VISIT-ABILITY (Inclusive Home Design) Our focus is new homes. Not government buildings, restaurants, etc. (important as they are). Our goal is to make ALL homes visitable, not just “special” homes — to be at the party, meeting, and family reunion . . . not isolated. We narrow the emphasis from a long list of access features to the most essential: entering a home and fitting through the interior doors. So that widespread construction change is more likely to happen quickly.

1. Visit-ability: Basic Access in Every New Home Eleanor Smith Concrete Change www.concre techange.org Copyright 2006, 2008

2. Copyright and Disclaimer You are encouraged to show this presentation widely. However, it is not permitted to substantially imitate the presentation in another Power Point or other media. Nor is it permitted to add or remove any text or images without the written permission of copyright owner Concrete Change of Decatur, Georgia. Certain images and text supplied to the presentation by contributors remain under their sole ownership. Concrete Change has made every effort to ensure that the information in this presentation is complete and accurate. However, neither the author nor Concrete Change is responsible for any errors or omissions and no warranties are made or implied. Neither the author nor Concrete Change shall be liable or responsible for any damages or loss arising from the information contained in this presentation or its use. No representation is made as to whether the information complies with any building code, law or regulation. The information contained herein is in the nature of general guidance, examples and suggestions. This presentation is not intended to substitute for appropriate architectural, engineering or contractor advice. Use of the information herein will require adaptation to specified building codes, according to locality.

3. Definition A Visitable home is one that is built for the open market not specifically for people with disabilities with a few specific access features.

4. The essential access features -- One zero-step entrance on an accessible route—at the front, back, side, or through the garage. --All main floor interior passage doors with 32 inches clear passage space. --A main floor bathroom (preferably with designated maneuvering space.)

5. Why build basic access in virtually every new home? Why not just incorporate access “as needed”?

6. 1 . Because retrofitting an existing house is usually expensive and often awkward- looking, like this add- on ramp. … .While creating access in a new home is inexpensive and attractive.

7. 2. And, because visiting friends and relatives is important to people who can’t use steps, just like it is to other people.

9. Basic access adds convenience for everyone. A step-free entrance and ample interior door widths make it easier to bring in the baby, the bicycle, the heavy bookcase….and move throughout the house.

10. Several MYTHS … … cause some people to assume universal basic access in new homes is unneeded, unattractive, difficult or expensive.

12. In fact, well-planned access in new homes is integrated into the design and landscape, and is an attractive asset. Myth: A zero-step entrance looks unattractive.

13. MYTH: A zero-step entrance requires a ramp . Fact: In the great majority of new homes, a sidewalk can be graded to meet a porch.

14. Fact: A steep lot is often even easier than a flat lot. For example, the lot above slopes steeply front to back. The sidewalk easily meets the front porch, while the back porch requires several steps. Front Back of same house MYTH : A zero-step entrance works only on a flat lot.

15. Fact: The best location depends on the lay of the land. Myth : Zero-step entrances must always be located at the front of the home.

16. At the side… Steps at front … and short ramp at side The zero step entrance can be located…

17. From the driveway…

18. At the back…

19. Or from the garage.

20. Fact: Building with a basement or crawl space does not deter a cost-effective zero-step entrance. Myth : A zero-step entrance is feasible only when building on a concrete slab.

21. Nor does a cold, snowy climate. .

22. This is one of several thousand Visitable homes in Bolingbrook, IL near Chicago – all with basements.

23. Not always. Not if the site is steep AND has no driveway AND has no back approach . Visitability-type ordinances can and do provide for exemptions in unusual circumstances. Is a zero-step entrance ALWAYS practical?

24. Exceptions make up less than 5% of new homes.

25. Why not focus on the 95% plus that ARE practical? 95%

26. Door widths, Bathrooms and Water Protection

27. All main floor entry doors and interior passage doors—including bathrooms---should offer at least 32 inches of clear passage space. This can be achieved by a 2’10” or a 3’0” door, or a pocket door. Although 2’10” doors are not commonly available at retail stores like Home Depot, they are readily available from wholesale suppliers where professional builders buy doors. 2’10” doors from wholesalers cost at most about two dollars more than 2’8” or 2’6”. Narrow bathroom doors are the norm for houses, out of habit rather than necessity. Wide enough doors fit even in small bathrooms.

28. Square Footage Most stock house plans showing narrow doors already have ample wall space for the builder simply to write in a wider door specification, without re-drawing plans. In a minority of cases, a few inches of space need to be shaved from an adjacent room…or a more open plan chosen. Adding square footage to the home is not necessary— even in very small houses.

29. If bathroom size does not permit a 5-foot turning circle, a 48” x 30” rectangle of open floor space adjacent to each fixture can provide maneuvering space. (The rectangles can overlap.) In a small half-bath, the door can be hinged to swing out, if desired, to facilitate a wheelchair- or walker-user closing the door when inside the room. Or, a pocket door can be used.

30. Moisture protection for zero-step entrances In homes can be accomplished by applying normal waterproofing procedures.

31. . Just as for commercial buildings, the combination of a good-quality door seal, a sloping porch floor and an overhang above the door has proven to provide long-term, reliable moisture protection at residential zero-step entrances. Thousands of Visitable homes throughout all climates have confirmed this in practice.

32. Fact: Planned-in-advance basic access costs little. $100 for new homes on a concrete slab and $300 to $600 for homes with basements are typical costs. Myth : Basic access is expensive and compromises housing affordability.

34. House by house, builder by builder, policy by policy, ….positive change is occurring… rural and urban, high-end and affordable, in all terrains and climates. Change does not occur because time passes. Change occurs because people take action.