Residential Rehabilitation,

Remodeling and
Universal Design
THE CENTER FOR UNIVERSAL DESIGN
NC STATE UNIVERSITY College of Design
Dedication
The Center for Universal Design dedicates this noteworthy publication to John
Dalrymple, who during his decades of work at the Division of Vocational Reha-
bilitation, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, devoted his
life to promoting independent living for all North Carolinians. John understood
that local recipients of state agency housing rehabilitation funds could beneft
from a publication such as this. He also knew if this document could be placed
in the hands of the Division of Community Assistance and the North Carolina
Housing Finance Agency, as well as owners of single-family housing, signifcant
improvements could be made in housing across the State.
John inspired the Priority Features List contained in this publication. In addi-
tion, the unique approach to a commonplace room found in all housingthe
bathroomsets this publication apart from all others. Showing multiple strate-
gies to modify the same small residential bathroom has never been addressed
in this manner. The publication offers options for those wishing to make their
environment better accommodate their needs, perhaps allowing families to live
more safely and comfortably in the home of their choice as long as desired.


Produced by
TheCenterforUniversalDesign
CollegeofDesign,NCStateUniversity
for the
NCDepartmentofHealthandHumanServices
DivisionofVocationalRehabilitation
IndependentLivingServices
Credits
Authorship:LeslieC.Young
ArchitecturalDesignand
ConceptIllustrations:RexJ.Pace
Reviewers:JohnDalrymple,PhilProtz
GraphicDesignandProduction:JayHarlowandMarceloGuimaraes
Illustrations:RexJ.Pace
2006, Center for Universal Design
ResdentaI RehahItatnn,
RemndeIng and
0nversaI Besgn
1ahIe nI Lnntents

Key Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
SelectingaDwelling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
PriorityList . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Entrance Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Ramps,Lifts,SiteGradingandLandscaping. . . . . . . . . 8
RemodeledEntry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Bathroom Modifcations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
FeaturesandElementsinthePlans. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
BathroomPlans. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Select Universal Features for All Housing. . . . . . 21

Recommended Universal Design References. . . . 23
Intrnductnn
Inrecentyearsithasbecomemorewidelyrecognizedthatresidentialdesign
mustaddressadynamicrangeofpeopleandabilities.Housinginthiscentury
mustbeadaptabletoaccommodatethedifferingneedsandrequirementsofthe
users.Individualcharacteristicssuchasstrengthoragilityshouldnotprevent
apersonfromsafelyusingandenjoyingallfeaturesintheirhome.Thisdesign
approach,knownasUniversal Design,strivestomakeday-to-daylivingand
hometaskspossibleandsaferforeveryone,allowingapersontoremaininde-
pendentforaslongaspossible.
Thesegoalsareassignifcantforaffordablehousingastheyareformarket
ratehousing.Theymay,infact,beevenmorecriticalforhouseholdslackingthe
fnancialandcommunityresourcestoeffectivelydealwithdramaticlifechanges
fromsicknessandinjury,effectsofaging,orthosesupportingotherfamily
membersaffectedbytheseissues.Formanyhouseholds,fndingdecent,afford-
ablehousingthatalsosupportstheiractivitiesisextremelydiffcult.Afamily
livinginatypicalhomeoftenfacesexpensivemodifcationstheycannotafford
suchasaddingramps,wideningdoorways,orcreatingusablebathrooms.
Littlehousingtoday,whethersingle-ormultifamily,adequatelyrespondsto
thediverseandeverchangingneedsofthepopulation.TheFair Housing Act
andtheNorth Carolina Accessibility Codearealteringthemultifamilyhous-
ingindustry,buttherequirementsoftheseaccessibilityprovisionsonlyoffera
limiteddegreeofusabilitytomanypeople.Universal Designincorporatesmany
accessibilitycoderequirementsandstressesinnovativesolutionstofacilitate
dailylivingandindependence,especiallyforpeoplewhohave,are,orwillbe
experiencingchangesintheirmobilityand/orsightandhearing.

