Category Archives: Accessible Design

‘Master on the Main’ solves homeowner needs

Adding a master suite on the main floor, often with universal design elements, is one of the best ways to make your home more livable now and in the future.

As a NARI Universal Design Certified Professional (UDCP), Atlanta Design & Build President, Dale Contant, has received extensive training in planning and constructing universal design projects and brings that expertise to all of our clients’ projects.

Earlier this month, we talked about some of the important factors when considering a new master suite addition, or renovation. In this post, we want to share the story of how a great new master suite improved the home of one of our past clients.

This Marietta home was too small for the needs of the homeowners. They were looking for a new master bedroom, more room in the garage and an improvement to the way they live with more usable space. They also wanted to ensure that their new home would be livable for them for years to come. The Atlanta Design & Build team worked with the homeowners to create a project that delivered everything for which they were hoping.

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Master on the Main

Mastering the Master Suite

This Marietta Master Suite Addition, which won a 2016 Contractor of the Year (CotY) Award from NARI Atlanta, is accessed via a “hidden door” in the dining room.

We’re all getting older (sorry) and many of our Atlanta Design & Build remodeling projects reflect that reality of life.

Baby Boomers are living longer, and want to stay in their homes as they age. Retirement for them doesn’t look the same as previous generations.  Generation X isn’t far behind them – the oldest members of that age cohort are turning 55 this year. As a Universal Design Certified Professional (UDCP), Dale has the specialized training and knowledge to help you remodel your home for the long term.

For Now and The Future

One of the most prominent examples of this is the trend for a master suite on the main floor. Most homes around Atlanta are two stories, with the bedrooms on the second floor. This can present a challenge for an aging homeowner. As bones and joints age, a master suite on the main floor eliminates the extra climbing up and down stairs and reduces the chance of a fall.

A master suite addition can make sense for a multitude of reasons. For some clients, the Master Suite addition is built for their own requirements (now or in the future) or for the needs of aging parents. In the meantime, it can make a great guest suite, allowing visitors privacy while still being part of the home.

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Accessible Kitchen Design Considerations

Universal Design aims to provide useable space planning for people of all abilities and ages. Another growing trend is Inclusive design which is similarly creating spaces that are more accessible to everyone. Accessibility options can also be highly personalized for individuals with specific needs. Imagine a world where any guest could feel comfortable using your home? Also, when choosing to remain in your existing home as you age, accessible design is an important consideration.

One of the most important rooms to consider when creating accessibility is the kitchen. Being able to safely prepare and clean up after meals is one of the primary considerations of the accessible kitchen. Mobility is usually an important concern for current and future needs. The following measurements are ideal for accessibility to all. Hardware and fixtures can also improve functionality. Accessible kitchens can include design details that accommodate children too, as universal design wants people of all ages to have greater accessibility.

Facets of Your Accessible Kitchen: Mobility and Convenience

Doorways and Clearance: Between 36-42” wide, with pocket doors, or swing clear hinges, and lever door handles. Clearance for a pass-through kitchen is 40” while U-shaped layouts require 60” of clearance.

Cabinets: Cabinet height can be individualized, but motorized, adjustable cabinets are the ultimate in universal design in a kitchen for multiple users. Swing up doors with hinges at the top and touch open doors are ideal for accessible kitchens. Lower cabinetry like a lazy Susan, or cabinets with pull outs, can help keep users from having to lean down into cabinetry to reach items. 

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