Universal Design, Aging In Place Home Builder in Citrus County Florida.

In 1988, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development defined Universal Design as "an
approach to design that incorporates products as well
as building features and elements, which to the
greatest extent possible, can be used by everyone."
For the new home construction industry the intent of
universal design is to simplify life by building homes
that are adaptable to your family's changing needs
over generations at little or no extra cost. Universal
design benefits people of all ages and abilities.

Regardless of one's years of life, we are all aging and
our homes fill different needs throughout our lives. As
people live longer lives you, or someone you love,
may experience life challenges demanding changes in
the way everyday tasks are accomplished. Universal
home design produces an aesthetically pleasing home
for today able to meet tomorrow's unforeseen needs.
Genuine Independent living can be achieved with the
inclusion of universal design and Gold Crest Homes
considers this design approach as part of our green
building program. Green Building and Universal
Design complement each other and benefits
everyone.

Gold Crest Homes includes many features to meet the
requirements of Universal Design. All of our homes
include easy access to the entrance of the dwelling
from the driveway, level entry from the living space
to a water closet and bedroom, and generous internal
circulation spaces in the kitchen and at least one
bath. We include 3' doors wherever possible and wide
hallways to facilitate ease of movement between
rooms and accommodate the circulation needs of all
occupants. Our bathrooms include grab bars in the
shower areas, and a shower seat in the master bath.
Light switches are installed at a height to ensure
ease of access for all home occupants and door
hardware is easy to manipulate and can be operated
by the home occupants regardless of age or ability.

There are other factors to be considered to achieve a
total Universal Design such as kitchen cabinet designs
and sloped or zero elevation access. As a custom
builder, we will work with you to build your home to
provide sustainable independent living and peace of
mind.