"It's meant to accommodate those with mobility
impairments or short-term occupancy," Soloway
explains.
"A senior parent who can't do stairs, or a friend
who's in a wheelchair or a friend on crutches or a
young family who is pushing a stroller. It's easier for
them to come and visit you, but not to stay long
term. It allows for a little bit more inclusivity."
Visitable homes are not the same as accessible
homes, which have more specific features for
people who use a wheelchair or live with a disability.
However, they can be a good starting point for
people thinking about aging in place because they
can be built with future needs in mind.
Soloway highlights five key factors to consider when
building a visitable home:
• CHOOSE THE RIGHT LOT
The difference in elevation from the street to the
main floor must be low enough so the slope is safe
for a no-step entry, whether that's at the front, back
or side of a house or from inside a garage.
Not all lots are suitable for a visitable home so ask
your builder.
• ASSUME YOU NEED A LITTLE
EXTRA SQUARE FOOTAGE
A two-storey home is considered visitable as long
as the main floor meets the basic requirements. But
you do need wider hallways and an accessible main-
floor bathroom. A small powder room won't cut it.
• PLAN FOR AN OPEN-CONCEPT
FLOORPLAN
Going with an open concept is a good choice
because it eliminates hallways.
"The fewer barriers there are, the easier it is to
make the home visitable and that can also help
keep the square footage down," Soloway says.
FRIENDLY BY DESIGN
— Cont'd from page 31
IT'S MEANT TO ACCOMMODATE
THOSE WITH MOBILITY
IMPAIRMENTS OR SHORT-TERM
OCCUPANCY.
32 Parade of Homes FALL 2022
