Kitchen & Bath Business January/February 2024 - 26

WELLNE S S
MO VEMENT
All Inclusive
The new black: incorporating accessible design for everyone in your project
WHILE THE MARKET for accessible remodeling
grows, let's not ignore the crossover appeal inclusive
design has for all our clients - regardless of
their mobility needs. Home access is the foundation
of my business, and it's where I carved my
niche in the industry. In fact, our showroom was
designed with accessibility at its core and aptly
named the Home Access Design Studio.
What surprises most people is that up to half
of our clients come to us looking for a typical
kitchen or bath remodel, without any accessibility
needs on their wish list. I use that as an opportunity
to teach what inclusive design means
and why it makes sense to incorporate it into any
project we take on. In this article, I will highlight
some of my favorite design features.
1. The Future-Proof Design Concept. Life
changes fast, and as progress in medicine has
increased our expected lifespan, it's also increased
the likelihood we will face mobility challenges in
our lifetime. Something as minor as recovering
from a sprained ankle can be easier in a home
designed with access in mind. Incorporating
these features into your projects now will save a
homeowner from re-investing in them when life
happens and those features become a need later.
Favorite Design Tip: When remodeling a bathroom,
block between the studs for easy installation
of grab bars in the future. When in doubt, overblock
and take a photo that can be referenced later.
2. Safety Is Always in Style. Most accidents
in the home happen in the bathroom - usually
in the wet space. It is our duty to prevent those
through thoughtful design that does not detract
from the style and functionality of the space.
Favorite Design Tip: Many manufacturers off er
designer grab bars that match the room's hardware
and can double as a towel bar, a shampoo shelf or a
toilet tissue holder. Hide them in plain sight, and
they will always be there when someone needs them.
3. Visitability. We know the kitchen is a busy
place, so designing with traffi c fl ow in mind
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can make it more enjoyable for everyone. When possible, I like to push
the island out 60 inches away from surrounding countertops. Th is leaves
plenty of room for grandma with her rollator or the neighbor with twins
in the stroller. Off ering dining-height chairs at the table and counter-height
stools at the island is an easy way to provide options for people
with limited mobility.
We're not leaving the bathroom out. A wider door into the half-bath and
a grab bar/toilet tissue holder combo at the commode are subtle features
that can make a big diff erence to a visitor facing mobility challenges.
Favorite Design Tip: Appliance garages are a great way to keep the coff ee
maker and toaster oven out of sight, without the homeowner having to lift
them from the base cabinets and plug them in.
4. Crossover Appeal & What's on Trend. Our company has been installing
barrier-free showers for clients since it was founded in 2011. Each
year, curbless showers have grown in popularity both in new construction
and remodeling. If your shower design calls for a wide-swinging
glass door instead of bypass or sliding doors, you're giving your client a
roll-in-capable shower without deviating from the trend of a curbless
shower. Taller vanities are also easier on the back and mean less bending
down for the user.
Favorite Design Tip: Give your client the spa-inspired luxury shower of
their dreams while designing for access. Include a hand shower on a slide
bar and a bench or folding seat in their curbless shower.
5. Resale Value & the Future Homebuyer. Every feature discussed, when
designed with an emphasis on style, should net a better return than most
projects when it comes time for your client to sell. Inclusive design will
also attract a broader audience of homebuyers if it can meet the needs
of someone living with a disability or mobility challenge. Th e interest
and appeal will target seniors and the baby boomer segment, which the
realty industry predicts will be the core segment of homebuyers for the
foreseeable future.
Favorite Design Tip: We know kitchens and baths sell homes. Incorporating
some or all the design aspects covered will help your client sell their
home faster and at a better price point.
When I speak with my peers in the home access world, we all agree this niche
is still in its infancy. Th e need for inclusive design is growing, and, thankfully,
more design and construction professionals are recognizing that need every
day. Th e disciplines of inclusive design will be as ubiquitous as green building
in the next three to fi ve years. Now is a great time to get on board with it.
By Jared J Chevraux, CEAC, executive vice president,
JTEK Solutions Group, LLC, jtekgroup.com
http://www.jtekgroup.com
Kitchen & Bath Business January/February 2024

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