Dennis Gehman, MCR, president
Expertise: Universal Design

The phrases "aging in place" and "Americans with Disabilities (ADA)-compliant" have become common in the construction industry's vernacular, but there's another term to consider, says Dennis Gehman, Master Certified Remodeler (MCR).

"Universal Design. This term encompasses people of all ages and all abilities," says the president of Gehman Design Remodeling. "I'm among the baby boomer generation and most of us don't like to be reminded of some things related to our age and abilities, so I think Universal Design has a softer tone, and it really does work for anyone, and helps us keep in mind that people don't want their home to look like a hospital or physical therapist's office. With Universal Design, there are ways to achieve a nice look without it being institutionalized."

Universal Design can range from small modifications—grab bars, lighting and door levers—to bigger projects, including zero-entry showers or changing floors from carpet to tile or hardwood. Gehman says these changes are often an afterthought in home building, many of which are not even required in building codes for new construction. We spoke with him about the growing demand for Universal Design and where homeowners might want to incorporate it, whether for themselves or close family and friends.

How prevalent are requests for Universal Design and do you see it growing?
Prior to COVID we were experiencing regular requests. During COVID I think it became even more of a consideration as some generations blended their living arrangements to lessen the emotional toll of quarantining alone, but not everyone felt comfortable having the work done. And I do see it growing, especially when you consider there are approximately 10,000 baby boomers turning 65 every day—and that includes me this year—so it's on a lot of people's minds.

Is there any level of priority to make certain changes before others?
It really depends on the individual. Sometimes we find people are living by themselves and some activities aren't as safe as they can be, but they don't want to spend the money. It can be wise to involve their adult children to assure them that the changes are worth it for peace of mind. ... If someone is already seeing a doctor or occupational therapist, they can lend their medical advice on what things are going to work well. If it's gotten to the point where they need a walker, maybe we make the doorways wider if the need eventually comes for a wheelchair, or put light switches a little lower so they can be reached. It's important to think in advance.

What are some areas of the home where you might suggest incorporating UD?
● Bathrooms: In this space, I would recommend grab bars. These should be available to help a person using the toilet and getting out of the shower or tub. Traditional towel bars won't work if a person is falling and reaches to grab it—it may break or pull out of the wall. There are decorative towel bars that are structurally rated as grab bars, so they have a nice aesthetic. Additionally, if stepping into the tub is difficult, we can install a zero-entry shower, which has no threshold or curb to step over.
● Light switches and handles: Changing door knobs to lever-style handles can be better for dexterity, and it's similar for light switches where we might recommend a touch switch versus a toggle that has to be pushed up or down, and these are relatively simple changes.
● Flooring: If you're beginning to struggle with walking, and even if you have a cane, you're likely dragging your feet, and carpet can make it more difficult. Area rugs are trip hazards. We would recommend changing to a hard surface, whether that's linoleum, hardwood, tile or the very popular luxury vinyl tile / planks.
● Lighting: Our eyes get dimmer as we age so we need more light, and that might be served by increasing the brightness in the bulbs (within safety parameters) or connecting lights to smart apps without any rewiring. You could even connect an app from your car that opens the garage when you arrive home and turn on exterior lights and some interior lights as you enter the house.

What about modifications on the outside of a home, such as a ramp?
Thinking about a ramp can turn people off, because we've all seen the obstructions outside a home that aren't pretty, but serve a purpose. We can be creative. For example, in my home, we placed a ramp in the garage into the home and it's not seen from the outside. There are also portable ramps that are lightweight. You also want to think about the width of sidewalks for a wheelchair.

Why should a homeowner consult with Gehman Design Remodeling on this type of project?
I have previously held a Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist (CAPS) designation, and we currently have someone in the office who is a NARI-designated, UDCP (Universal Design-Certified Professional). We've had experience with these projects, and we're always attending trade shows and reading industry publications to learn about new products and ways of doing things. We believe a conversation about UD can open people's eyes and we'll work as a team to figure out what is right for each individual.

Gehman Design Remodeling
PA Contractor Registration PA-297
355 Main Street, Harleysville, Pa. | (215) 513-0300
GehmanRemodeling.com

Published (and copyrighted) in House & Home, Volume 22, Issue 7 (April 2022). 
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