Inthecomingyears,severalstateagenciesarerehabilitatingtargetedolder
homesownedbypeopleoflowincome.Signifcantrehabilitationmayoccurto
addressstructural,energy,weatherization,andplumbingconcerns.Insome
casesindividualhomesarealreadyidentifedforupgradebasedontheoccu-
pantsneeds,i.e.,olderadultsandpeoplewithdisabilities.Whensignifcant
constructionisunderway,whatbettertimetoaddresskeyissuesofusability?
Entrancesandbathroomsaretwosignifcantareaswheremobilityisessen-
tial.Itiscriticaltoensurethatpeopleareabletogetinandoutoftheirhome.
Usablebathrooms,ontheotherhand,areessentialforsurvivinginoneshome
withatemporaryoralong-termdisablingcondition.Safetyandindependence
3
Residential Rehabilitation, Remodeling and Universal Design
Whensignifcantcon-
structionisunderway,
whatbettertimeto
addresskeyissuesof
usability?
4
withinoneshomeisimpactedbybathroomdesigntosuchagreatextentthatit
istheprimaryfocusofthisdocument.
Thispublicationintroduceskeyuniversalfeaturestoincludewhenmodifyingor
rehabilitatingasingle-ormultifamilydwelling.Themostcriticalfeaturesare
providedina14-itemlistwiththehighestpriorityassignedanumberone(see
page7).Inthebackofthisdocumentisamorecomprehensivelistofadditional
featuresthatcouldbeincorporated.Thosehomeownerswiththefnancial
resourcestoremodeltheirhomesmayfndhelpfulthedesignguidanceinthe
14-itemaswellastheexpandedlist.
Housingdesignsthatsupportoccupantswithadisabilitynowandrequireno
expensivemodifcationslaterareclearlysuperiortostandarddesigns.When
housingcanbesaferandmoreusablebycurrentandfutureresidentsallowing
themtoageinplace,countlessdollarsincostlynursinghomeandMedicaid
expensescanbesaved.Closefamilyandcommunityrelationscanbemain-
tained,contributingtoanindividualssenseofplaceandhelpingtomaintain
communitycohesiveness,neighborhoodpermanence,aswellasindividual
mentalandphysicalhealth.
Key Features tn Increase
Functnn and 0sahIty
OverthenextfveyearstheNCHousingFinanceAgency(NCHFA)andtheNCDivi-
sionofCommunityAssistance(NCDCA),willbeworkingtorehabilitatehundreds
ofNorthCarolinahomesusingHOMEInvestmentPartnershipProgramandCom-
munityDevelopmentBlockGrant(CDBG)funds.Bothagenciespresentlyserve
manyfamilieswitholderadultsandpeoplewithdisabilities.Eachagencyhas
affrmeditscommitmenttoUniversal Designwherefeasible.
The14-itemPriorityListonpage7offerscriticalkeyfeaturesandelementsto
includeinrehabilitationworkwhenonlyalimitednumberofuniversalfeatures
arepossible.ThenumbersinthePrioritycolumnindicatetheimportanceof
thefeature.IncorporatingasmanyfeaturesaspossibleinthePriorityListis
encouragedwhensignifcantrehabilitationormodifcationsarebeingconsid-
eredforinaccessiblehousingcurrentlyoccupiedbyanolderadultoraperson
withadisability.Recognizingexactdimensionscannotalwaysbeprovided,it
isrecommendedaclearusablepathwaybecreatedtoallowapersonusinga
wheelchair(orsomeonewithanymobilitylimitation)tosafelyenterandexitthe
dwellingandmaneuverthroughoutthelivingspacesonthegroundfoor,includ-
ingthebathroom.
AllfeaturesinthePriorityListarestructuralanddonotincludesuchitems
asgrabbars,easy-to-useleverfaucets,andleverdoorhardwarethatcanbe
addedlateratlittlecost.Thegoalofthisdocumentistoencouragetheinclusion
ofuniversalfeatureswhilesubstantialrehabilitationeffortsareunderway
changesthatwouldbetoocostlytomakelater.Amorecomprehensivefeatures
list,providedattheendofthispublication,shouldbereviewedtodetermineif
additionaluniversalelementscouldalsobeincorporated.
DevelopedbytheCenterforUniversalDesignincollaborationwiththeDivision
ofVocationalRehabilitation,IndependentLivingServices,thefnalPriorityList
wasreviewedandinputwasprovidedbypotentialusers,includingseveralNorth
Carolinaagenciesundertakingrehabilitation.Eachagencyhasitsownguidance
manualorconstructionspecifcationstoassistwiththeapplicabilityofthese
priorities.

5
Residential Rehabilitation, Remodeling and Universal Design
b
8eIectng a BweIIng Lnnducve
tn AccesshIty Imprnvements
Residentswithimmediateandimpendingneedswillbeneftmostfromahome
withtheadditionofspecifcfeaturesthatmeet,orcanbeadaptedtomeet,
theirneeds.However,whennospecifcfeaturesarerequiredatthetimeof
upgrade,thefollowingdesignfeaturesstillshouldbeconsideredtoprovide
thelongest-termaccessibilitybenefttoahomespresentandfutureresidents.
Manyofthesehomesmay,overtime,houseotherfamilies,thusupgradesto
includeuniversalfeaturesmakeiteasiertoaccommodatetheneedsofany
newfamily.
Featurestoconsiderincludeahousewith:
1. alotthatwouldallowanyoftheentranceoptionsasshownonpage9ofthis
bookletoradwellingwiththefoorlevelnomorethan30inchesabovegrade.
Azero-stepentranceonanaccessibleroutecouldbeatthefront,sideor
backofthehome,orthroughanattachedgaragewherevermostfeasible
forthegiventerrain.
2. parkingclosetoanentrance.Itmaybepossibletomoveparkingcloserand
installanearthbermwithgentlyslopingwalk(shallowerslopethanaramp)
toanentrance.
3. anentryporchorstepsthatmustbereplacedanyway.Astheporchis
replaced,itispossibletointegrateaconcretepadandexteriorelectrical
junctionboxforfutureinstallationofawheelchairplatformlift.Suchlifts
couldbeownedbyanorganizationoragencyandmovedtoalocation
whenneeded.
4. shortwidehallwaysor
5. hallwaysthatarepossibletowidenbecauseofotherplannedrenovations.
6. alargebathroomthatrequiressomemodifcationorasmallbathroom
thatneedsasignifcantupgrade,provideditcanbeexpandedthrough
feasiblymovingorremovingwalls.
Priority Features Listonthefacingpageoffersguidanceonselectinguniversal
featurestoincludeindwellingunitswithafocusonunitsbeingrehabilitated
and/or remodeled.Thefeaturesshouldbeincludedwhenevertechnicallyfeasible,
evenifexactdimensionscannotbeprovided,especiallyinhousingforolder
adultsorpeoplewithdisabilities.
Thesefeaturesaregiventhehighestprioritysoapersonusingawheelchair
orothermobilitydevicecansafelyandindependentlyenterandexitthe
dwellingandgettoandmaneuverinthekitchenandbathroom.
Thesefeatures,whenincorporatedintothedwelling,offerresidentswith
children,afamilymemberwithadisabilityoranolderadultthepossibility
ofbeingsafeandindependentforaslongaspossible.
Offsetcontrolsofferincreasedsafetyforallusers.
7
Residential Rehabilitation, Remodeling and Universal Design
AREA PRIORITY UNIVERSAL HOUSING FEATURE
Entrances
1. Oneentrancewithoutstepsandafatorverylowthreshold
2. Minimum60by60levelmaneuveringspaceatsteplessentrance
(roofoverentranceoffersadditionalconvenience)
General Interior
3. Hallwidthsof42(wherepossible)
4. Passagedoors32clear(typicallyprovidedwith36door)
5. Maneuveringspaceatdoorsifinswingingdoorobstructsabathroomorkitchen
fxtureorappliance,useoffsethinges,swingdoorout,hingedooronoppositejamb,
orwidendoorway
6. Increasednumberofelectricaloutletsforadditionallightingandalarmindicators,
especiallyinbedrooms
Kitchens
7. Clearfoorspaceinkitchens;manyconfgurationspossible,60minimum
turningcirclerecommended
8. Adaptablecabinetstorevealkneespaceatsinkandunderworksurfacenear
cookingappliance
Bathrooms
9. Clearfoorspaceinroom;modestincreaseinroomsizebeyond5 X 8
10. Adaptablecabinetswithundersinkkneespace
11. Broadlyappliedbandsofblocking(reinforcement)insidewallsaroundtoilets
andbathingfxturesforfutureinstallationofgrabbars
12. Offsetcontrolsintuborshowertominimizestooping,bending,andreaching
13. Toiletina48 X 56spacewithcenterlineoftoilet18fromsidewall
14. Curblessshowers,ifinstalled,atleast36X60
Priority Features List
8
ntrance ptnns
Whenmodifyinganexistingentrance,optionstocreateasteplessentrance
includeramps,verticalplatformliftsandlandscaping.Eachisappropriatefor
aparticularcombinationofresources,heights,andsiteconditions.Theadvan-
tagesanddisadvantagesforeachoptionmustbecarefullyconsidered.

