Support for Universal Design from the Remodeling Industry

If you are going to remodel your home, you might as well get the longest use out of it that you can.  An article in the Professional Remodeler magazine discusses this issue.  The National Association of the Remodeling Industry states, “one way to give customers the most out of their investment long-term is by incorporating elements of universal design.”  

The challenge is discussing universal design options to the client that is doing a voluntary remodel project, versus the client that has to do the remodel due to a change that has occurred in their life.  I can imagine it is probably difficult for people to think ahead about what they could need, if at the time of the remodel they are perfectly capable to get around their house.  This is where I feel it is important to educate the consumer, not only about the benefits of universal design features for everyone, but that integrating these features into the design from the beginning is easier and more cost-effective than having to retrofit later. Integrating the features  so that they are incorporated into the existing design will not only maximize the aesthetics, but makes them almost invisible.