Accessible Home Features | The Universal Design Project

This page lists 134 accessible home features. Homes must include most or all of these features to be considered universally designed.

Parking Areas

These universal design features apply to single-family and multi-family residences with parking for privately-owned vehicles.

ID	Feature
1.1	Enclosed parking area (e.g., a garage).
1.2	Entrance height between 8-9 feet.
1.3	Remote-controlled powered door opener.
1.4	Asphalt or concrete surface without any cracks, gaps, or bumps.
1.5	Slope of no more than 1:50 (1.15º) in any direction.
1.6	Width of usable parking space no less than 11.5 feet.
1.7	Length of usable parking space no less than 16 feet.
1.8	Multiple light fixtures with timer or motion-activated switches.

Routes to Entrances

These universal design features are about the pathway(s) between the parking area(s) and the entrance(s) into the home.

ID	Feature
2.1	No steps to access the front entrance and the entrance closest to parking (if different).
2.2	Surfaces along route are only: asphalt, smooth concrete, textured or aggregate concrete, wood decking, composite decking, and/or textured/slip-resistant metal.
2.3	Well-maintained surfaces without cracks, gaps, or bumps.
2.4	Width no less than 36 inches at the narrow-most part.
2.5	Running slope no greater than 1:20 (2.86º).
2.6	Cross slope no greater than 1:50 (1.15º).
2.7	Lighting covers the entire route.
2.8	Lighting on a timer or motion-activated switch.

Entrances and Landings

These universal design features address the elements of entrances and the areas immediately outside of a doorway.

ID	Feature
3.1	Entrance has no steps.
3.2	Doorway width no less than 36 inches.
3.3	Threshold height no more than 0.5 inches.
3.4	Door hardware operable with one hand and does not require pinching or grasping to use (e.g., lever handle, electronic lock).
3.5	Landing area no less than 5×5 feet.
3.6	Landing area covered from weather.
3.7	Landing area slopes no more than 1:50 (1.15º) in any direction.
3.8	Outside shelf or bench by the door.
3.9	Lighting clearly illuminates door handle and keyhole.
3.10	Lighting activated by a timer or motion sensors.
3.11	House/unit numbers are high contrast and easy to see at all times.

Interior Pathways

These universal design features apply to all hallways and pathways throughout the home, plus indoor and outdoor living areas.

ID	Feature
4.1	No steps to access any area inside home.
4.2	No steps to access outside spaces (e.g., decks, porches, patios).
	LAYOUT
4.3	Hallway widths and pathway widths around furniture no less than 36 inches at narrow-most points.
4.4	Exterior doorway widths no less than 36 inches, and interior doorway widths no less than 32 inches.
	MOVING BETWEEN SPACES
4.5	Flush interior thresholds and transitions between rooms.
4.6	Thresholds between inside/outside spaces no higher than 0.5 inches.
4.7	Door hardware operable with one hand and does not require pinching or grasping to use (e.g., lever handles, push-pull-rotate knobs).
4.8	Color and texture contrast used for transitions between spaces.
	LIGHTING
4.9	Even lighting (natural & artificial) that minimizes shadows and glare.
4.10	Light switches placed at both ends of hallways and pathways.
	FLOORING
4.11	Slip-resistant, trip-resistant, and durable flooring. (Trip-resistant flooring can include carpet recessed into surrounding floor.)

Multi-Story Access

While one-story living is ideal for universal design, elevators that provide access to every floor are the solution for multi-story homes.

ID	Feature
5.1	Single-story construction.
	-OR-
5.2	Elevator access to any floor accessible by stairs.
	…WITH THE FOLLOWING FEATURES FOR THE STAIRS:
5.3	Stair tread width ≥ 36in.
5.4	Stair tread depth ≥ 11in.
5.5	Stair height between 4-7in.
5.6	Enclosed stair risers (the backs of steps).
5.7	Slip-resistant tread surfaces.
5.8	Contrasting colors and textures on tread edges and risers.
5.9	Handrails on both sides of stairs, extending beyond top/bottom step, and continuing around curves.
5.10	≥ 48x48in landing area at top and bottom of stairs.
5.11	Power outlets at top and bottom of stairs.
5.12	Light switches at top and bottom of stairs.
5.13	Overhead lighting and stair lighting (low & close to steps).

Controls & Security

These universal design features apply to the inner workings of a home that create comfort, ease-of-use, safety, and security.

ID	Feature
6.1	Audible and visual doorbell alert(s).
6.2	Peepholes (2) in door -or- sidelights at front door.
6.3	Light switches installed in every common space, and wired to activate [some] power outlets.
6.4	Light switches: toggle, rocker, pushpad, or pushbutton style.
6.5	Light switches: aligned with door handle height.
6.6	Outlets/ports installed no less than 16 inches from the floor (measured to bottom edge of cover plate).
6.7	Window controls and locks no higher than 48 inches from the floor.
6.8	HVAC controls between 36 and 48 inches from the floor.
6.9	HVAC controls easy to read, backlit, without needing pinching or grasping to operate.
6.10	HVAC filter access less than 48 inches from the floor.
6.11	Circuit breakers on the main floor, and mounted so the topmost option is no higher than 48 inches from the floor.
6.12	Shut-off valves for water and gas (if applicable) unobstructed and no higher than 48 inches from the floor.
6.13	Backup/redundant power
6.14	Audible and visual alerts for smoke detection, hardwired with battery backup.
6.15	Audible and visual alerts for carbon monoxide detection, hardwired with battery backup.