Ramps
Rampsarethemostfamiliarresidentialaccessibilitymodifcation.Theycanbe
builtrelativelyquicklyandinexpensively.Althoughrampsmakeabigdifference
inthelivesofthosewhousethem,theydohavesomedrawbacks.Rampsac-
commodatingrisesabove30inchesrequireextensiveconstruction,maybevery
long,occupyasignifcantamountofspace,andcanbequiteexpensive.Ramps
arenotmaintenancefree.Leaf,snowandiceremoval,painting,andperiodic
repairsalltaketimeandresources.Rampsshouldbethoughtfullyplannedso
theyareconstructedinastylecompatiblewiththehouse.Someresidentsare
concernedthatrampslabeltheoccupantasvulnerableandmakethemmore
susceptibletobreak-ins.

Lifts
Takinguplessthan30squarefeetofspace,anelectricallyoperatedvertical
platformwheelchairliftcanavoidthespaceproblemsoflongramps.Wherepos-
sible,locateliftsundercovertoreducesnowandiceaccumulationinthewinter.
Onsitespronetofooding,potentialwaterdamagetomechanicalcomponents
mustbeconsidered.Thecostoflifts,includingaconcreteslab,electricalpower
andrelatedremodelingexpenses,rangesbetween$5,000-$15,000.

Site Grading and Landscaping

Siteconditionscanofferanopportunitytouselandscapedearthpathwaysfor
amorenaturalandblendedsolution.Thisapproachmayincludearetainingwall,
anearthberm,andsometimesabridgetoanentrance.Asafepathwithagentle
slopeof1:20orlesscanbebuiltwithouthandrails(unlessthereareabrupt
drop-offsortheyareneededbyusers),therebyavoidingthecostandintrusive
appearanceofhandrails.Landscapedoptionsmaybemoreexpensivethanan
equivalentramp,butusuallyhavealongerlifespanandrequirelessmainte-
nance.Theremodeledentranceshownonpage10makesuseoftheearth
bermconcept.
Multifamily Housing Entrance Upgrade
9
Residential Rehabilitation, Remodeling and Universal Design
Single-family House Entrance Upgrade
plantingsminimizeandsoftenthevisualimpactoframps
Ramps
workbestforheightsupto30
Lifts
space-savingoptionfor
heightsover30
Earth Berms and Regrading
dependingonsiteconditions,
canworkforallheights.See
page10foramoredetailed
illustrationofanearthberm.
sitearrivalpoints
accessaisle
andaccessible
parkingspaces
curbramp
accessible
primary
entrance

curbramp
Coveredentrance
helpscontrolwater
atlowthresholdand
providesprotection
duringinclement
weather
Provideadequate
maneuveringspace
aroundscreenor
stormdoors
5 x 5minimumlevel
landingareafor
maneuvering
4-0widewalkway
slopedat1:20orless,
slopessteeperthan1:20
necessitatehandrails
Usingacombinationofearthbermandretain-
ingwallsisaneffectivemethodforprovidinga
steplessroutetothelandingwhilemaintaining
anintegratedappearancewiththehomeand
surroundingsite.
Providegoodoverall
lightingplusfocused
lightingatlocksets
andhousenumberfor
nighttimesecurity
andease-of-use
Highcontrasthouse
numbers,easytoread
fromadistance
Handrailwithintegral
packageshelf
Originalsmallstoop
removed
Newporchlandingset
atsamelevelasinterior
housefoor,eliminates
stepatentrydoor
5 x 5clearlevelareaformaneuveringonthe
landingisrecommendedandmaybenecessary
whenscreenorstormdoorsareprovided.
18minimumtopullside
ofdoor,24preferred
Remodeled Stepless Entry
10
Bothentryandscreen
doorprovideamin.32
clearopeninglever
handlehardware
5-0minimum
landingsize
5
-
0

