Smart Ideas Checklist
Copyright © 2001-2005 NAHB Research Center

Exterior

• Low-maintenance exterior (vinyl, brick)
• Low-maintenance shrubs and plants
• Deck, patio or balcony surfaces are no more than ½" below interior floor level if made of wood

Overall Floor Plan

• Main living on a single story, including full bath
  
• No steps between rooms/areas on the same level
  
• 5' x 5' clear/turn space in living area, kitchen, a bedroom and a bathroom
  

Hallways

• Minimum of 36" wide, wider preferred
  
• Well lit
  

Entry

• Accessible path of travel to the home
  
• At least one no-step entry with a cover
  
• Sensor light at exterior no-step entry focusing on the front-door lock
  
• There needs to be 32" of clear width, which requires a 36" door
  
• Non-slip flooring in foyer
  
• Entry door sidelight or high/low peep hole viewer; sidelight should provide both privacy and safety.
  
• Doorbell in accessible location
  
• Surface to place packages on when opening door
  

Thresholds

• Flush preferable
  
• Exterior maximum of ½" beveled
  
• Interior maximum of ¼"
  

Interior Doors

• There needs to be 32" of clear width, which requires a 36" door
  
• Levered door hardware
  

Windows

• Plenty of windows for natural light
  
• Lowered windows or taller windows with lower sill height
  
• Low maintenance exterior and interior finishes
  
• Easy to operate hardware
  

Garage or Carport

• Covered carports and boarding spaces
  
• Wider than average carports to accommodate lifts on vans
  
• Door heights may need to be 9'-0" to accommodate some raised roof vans
  
• 5' minimum access aisle between accessible van and car in garage
  
• If code requires floor to be several inches below entrance to house for fume protection,can slope entire floor from front to back to eliminate need for ramp or step
  
• Ramp to doorway if needed
  
• Handrail if steps
  

Faucets

• Lever handles or pedal-controlled
  
• Thermostatic or anti-scald controls
  
• Pressure balanced faucets
  

Kitchen and Laundry

Counters

• Wall support and provision for adjustable and/or varied height counters and removable base cabinets
  
• Upper wall cabinetry - 3" lower than conventional height
  
• Accented stripes on edge of countertops to provide visual orientation to the workspace
  
• Counter space for dish landing adjacent to or opposite all appliances
  
• Base cabinet with roll out trays and lazy susans
  
• Pull-down shelving
  
• Glass-front cabinet doors
• Open shelving for easy access to frequently used items

Appliances

• Easy to read controls
  
• Washing machine and dryer raised 12" - 15" above floor
  
• Front loading laundry machines
  
• Microwave oven at counter height or in wall
  
• Side-by-side refrigerator/freezer
  
• Side-swing or wall oven
  
• Raised dishwasher with pushbutton controls
  
• Electric cook top with level burners for safety in transferring between the burners, front controls and downdraft feature to pull heat away from user; light to indicate when surface is hot
  

Miscellaneous

• 30" x 48" clear space at appliances or 60" diameter clear space for turns
  
• Multi-level work areas to accommodate cooks of different heights
  
• Open under-counter seated work areas
  
• Placement of task lighting in appropriate work areas
  
• Loop handles for easy grip and pull
  
• Pull-out spray faucet; levered handles
  
• In multi-story homes, laundry chute or laundry facilities in master bedroomBathroom
  
• Wall support and provision for adjustable and/or varied height counters and removable base

Cabinets

• Contrasting color edge border at countertops
  
• At least one wheelchair maneuverable bath on main level with 60" turning radius or acceptable T-turn space and 36" x 36" or 30" x 48" clear space
  
• Bracing in walls around tub, shower, shower seat and toilet for installation of grab bars to support 250 - 300 pounds
  
• If stand-up shower is used in main bath, it is curbless and minimum of 36" wide
  
• Bathtub - lower for easier access
  
• Fold down seat in the shower
  
• Adjustable/ handheld showerheads, 6' hose
  
• Tub/Shower controls offset from center
  
• Shower stall with built-in antibacterial protection
  
• Light in shower stall
  
• Toilet 2 ½" higher than standard toilet (17" to 19") or height-adjustable
  
• Design of the toilet paper holder allows rolls to be changed with one hand
  
• Wall-hung sink with knee space and panel to protect user from pipes
  
• Slip-resistant flooring in bathroom and shower
  

Stairways, Lifts and Elevators

• Adequate hand rails on both sides of stairway, 1 ¼" diameter
  
• Increased visibility of stairs through contrast strip on top and bottom stairs, color contrast between treads and risers on stairs and use of lighting,
  
• Multi-story homes may provide either pre-framed shaft (ie. stacked closets) for future elevator, or stairway width must be minimum of 4' feet to allow space for lift
  
• Residential elevator or lift
  

Ramps

• Slope no greater than 1" rise for each 12" in length, adequate handrails
  
• 5' landing provided at entrance
  
• 2" curbs for safety
  

Storage

• Adjustable closet rods and shelves
  
• Lighting in closets
  
• Easy open doors that do not obstruct access
  

Electrical, Lighting, Safety and Security

• Light switches by each entrance to halls and rooms
  
• Light receptacles with at least 2 bulbs in vital places (exits, bathroom)
  
• Light switches, thermostats and other environmental controls placed in accessible locations no higher than 48" from floor
  
• Electrical outlets 15" o.c. from floor; may need to be closer than 12' apart
  
• Clear access space of 30" x 48" in front of switches and controls
  
• Rocker or touch light switches
  
• Audible and visual strobe light system to indicate when the doorbell, telephone or smoke or CO2 detectors have been activated
  
• High-tech security/intercom system that can be monitored, with the heating, air conditioning and lighting, from any TV in the house
  
• Easy-to-see and read thermostats
  
• Pre-programmed thermostats
  
• Flashing porch light or 911 switch
  
• Direct wired to police, fire, and EMS (as option)
  
• Home wired for security
  
• Home wired for computers
  

Flooring

• Smooth, non-glare, slip-resistant surfaces, interior and exterior
  
• If carpeted, use low (<.50" high pile) density, with firm pad
  
• Color/texture contrast to indicate change in surface levels
  

Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning

• HVAC should be designed so filters are easily accessible
  
• Energy efficient units
  
• Windows that can be opened for cross ventilation, fresh air
  

Energy Efficient Features

• In-line framing with 2x6 studs spaced 24" on center
  
• Air-barrier installation and sealing of duct work with mastic
  
• Reduced-size air conditioning units with gas furnaces
  
• Mechanical fresh air ventilation, installation of air returns in all bedrooms and use of carbon monoxide detectors
  
• Installation of energy efficient windows with Low-E glass
  

Reduced Maintenance/Convenience Features

• Easy to clean surfaces
  
• Central vacuum
  
• Built-in pet feeding system
  
• Built-in recycling system
  
• Video phones
  
• Intercom system
  

Other Ideas

• Separate apartment for rental income or future caregiver
  
• Flex room that can used as a nursery or playroom when the children are young and as a home office later; if combined with a full bath, room could also be used for an aging parent/aging in place

Also, click here for "Home Modifications and Products for Safety and Ease of Use"!