Home builders Todd and Jim IsaacTodd Isaac, owner of Towne East Homes in Oklahoma, will soon start his first spec home with universal design features. The 1,650-square-foot home will sell in the $180,000 to $500,000 range, The Oklahoman reports.
An AARP report says that universal design features are being subtly integrated into many homes today and they are aesthetically pleasing, unlike the first, less eye-catching attempts at "barrier-free” homes after World War II.
Now, people who buy homes that feature universal design may not even notice its specifics.
"The average person walks in and they have no idea the house is universal design,” Todd Isaac said.
"You see the consistency of what we are doing here. It's here, but it doesn't jump out at you. There's nothing 'hospitaly' about it,” said his father, builder-developer Jim Isaac.
To avoid using exterior stairs on a recent home design, Jim Isaac built a walkway that slants ever-so-slightly to the front door. Instead of knobs, interior and exterior doors can be opened by door levers, which are easier to turn.
"As people age, they get scared about giving up their independence. We are trying to provide independence, but in a much safer environment, security wise and medical wise,” said builder Jim McWhirter, who is president of the Central Oklahoma Home Builders Association.
The 77-year-old able-bodied new owner of the Isaac-built home says she ecstatic that it can accommodate a wheelchair user.
I'm very glad it's this way. It's great for older people. You never know when you are going to need it,” said Claudene Delsigne.