Bedrooms

These universal design features are all about designing bedrooms that are simple & functional for relaxation, sleep, and romance.

ID	Feature
7.1	At least one bedroom on the main floor.
7.2	All bedrooms accessible without steps (i.e., if on another floor, elevator access exists).
7.3	Doorway width no less than 32 inches.
7.4	Floor space provides at least 32 inches on at least one side of bed and at least 32 inches at the foot of bed.
7.5	Walk-in -or- reach-in closet with a doorway of no less than 32 inches, interior lighting, and storage (and/or a clothes rod) no more than 48 inches from floor.
7.6	Slip-resistant, trip-resistant, and durable flooring. (Trip-resistant flooring can include carpet recessed into surrounding floor.)
7.7	Color and texture contrast is used for transitions between spaces.

Bathrooms

These universal design features are about functional bathrooms, specifically for personal grooming, showering, & toilet hygiene.

ID	Feature
8.1	At least one full bathroom on the main floor.
8.2	All bathrooms accessible without steps (i.e., if on another floor, elevator access exists).
8.3	Doorway width no less than 32 inches.
8.4	Floor space of at least 5×5 feet, unobstructed by open door.
8.5	At least one sink/vanity with clearance underneath for seated access (can include closed cabinetry with flipper doors).
8.6	Varied sink heights, if multiple sinks are used.
8.7	Lever, push-button, or electronic faucet controls at sink.
8.8	Insulated plumbing underneath sink.
8.9	Mirror that’s visible for anyone seated or standing.
8.10	Walk-in shower in every full bathroom, without any step(s) or curb, and open floor space of no less than 48×48 inches -or- 30×60 inches (open access on the longer side).
8.11	Blocking (reinforcement) inside shower walls for possible installation of grab bars and/or a seat.
8.12	Handheld showerhead with height-adjustable wall mount.
8.13	Toilet area that provides at least 32 inches of floor space on one side, 32 inches of floor space in front, and toilet installation 16-18 inches from a side wall to the midline of the bowl.
8.14	Blocking (reinforcement) inside walls around toilet area for possible installation of grab bars.
8.15	Lighting over shower, at the sink/vanity, and over toilet area.
8.16	At least 50% of storage between 18 and 48 inches from the floor.
8.17	Towel racks and/or hooks no more than 48 inches from the floor.
8.18	Slip-resistant and durable flooring.
8.19	Color and texture contrast used for transitions between spaces.

Kitchens

Lots of detail goes into a universally-designed kitchen. These are the features that provide easy access and use for everyone.

ID	Feature
9.1	Kitchen and food storage areas accessible without steps.
9.2	Doorway widths no less than 32 inches -or- if open floor plan, no less than 32 inches of passable width at narrow-most point.
	COUNTERS
9.3	Counter spaces at various heights.
9.4	Heat-resistant counter surface(s).
9.5	Clearance underneath counter for seated access (can include closed cabinetry with flipper doors).
	STORAGE
9.6	More than 50% of shelving between 18 and 48 inches from the floor.
9.7	Pull-down shelving for any storage over 60 inches from the floor.
9.8	Pull-out shelving or drawers where helpful.
9.9	Cabinet hardware usable one-handed & without the need for grip strength.
	LAYOUT
9.10	At least 48 inches of floor space in front of any appliance and counter.
9.11	60-inch turning radius in any work area.
9.12	Kitchen adjacent to eating area.
9.13	Some power outlets installed near front of counters.
	SINK
9.14	Lever, push-button, or electronic faucet controls.
9.15	Pull-out spray faucet -or- faucet with side spray.
9.16	Faucet mounted at side of sink (vs. the rear).
9.17	Clearance underneath sink for seated access (can include closed cabinetry with flipper doors).
9.18	Garbage disposal switch mounted near front of counter.
9.19	Offset rear drain.
9.20	Insulated and/or covered plumbing.
	COOKTOPS & OVENS
9.21	Induction cooktop with front or side-mount controls.
9.22	Cooktop installed in-counter with clearance underneath for seated access (can include closed cabinetry with flipper doors).
9.23	Vent/hood controls installed near front of counter.
9.24	Wall oven with side-swing door, bottom shelf between 36 and 42 inches from floor.
9.25	Microwave on counter -or- in-wall or cabinet, inside surface between 36 and 42 inches from floor.
	REFRIGERATOR
9.26	Refrigerator and freezer: drawers and/or adjustable, pull-out shelving.
	DISHWASHER
9.27	Standard dishwasher, raised installation. -and/or-
9.28	Drawer dishwasher, installed just below counter.
	FLOORING
9.29	Slip-resistant and durable flooring.
9.30	Color and texture contrast used for transitions between spaces.
	LIGHTING
9.31	Task lighting over each workspace.
9.32	Ambient lighting over all eating areas.

Laundry

These universal design features will help eliminate the need to wear dirty clothes because laundry will be easy to manage.

ID	Feature
10.1	Laundry area located adjacent to master bedroom.
10.2	Laundry area accessible without steps.
10.3	Entrance width no less than 32 inches.
	MACHINE(S)
10.4	Side-by-side front-load washer and dryer -or- a combo washer/dryer (not a stacked unitized unit).
10.5	Machine(s) sitting on a pedestal or a raised platform.
	LAYOUT
10.6	Washer & dryer hookups: washer on left, dryer on right.
10.7	At least 48 inches of floor space in front of machine(s).
10.8	60-inch turning radius, if laundry area is in a room (not in a closet).
	OTHER
10.9	Slip-resistant and durable flooring.
10.10	Folding area for clothes.