FRIENDLY BY DESIGN — Cont’d from page 31
“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.
IT’S MEANT TO ACCOMMODATE THOSE WITH MOBILITY IMPAIRMENTS OR SHORT-TERM OCCUPANCY.
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.
32 Parade of Homes FALL 2022
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