m
i
n
i
m
u
m
Additionalloweredpeep-
holeforseatedorshort
adultsandchildren
Flushorlowprofle
threshold,1/2highmax.
Bathrnnm Hndncatnns
Mereinchesmakethedifferencebetweenindependenceanddependence.Howcan
thegreatestusabilitybeachievedwithinverytightconstraints?Asmallbath-
roomplanwithallplumbingfxturesmountedalongacommonwallisthebasisfor
ninedifferentsolutions:fromrenovationsinsideexistingwallstomoreextensive
constructionusingabumpoutorminiaddition.Thesemodifedplanscanbe
consideredinavarietyofapplicationsfromsingle-familytomultifamilyhousing.
Bothbathtubsandroll-inorcurblessshowersareaddressed.Seethepublication
Curbless Showersforadditionalinformationontheuniquefeaturesofthisbathing
fxture,availableforfreedownloadatcenterforuniversaldesign.org.
Additionalguidanceisprovidedoneachplanpagetohelpselectthemostappro-
priatebathroommodifcation.Eachpageindicateswhichplanmodifcationcom-
plieswithspecifcNCaccessibilityrequirements.Althoughnotalwaysnecessary
forbathroommodifcationstocomply,itgivesthecontractorareferencepoint
andsomeawarenessofhowsuccessfulthemodifedbathroommaybeforaspe-
cifcuser.Aresidentmaybeabletobetterarticulatepersonalneedsifheorshe
canuseplanstoinitiatediscussion.
Themodifedplansareshownfromleastusable/accessibletoprovidingamuch
higherlevelofaccessibility.(Accessibilitycodesonlyprovideinstructionsfor
minimumlevelsofaccessibility.)TheNCHousingFinanceAgencyQAPbonus
pointsbathroomsaremuchclosertoauniversallyusablebathroom.
higher
usability
moderate
usability
lower
usability
QAP
MeetsNCACTypeAandincorporates
twoadditionalfeatures:a5X5
clearfoorspaceforthetoiletand
acurbless(roll-in)showeratleast
60longand36deep.
MeetstherequirementsintheNCACforfullyaccessibleTypeAunits.
QualifedAllocationPlan(QAP)requirementsestablishedbytheNC
HousingFinanceAgencyallowbuildersofmultifamilyhousingunits
fundedunderthelowincometaxcreditplantobeawardedextrabonus
pointsforunitswitha5 X 5clearfoorspaceatthetoilet.Curbless
showersatleast36 X 60 (largerrecommended)arenowrequiredin5%
ofallQAPunits.Theseunitshavesomeofthehighestlevelsofusability.
NCAC Type A
TypeAfullyaccessibleunitas
specifedintheNCAccessibilityCode.
MeetsStatefullyaccessibledesignrequirements.
(Note:buildingcodesprovidetheminimumrequirementsfor
compliance).
NCAC Type B
TypeBaccessibleunitasspecifed
intheNCAccessibilityCode.
MeetsStateaccessibleorFairHousingdesignrequirements.
TheserequirementsarelessthanforTypeAandofferamodest
levelofaccessibility.
11
Residential Rehabilitation, Remodeling and Universal Design
12
Features and Elements Shown in the Plans
Allmodifedplansincludekneespacebelowlavatories.
Horizontalandfold-downgrabbarsareshowninconventionallocations.
Additionalspacehasbeenallocatedbesidethetoilettoallowsafer
transfersandassistanceifneeded.
Extramaneuveringandclearfoorspaceisprovided.
Pocketdoorsareshowninsomeplans.
Offsetcontrolsareshowninbathtubsandshowers.
Clearfoorspaceisshownforapproachtofxtures.
5-footdiameterturningcircleisshownwhenspaceisavailabletoexecute
suchaturn.
Allplansshowreinforcingaroundtoiletandbathingfxtures.

Pocket Doors.Veryinexpensivedoorsmaybeproblematic;however,manypocket
doorsareavailablethatcansuccessfullybeusedintheseinstallations.Pocket
doorsareshownbecauseinsmallspaceshingeddoors,ifinswinging,oftenlimit
maneuveringspacewithintheroom.Outswingingdoorshavethepotentialto
injuresomeoneapproachingtheroom.
Grab Bars and Reinforcing.Incertaininstancesthelengthofthebarmaybeshorter
thanspecifedinaccessibilitycodesandstandards;however,inrehabilitationand
remodelingworkthisisgenerallynotascriticalunlesscomplianceisrequired.
Reinforcingabroadbandofwallareaaroundbathingfxturesandthetoiletis
preferredtoinstallinggrabbarsinthelimitedlocationsspecifedinmanyacces-
sibilitydesigndocuments.Asinglebarlocationdoesnotworkforallusers.Other
locationsareoftendesirableandneededandcanbeaccommodatedifenlarged
reinforcedareasareprovided.
Offset Controls.Thissimpleconceptassistsallusers.Wheninstallingnewfaucet
controlsinthebathtuborshower,locatethecontrolsclosetotheoutsideofthe
enclosure.Controlsinthispositioncanbeeasilyoperatedfromoutsidetosetand
testthewatertemperaturebeforeentering.Thislocationiseasiertoreachand
requiresmuchlessbendingandstoopingforastandingpersonandofferseasier
accessfromoutsidethebathingfxtureforapersonusingawheelchair
orscooter.
13
Residential Rehabilitation, Remodeling and Universal Design
4
-6
m
in
.re
c
o
m
m
e
n
d
e
d
5
-
0

m
in
.r
e
c
o
m
m
e
n
d
e
d
4

-
0

m
i
n
.

