What is adaptable design and why do you need it if you want to continue to live in your home?
Adaptable Design - is a designing process that looks to fulfill the future needs of the home’s residents. As a person or family continue to live in their home, adaptable design allows for the home to be easily modified to meet the aging and physical challenges that may come along in the future. It is advanced "planning" without the cost of advanced "doing".
Since most of us will never need severe remodeling changes in our home, adaptable design is perfect. Adaptable Design is not to be confused with more drastic design styles such as:
Accessible Design - which refers to adhering to the government requirements set by the various agencies including the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Fair Housing Amendments Act requirements and approved bathroom products that may or may not be your decorative choice.
Universal Design - looks to remodel the entire project now with the assumption that all aspects of physical challenges will occur. For example, installing open knee spaces under the sink for easy wheel chair access can be helpful, but the need for storage may far outweigh the fact that a wheel chair may never be needed.
Adaptable Design provides the ability to create an open knee space very easily, but until that time is needed, storage is available.
PRODUCTS and MATERIALS for your Adaptable Bathroom
Adaptable remodeling is having access in your bathroom to all of the bathroom products which allow you the maximum comfort, function and beauty as you age or face future disability challenges. Adaptable works for everyone and doesn’t look institutional.
My book, "Just Add Water, A Guide to Bathroom Products Especially for You" describes...Bathroom Designing Solutions for all Sizes, Shapes, Needs and Ages…and offers detailed information that will help you find the products and materials you need for your bathroom project. For your on-line copy, please contact Bathroom Design Experts. ($14.95). |
