Standard features for individualized housing
FULL ACCESS
Clearance of 30" x 48" in front of and adjacent to any fixtures or workspaces.
Height of any fixture/control is not to exceed 48" above the floor.
ACCESS
Clearance of 30" x 48" in front of any fixtures, workspaces and appliances.
Height of any fixture/control is not to exceed 48" above floor.
FEEDBACK
Those with vision or hearing impairments use clicks, beeps and lights to verify a switch is activated.
COMFORT ZONE
The reach zone in which a person can comfortably perform a task. The standard reach zone for a standing adult is from 28" to 75". The standard reach zone for a seated adult is from 20" to 44".
NEUTRAL HANDEDNESS
Placement of fixtures, workspaces and appliances so they can be approached from the left and right hand sides.
SITE/FOUNDATION
Contours of the site allow all entrances to be at the same level as the driveway, for no-step entrances.
WALKWAYS
5' wide, flat smooth and firm.
All approaches from the street to span from the curb to the entrance.
Mail boxes to be located beside walkways and within comfort zone.
GARAGE
There should be an electric door with 9' height clearance to accommodate a van.
Interior measurements should account for 5' clearance on each side of vehicles for chair lifts.
ENTRYWAYS
Walkways to extend a minimum of 25" beyond latch side of door.
Thresholds are to be flush and a minimum of 3' wide.
Guest entrances are to have doorbell installed 36" from the ground, and have two peepholes (one at 40" one at 60")
Gated entries need 36" thresholds and easy open latches.
DOORS/HARDWARE
All doors to have flush thresholds and must be 36" wide with an 18" clearance on the latch side.
Doorknobs to be lever handle type.
Looks must be easily operated with one hand.
Knobs and locks installed below 36" and to be of the immediate feedback style if required.
WINDOWS/HARDWARE
Casement and vertical sliding sash windows are the preferred styles.
Lock hardware should have large levers and be easy to operate.
Lifts, pulls, cranks and locks should be large and accessible.
FLOORS/CARPET
Smooth hard finishes (wood, linoleum) with matte surfaces are preferred.
Carpet to be firm, 1/2" (or less) cut pile.
Tile is to have non-slip surface.
ELECTRICAL
Service panels must be located in a prominent, fully accessible area.
All controls to be rocker type with feedback.
Thermostats, outlets and controls are to be accessible and between 18" to 48" off the floor.
GRAB BARS
1.25 to 1.5 inches in diameter with spacing of 1.5 inches between wall and bar.
GAS
Meters with earthquake shut-off valves of full access to meter for emergency shut off is a must.
TELEPHONE
Phone jacks are to be in all rooms.
SMOKE AND CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are to be place in the kitchen and in hall outside sleeping areas as well as in all sleeping areas.
BATHROOMS
Walls to be sheathed in 3/4" plywood to allow grab bar instillation anywhere.
Door is to either open outward or be pocket type.
Clear floor space around each fixture is required for full accessibility.
Outlets to have ground-fault circuit interrupters.
Sinks mounted to walls or sitting vanity styles should have insulation covers on pipes or plumbing shields (refer to diagram Sink with Guard).
Sink bowls with a front depth of 3" and sloping back to 6" are recommended.
Faucets with lever-handles are easiest to operate for both water and temperature control.
Drain stops that are rubber plugs on a chain are preferred over plunger controls located behind the spout.
Toilet is to have 18" seat height for ease in lateral transfer and be fully accessible.
Toilet paper dispenser to be installed within buyers comfort zone.
Grab bars and handhold should be placed anywhere needed.
Tubs to be a minimum of 30" x 60" x 18" deep.
Roll in shower to be a minimum of 30" x 60".
Showers to be a minimum of 36" x 36" and have built in seat.
Cabinets should be accessible, frame less and have doors that easily open with one hand.
Wet rooms need to be tiled in slip-proof tile and be sloped for drainage.
Heat lamps should be included.
KITCHENS
Counters and workspaces are to be offered at different heights (32"-34"-36") and various depths (20"-22"-24").
Appliances should be fully accessible. Braille and large print dials should be offered.
Cabinets should be accessible and frame less with "D" style pulls.
Cook tops need smooth surfaces with staggered burners and controls that are easy to operate.
Ovens that are built in with side hinges are the best design to use.
Microwave ovens need to be mounted within comfort zone.
Pullout shelves underneath ovens and cook tops add convenience.
Sink to have a height between 32"-36" and depth between 8"-5" with drains and disposals in the rear. Plumbing shields installed in the knee recesses prevent burns.
Faucets that control the temperature and flow of water and have retractable hose sprays should be used.
Dishwasher to have push button controls and to be located within comfort zone.
Outlets for small appliances are to be located within comfort zone.
Controls for disposal/fans to be located within comfort zone.
LAUNDRY
Easy access to front-loading machines.
Counters, polls and ironing areas to be accessible and within comfort zone.
STAIRWAY
Should be at 48" wide with handrails on both sides.
The landings at both the top and bottom should be no smaller than 36" x 36".
Chair and seat lifts can traverse curves and corners, motors can be located in remote locations (closets) or at the top or bottom of stairs.
Elevators need an area at least 4'6" on each floor.
HALLWAYS
A width of 40" is required for easy movement through halls.