r
e
c
o
m
m
e
n
d
e
d
8max.
recommended
Faucetcontrolsset
towardtheoutside
ofthetuborshower
minimizestooping
andbending.
Reinforcing
Enlarged Areas of
Reinforcing around Toilet
Controls
Offset Tub and Shower Control
Doorway Width
Swing-clear Hinges Installed to Widen Interior Doorway
Swing-awayorswing
clearhingesallow
doortoswingoutof
dooropeningincreas-
ingtheclearwidthby
approximately2
14
Bathrnnm PIans
Changes
Removebathtubandreplaceentirefoor
Newwideroutswingingdoor
Newwall-hungcountertoplavatory

Plan Meets:
NCACTypeBAccessibleRequirements
Plan Does Not Meet
NCACTypeAFullyAccessibleRequirements

Advantages and Concerns

Additionalspacebesidetoilet
Wetareaoptionutilizesexistingplumbing
locations
Signifcantlymorespaceformaneuvering
thanininaccessibleplan.Floorarealacks
fullturningspaceforwheelchairusers.
Toiletlocationrequiresfold-downgrab
bar(formanyusers,lesssecurethanwall-
mountedbar).
Fold-downgrab
baroption
2-10doorwithswing-
clearhingesandcustom
trimwork,necessaryif
standarddepthlavatory
counterused
Plan 1: Wet Area Design
(Changes within existing room only)
Common Problems
Narrowentrydoor
Lackofturningspace
Lackofmaneuveringspacetosideoftoilet
Toiletlocationobstructsbathingfxture
Nokneespacebelowlavatory
Noreinforcinginwallsforgrabbars
Inaccessible Plan
Conventional
5-0
lessthan
32
7

-
6

Wall Key:
existing
new
15
Residential Rehabilitation, Remodeling and Universal Design
Changes
Incorporate1/2ofrightcloset
Relocatetoiletandlavatoryplumbing
Newwideroutswingingdoor
Widerwall-hungcounterlavatory

Plan Meets:
NCACTypeBAccessibleRequirements
Plan Does Not Meet:
NCACTypeAFullyAccessibleRequirements

Advantages and Concerns

Someadditionalspacebesidethetoiletfor
wheelchairusers
Improvedlavatoryaccess
Existingbathtubremains
Recommendedinstallationofoffsettub
control
Floorarealacksfullturningspaceforwheel-
chairusers
Fold-downgrabbarbesidetoiletmaybe
necessaryforsomeusers.Shortsidewall,
reducedbydoor,limitsgrabbarlength.
Changes
Removebathtubandreplaceentirefoor
Widerdoor(pocket)
Relocatetoiletandshowerplumbing
Newwall-hunglavatory

Plan Meets:
NCACTypeBAccessibleRequirements
Plan Does Not Meet:
NCACTypeAFullyAccessibleRequirements

Advantages and Concerns

Additionalspacebesidetoilet
Designdependentoncurblesswetarea
Turningaroundpossible,butobstructedby
lavatory.Peopleusingscootersoroversized
wheelchairsmustmakemultipleadjustments
andturnstomaneuver.
Plan 2: Wet Area Design
(Changes within existing room only)
Plan 3: Tub Location Unchanged
(Modest Expansion)
Locatedoorasclose
aspossibletolavatory
countertop
Wall-hungfxtureorunder-
sizedcountertoptopermit
maximumdoorwidth.
3

-
6

Fold-downgrab
baroption
1

-
6

-
3

1b
Bathrnnm PIans
Changes
Incorporateportionofadjacentrightcloset
Relocatetoiletplumbing
Widerpocketdooroption
Newwall-hunglavatory

Plan Meets:
NCACTypeBAccessibleRequirements
Plan Does Not Meet
NCACTypeAFullyAccessibleRequirements

Advantages and Concerns

Improvedaccesstobathtub
Existingbathtubremains
Recommendedinstallationofoffsettub
control
Obstructedwheelchairturningspacerelies
onclearancebelowlavatory
Whileadditionalspaceisprovidedbeside
toilet,thisspacemayneedtobeenlarged
forsomeusers
Fold-downgrabbarbesidetoiletmaybe
requiredforsomeusers.Shortsidewall,
reducedbydoor,limitsgrabbarlength.
Plan 4: Tub Location Unchanged
(Modest Expansion)
Fold-downgrab
baroption
Wall-hungfxtureor
undersizedcountertopto
permitdooropening
4

-
0

-
6

-
3

2-6
Common Problems
Narrowentrydoor
Lackofturningspace
Lackofmaneuveringspacetosideoftoilet
Toiletlocationobstructsbathingfxture
Nokneespacebelowlavatory
Noreinforcinginwallsforgrabbars
Inaccessible Plan
Conventional
5-0
lessthan
32
7

-
6

Wall Key:
existing
new
17
Residential Rehabilitation, Remodeling and Universal Design
Changes
Incorporateportionsofbothadjacentclosets
Relocatetoiletandlavatoryplumbing
Newcurblessroll-inshower
Newwideroutswingingdoor
Newwiderlavatorycounter

