupied and shuts off lights when the area is empty.

Additional examples of universal design include curbless showers, sinks that can be used with a closed fist, wide hallways, kitchens with all appliances close together, and outlets near the floor for easy reach. For the home’s exterior, universal design also typically includes low plantings that allow you to easily see visitors or strangers on your property without opening the door or leaving the house.

At C&C Partners, we understand the importance of universal design in custom home building. Our team of experienced designers and builders is committed to creating functional and accessible homes that cater to the diverse needs of all of our clients. We work closely alongside you from concept to completion, guaranteeing a seamless design/build process that results in a custom home design you’ll love for a lifetime. If you want to experience the C&C Partners difference for yourself, contact us online or give us a call at 310-322-0803 today to learn why we’re Southern California’s premier architectural design firm.