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