Plan Meets:
NCACTypeBAccessibleRequirements
Plan Does Not Meet:
NCACTypeAFullyAccessibleRequirements
(primarilybecausesidewalltooshortto
supportacomplyingbar)

Advantages and Concerns

Improvedaccessformostusers
Goodbathingandlavatoryaccess
Turningspaceoverlapsfattrenchdrain
Noturnsareexecutedacrossshowerfoor
warpedtothecenterdrain
Showeroccupiesbathtubspace
36-inchshowerdepth,deepershowers
bettercontainwater
Someusersmayneedmorespacebeside
thetoilet
Grabbarlengthonsidewallrestricted
bydoorlocation
Changes
Incorporateentireadjacentrightcloset
Relocateallplumbing
Newwideroutswingingdoor
Additionalstoragespace
Plan Meets:
NCACTypeBAccessibleRequirements
NCACTypeAFullyAccessibleRequirements
(primarilybecausesidewalltooshortto
supportacomplyingbar)
NCQAPfor95%ofunits,butnotthe5%
requiredtohavecurblessroll-inshowers

Advantages and Concerns

Improvedaccesstoallfxtures
Goodaccesstobathtubandtubcontrols
Fullunobstructedturningspace
Restrictedaccesstotoilet
Someusersmayneedmorespacebeside
thetoilet
Lengthofgrabbarbesidetoiletisrestricted
bydoorlocation
Plan 5: Increased Usability with Tub
(Modest Expansion)
Plan 6: Increased Usability with Shower
(Larger Expansion)
trenchdrainprovides
fushtransitionbetween
roomandshowerfoors
36x60clearfoor
spaceforshower
customcountertop
orwall-hunglavatory
requiredfor3-0min.
widetoiletalcove
storageshelvesorcabinet
4

-
6

-
0

-
6

-
0

lessthan54
3

-
0

-
6

-
3

lessthan54
18
Bathrnnm PIans
Changes
Incorporateentireadjacentrightcloset
Incorporatesmallbumpoutormini-
additionforshower
Relocateplumbingandallfxtures
Newcurblessroll-inshower
Newwideroutswingingdoor
Plan Meets:
NCACTypeBAccessibleRequirements
NCACTypeAFullyAccessibleRequirements
NCQAPforbonuspoints

Advantages and Concerns

Improvedusabilityformostpeople
Goodaccesstoallfxtures
Unobstructedturningspacethatonly
minimallyutilizeslavatorykneespace
Generousspacetosideandfrontoftoilet
accommodatesawiderangeoftransfer
styles
Layoutrequiresaminiaddition
Plan 7: Accessible with Shower
(Expansion and Mini Addition)
Common Problems
Narrowentrydoor
Lackofturningspace
Lackofmaneuveringspacetosideoftoilet
Toiletlocationobstructsbathingfxture
Nokneespacebelowlavatory
Noreinforcinginwallsforgrabbars
Inaccessible Plan
Conventional
5-0
lessthan
32
7

-
6

5-0
2

-
6

-
8

1-6
storageshelf
orcabinet
QAP5 X 5clear
foorspacefor
toilet
48deepclear
foorspacefor
entrydoor
locateentrydoor
ascloseaspossible
toadjacentsidewall
36 X 60clearfoor
spaceforshower
Wall Key:
existing
new
19
Residential Rehabilitation, Remodeling and Universal Design
Changes
Incorporateadjacentleftand1/2of
rightcloset
Incorporatesmallbumpout
Relocateallplumbing
Newcurblessroll-inshower
Widerpocketdooroption
Widerwall-hungcounterlavatory
Additionalstoragespace

Plan Meets:
NCACTypeBAccessibleRequirements
NCACTypeAFullyAccessibleRequirements
NCQAPforbonuspoints

Advantages and Concerns

Workswellforarangeofusers
Goodaccesstoallfxtures
Unobstructedturningspace
Otherimprovements:widerlavatorycounter,
linenstorage,basecabinets,windows
Generousspacetosideandfrontoftoilet
accommodatesrangeoftransferstyles
Compartmentalizeddesignanadvantagefor
familiesandinothersharedfacilities
Changes
Incorporateadjacentrightandof1/2
leftcloset
Relocatelavatoryandtoiletplumbing
Widerlavatorycounter
Wideroutswingingdoor
Additionalstoragespace
Existingbathtubreplumbedtoinclude
offsetcontrols

Plan Meets:
NCACTypeBAccessibleRequirements
NCACTypeAFullyAccessibleRequirements
Plan Does Not Meet:
NCQAPforextrabonuspointsduetolackof
curblessshower

Advantages and Concerns

Workswellforarangeofusers
Goodaccesstoallfxtures
Unobstructedturningspace
Otherroomimprovements:widerlavatory
counterandlinenstorage.
Plan 8: Universal with Bathtub
(Larger Expansion)
Plan 9: Universal with Shower
(Expansion and Mini Addition)
see illustration on next page
4-0 min.
3

