Universal Design

Universal Design is a building philosophy that continues to gain in popularity across the country. 

The concept of Universal Design or Aging-In-Place revolves around the ability to live comfortably and safely in one's own home for as long as possible. Today homeowners are taking a proactive approach to this and are planning ahead when it comes to building a home that they will be able to enjoy and function in long into the future. Our design principles focus on creating environments that are elegant, aesthetically enriching and barrier-free. These are features that can actually increase the value of your home.

Green Star Energy Homes has the resources and building expertise to help you plan and create an environment that meets your needs now and for years to come. Few home builders have earned the accreditations that we have. Our certifications include Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist (CAPS), Certified Active Adult Specialist In Housing (CAASH), Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES), and Certified Environmental Access Consultant (CEAC).

Whether you are a young family or enjoying retirement, an accessible, barrier-free home is always a good choice.  Below are just a few of the most popular and important considerations to help make your home a place you will continue to enjoy well into retirement.

General home enhancements:

• Single-story ranch home with possible flex space on second floor
• Easy garage or parking access
• Enhanced outdoor lighting leading to front or rear doors
• Minimum one entrance into home with no step, low threshold
• Wider door to accommodate wheelchair and walker 
• Lever door handles rather than knobs
• Electrical outlets raised to 18" above the floor
• Light switches lowered to 42" above the floor
• Adjustable controls on light switches
• Improved interior lighting
• Lower window sills
• Programmable thermostat for heating and cooling
• Gas sensor near gas cooktop, water heater and furnace
• Planning for future elevator

Kitchen enhancements:

• Lever handle faucets with pull-out spray
• Raised dishwasher to avoid back strain
• Rolling island to be moved at your discretion
• Cabinet pull-out trays and lazy susan turntables
• Lower oven with side-opening door
• Lower sink height and other counter areas
• Side-by-side refrigerator with slide-out shelves and lower freezer
• Cook top with front controls
• Under cabinet lighting
• Easy to grasp cabinet and drawer pulls

Bathroom enhancements (most accidents in the home occur here):

• Grab bars in shower and commode area
• Lever handles on faucets
• Slide-bar hand held shower head, for sitting or standing
• Curbless showers for wheelchair access
• Tub and shower controls closer to entry point
• Anti-scald temperature and pressure balanced valves
• Wider doors (36”) for wheelchair access
• Raised commode