What is universal access design?
Universal access design refers to a broad range of ideas meant to produce homes and environments that are accessible to both people with disabilities and people without disabilities. Because of universal access design, people with very different needs and disabilities can all enjoy the same living space. Examples of universal access design in the home include: widened doorways; zero-step entryways; cabinets with pull-out shelves; countertops with varying heights to accommodate different tasks and postures; elevating appliances such as the dishwasher, washer and dryer off the floor; and grab bars in the bathroom area.
As Baby Boomers retire and the life expectancy of New Mexicans continues to rise, many Las Cruces residents are becoming more interested in incorporating universal access design into their homes. Universal access design refers to a broad-spectrum of ideas meant to produce homes and environments that are accessible to both people with disabilities and people without disabilities. Because of universal access design, people with very different needs and disabilities can all enjoy the same living space. Quinones Design/Build helps homeowners incorporate universal access design features into their homes while keeping style and budget in mind.
Photo: Operating a single lever style faucet makes faucet operation easier for those with arthritis or limited mobility. Pairing an easy use faucet with an “extra deep” oval sink maximizes user friendliness. Using a durable and low-maintenance counter/backsplash material such as porcelain helps ensure years of trouble-free use. The Quinones Design/Build bathroom pictured here features tiled counters and backsplash with premium anti-microbial grout. The stainless steel faucet is an easy operation, high-rise model by Delta. The sink is a scratch resistant, “extra deep”, European-styled lavatory by American Standard. This combination showcases how Quinones Design/Build incorporates universal access design into bathroom remodels without compromising aesthetics.
While Quinones Design/Build homes always feature universal access design, they look like other traditional Southwest style homes and they are also much easier to enjoy. Homeowners with disabilities that live in a Quinones home don't feel as though the look of the home has been compromised or looks like a medical facility in favor of accessibility. Homeowners without disabilities feel as though a Quinones home or remodeling project is more spacious and easy to live in. These features could be as simple as adding stylish grab bars in the shower and bath areas, or as complex as building spa like no-step shower with built in shelves, wide shower bench seat, non-slip tile flooring and intricate tile work. Additional examples of universal access design in the home include: cabinets with pull-out shelves, kitchen countertops at varying heights to accommodate different tasks and postures, and elevating appliances such as the dishwasher, washer and dryer off the floor. Traditional homes that serve young healthy adults don't always take care of them when they become sick, injured or get older. As more and more New Mexicans decide to live in their existing homes for longer periods of time, they realize the need for a home that can age and accommodate them.
Photo: Combined with a front-loading washer and drier, this Quinones Design/Build installed elevated platform helps make doing laundry easier for everyone, disabled or not.
For years, Quinones Design/Build has been providing their clients with aesthetically pleasing living spaces that incorporate universal access design features. Some of these custom features include: no-step entries, wide doorways, bathroom area grab bars, spacious passage ways and the extensive use of natural bright lighting. While all Quinones Design/Build homes incorporate universal access design as the gold standard, they specialize in remodeling and renovating homes to incorporate these key design features. At the beginning of each home building or remodeling project, Bill and Jake Quinones of Quinones Design/Build, work with clients to get a complete understanding of their needs and living preferences. Quinones works closely with their clients to incorporate universal access design features that provide the maximum benefit without compromising style and budget. Rather than telling clients what universal access design features their home should be appointed with, Quinones makes practical suggestions that clients can choose to incorporate into their dream home or remodeling project. The end result is high-quality, stylish and functional.
Photo: Quinones Design/Build installed low-height, roll-under workbench in this client's garage. This handcrafted solid-wood workbench provides an excellent, easy to use, work-surface for people in wheelchairs.
Call Quinones Design/Build today to schedule a free universal access design home renovation consultation and estimate.