-
6

1-6
8-4
5

-
0

-
0

-
6

storageshelves
orcabinet
QAP5 X 5clear
foorspacefor
toilet
36 X 60
clearfoor
spacefor
shower
storageshelf
orcabinet
20
Remodeled Bathroom
Pocketdoorwithloop
handlehardwareis
analternativetoout-
swingingdoorthat
mayobstructhall
orroomcirculation
Switchesandoutlets
ineasy-to-reach
accessiblelocations
Leverhandle
faucetcontrol
Shallowlavatorywith
reardraintopermit
kneespaceclearances
Hand-heldshowerhead
onadjustableheightslide
mountwithoff-setanti-
scaldvalveandsingle
leverhandlevalve
Incorporateadditional
livabilityfeaturessuch
asstorageorshelving
Wholewallareasof
plywoodorothersolid
materialreinforcingallow
grabbarplacementatthe
bestheightsandconfgu-
rationstosuitindividual
needs
Toiletseatheightfrom
15min.to19max.
Removablepipepro-
tectionandappearance
panelcarefullycon-
fguredtoprovidethe
necessarykneespace
foraforwardapproach
Toiletplacedinthecornerofa60X60clearfoorspace
isideal,creatingunobstructedareasinfrontandtoone
sidethisallowsgreatermaneuveringandtransferoptions
forpeopleusingwheelchairsandthoseneedingassistance
Adaptable Vanity Cabinet
Tocreateamoreconventionalandmarketableappearance,
kneespacemaybeconcealedwithretractabledoorsora
removablecabinet.
Curbless(roll-in)shower
isaversatilefxture
usablebypeoplewith
differingabilitiesand
necessaryforsome,
36X60orlarger
Wholewallareasof
plywoodorothersolid
materialreinforcing
Enlargedreinforced
areasprovidemore
securemountingfor
futureinstallation
ofshowerseats
Recessed Floor Detail
Toacheiveacurblessfushshowerthreshold,the
fxturemustberecessedintothefoor.
34
max.
1
8

3
6

m
in
.
60diam.
Framewidthforpocket
doorsshouldbeatleast
36toachieveaclear32
opening.Anaccessible
handleorastopinside
thepocketshould
preventthedoorfrom
slidingcompletelyinto
theframe.
Entrances
1. Accessibleparkingconvenienttodwelling
(coveredfromtheelements)
2. Accessiblepath of traveltodwellingfrom
parkingordropoffarea(slopeof1:20orless
eliminatesthenecessityforhandrails,except
whenneededbyaspecifcindividual)
3. Atleastoneentrancewithout stepsandfush
orlowproflethreshold
4. Minimum5-feet X 5-feetmaneuveringspace
atsteplessentrance
5. 36-inchminimumexteriordoorwithlever
hardware
6. Movementsensorlightatentrance
7. Asidelightorapeepholeat42and60inches
abovethefoor
8. Ambientandfocusedlightingatkeyhole
9. Highvisibilityaddressnumbers
General Interior
1. Hallwidth42 inchesminimum(interior
accessiblerouteis36inches)
2. Interiordoorwidth32-inchminimum
(requires34or36-inchwidedoor),equipped
withleverhardware
3. Flushtransitionsbetweenfoorsurfaces
(maximumof1/2-inchrise)
4. 5 poundsmaximumforcetoopendoors
5. 18-inchminimumspaceatlatchsideofdoor
6. 5-feet X 5-feetmaneuveringspaceineach
room(afterfurnitureisplaced)
7. Increasednumberofelectrical outletsfor
additionallightingandalarmindicators,
especiallyinbedrooms
8. Electricaloutletsat18-inchminimumheight
9. Lightswitches44 inchesmaximumabovefoor
10.Viewwindowsat36-inchmaximumsillheight
andlargeenoughtouseasanescaperoute
intheeventofanemergency
11.Crankoperated(casement)orlightweight
slidingwindows
12.Closetrodsadjustablefrom30inchesto66
inchesabovethefoor
13.Looporothereasy-to-usehandlepullson
drawersandcabinets
14.High contrast,glarefreefoorsurfacesandtrim
15. Low pilecarpetorsmoothanti-slipfooring
16.High-speedInternetaccessdataconnection
portandcabling
21
Residential Rehabilitation, Remodeling and Universal Design
8eIect 0nversaI Features
forAllHousing:Single+Multifamily
22
Bathrooms
1. 60-inchdiameterturningcircle
2. 30-inch X 48-inchareaofapproach(forward
orparallel,dependingonfxturetype)in
frontofallfxtures
3. Toiletmoreusablebymanyifpositionedin
a5-feetX5-feetspacewithcenterline
18inchesfromsidewall
4. 32-inchminimumlavatorycounterheightwith
leverfaucetcontrol
5. Adaptablecabinetstorevealkneespace
underlavatory.Exposedpipinginkneespace
shouldbepaddedorconcealed.
6. Whentuborshowerareinstalled,select
modelsdesignedtoacceptaportablebench
orbathingseat
7. Curblessorroll-in showerplusstandardtub
8. Offsetsingle-levercontrolsintubandshower
tominimizestooping,bending,andreaching
9. Adjustableheighthand-heldshowerheadin
additiontostandardfxedshowerhead
10.Anti-scalddevicesonallplumbingfxtures
11.Enlargedreinforcedareasaroundtoiletand
bathingfxturetoprovidesecuremounting
locationsforgrabbarsandshowerseats
12.Mirrortobacksplashatlavatory
13.Contrasting coloredgeborderatcountertops
* SeeCurbless Showerbookletavailableasfree
downloadfromtheCenterforUniversalDesign
website:www.centerforuniversaldesign.org
Kitchens
1. 60-inchdiameterturningspace
2. 30-inch X 48-inchareaofapproach(forward
orparallel,dependingonfxturetype)in
frontofallappliances
3. Cooktoporrangewithfront-orside-mounted
controlsandstaggeredburnerstoeliminate
dangerousreaching
4. Front-mountedcontrolsonwasheranddryer
5. Adaptablecabinetstorevealkneespace
(whenneeded)atsinkandunderworksur-
facenearcookingappliance
6. Variableheightsinkadjustablebetween32
and40inches
7. Exposedpipingandanysharporhotele-
mentsinanykneespaceshouldbepadded
orconcealed
8. Single-leverfaucetcontrols
9. Fullheightpantrycabinetsforhighandlow
storage.
10. Adjustableheightshelvesinwallcabinets
11.Refrigerator/freezerwithfrozenfood
storageinthebottomorside-by-side
refrigerator/freezer
12.Variableheightcounter surfacesoradjustable
througharangeof28to40inches
13.Basecabinetswithpulloutshelvesordrawers
14.Contrasting coloredgeborderatcountertops
15.Microwaveovenatcountertopheightwith
uninterruptedcountersurfaceorpullout
shelftosupportthesafetransferofhotand/
orheavycookware
16.Undercabinetglarefreetask lighting
23
Residential Rehabilitation, Remodeling and Universal Design
Recnmmended 0nversaI Besgn
ReIerences
Accessible Home Design: Architectural Solutions
for the Wheelchair User
ThomasD.Davies,AIA,KimBeasley,AIA
1999, $22.95
PVADistributionCenter
P.O.Box753
Waldorf,MD20604-0753
888-860-7244(tollfree)
www.pva.org

Aging in Place: Aging and the Impact of

Interior Design
AmericanSocietyofInteriorDesigners,2002
608MassachusettsAve.NE
Washington,DC20002
Freeatwww.asid.org/research.asp

Building for a Lifetime: The Design and Construction
of Fully Accessible Homes
MargaretWylde,AdrianBaron-Robbins
1994, $44.95
TauntonPress
63S.MainStreet
P.O.Box5560
Newtown,CT06470
800-888-8286
www.taunton.com

A Consumers Guide to Home Adaptation
AdaptiveEnvironments,1995, $12.00
374CongressSt.,Suite301
Boston,MA02210
617-695-1225
www.adaptenv.org
Creating the Not-So-Big House
SusanSusanka,2000,softcover$24.95
TauntonPress
63S.MainStreet
P.O.Box5560
Newtown,CT06470
800-888-8286
www.taunton.com

Directory of Accessible Building Products
2006, $5.00
NAHBResearchCenter
400 PrinceGeorgesBoulevard
UpperMarlboro,MD20774
301-249-4000; 800-638-8556
Freeatwww.nahb.org

Elderdesign: Designing and Furnishing a
Home for Your Later Years
RosemaryBakker,1997, $14.95
www.elderdesign.homestead.com/elderdesign.html
(orwww.amazon.com)

The Healthy House
JohnBower,2001, $23.95
TheHealthyHouseInstitute
430N.SewellRd.
Bloomington,IN47408
Phone/fax812-332-5073
www.hhinst.com/booksvideos.html
24
A House for All Children: Planning a Supportive
Home Environment for Children with Disabilities
NewJerseyInstituteofTechnology,2000
CampbellHall,Room335
UniversityHeights
Newark,NJ07102-1982
973-596-3097
www.ahouseforallchildren.njit.edu

Housing Choices and Well-Being of Older

Adults: Proper Fit
LeonPastalanandBenyaminSchwarz(eds.),
2001, ISBN 0789013215, $24.95
TheHaworthPress,Inc.
10 AliceStreet
Binghamton,NY13904
800-429-6784
www.haworthpress.com
Universal Kitchen and Bathroom Planning
MaryJoPeterson,1998, $79.95
McGrawHillOrderServices
P.O.Box 545
Blacklick,OH 43004
800-722-4726
books.mcgraw-hill.com
Available from CUD

Center For Universal Design
NCStateUniversity
CampusBox8613
Raleigh,NC27695-8613
Tel:919-515-3082
Infoline800-647-6777
www.centerforuniversaldesign.org

Publications:
Affordable and Universal Homes: A Plan Book
NCSUSchoolofDesign,2000, $10.00
North Carolina Accessible Multifamily Housing
1999
NCResidentsfree
Out-of-State$5.00
Products and Plans for Universal Homes
HomePlanners,LLC,2000, $20.00
Tech Packs
(subject-specifc illustrated booklets):
Bathrooms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$10
Bedrooms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$8
Decks,Patios,Porches,andBalconies . .$5
DoorsandDoorways . . . . . . . . . . .$8
EntrancesandSiteDesign . . . . . . . .$10
GrabBars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$3
Kitchens. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$10
ReadingArchitecturalDrawings . . . . .$5
VehicularTransportationandParking. .$7
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$7
Disclaimer
The statements and conclusions contained in this booklet are those of
the Center for Universal Design. This document is intended to serve as
a guide to design professionals and those involved in remodeling single-
and multifamily housing. The Center for Universal Design has made every
effort to verify the accuracy and appropriateness of this booklets content
so it may be regarded as a valuable resource document. Yet, the infor-
mation is advisory and the guidance provided not legally binding. Read-
ers are advised to refer to specifc codes, regulations, and requirements
within their jurisdictions and to remember that no guarantee is offered
or implied for the completeness of the information provided.
Campus Box 8613
Raleigh, NC 27695-8613
Tel: 919-515-3082 (V/TTY)
Fax: 919-515-8951
Info: 800-647-6777 (V/TTY)
cud@ncsu.edu
www.centerforuniversaldesign.org
THE CENTER FOR UNIVERSAL DESIGN
NC STATE UNIVERSITY College of Design
XXX copies printed by PBM at a cost of XXX or XX per copy.