Designing Foundations for Accessibility: Strategies for Zero Step Entry
As we age, the need for a safe and accessible home becomes all the more pressing. Designing accessible homes not only meets the needs of older adults and people with disabilities but also offers practical benefits for a wider range of homeowners and all that visit the home. To ensure that homes are conducive to aging or living in place, it is increasingly important to work with occupational therapists and general contractors who specialize in safety and accessibility. As an OT and contractor, I thought it would be nice to start from the ground up and focus on zero step entrance homes.
A zero step entrance, as the name suggests, refers to a home entrance that does not require any steps to enter. This is important for anyone with mobility issues as it ensures safe and easy entry into the home. There are a variety of ways to accomplish a zero step entrance, and the most cost-effective option is through a concrete slab. A concrete slab is simple, durable, and can be poured directly onto the ground. This option requires a bit of excavation of the ground to prepare it properly, but once completed, this entry method will last for years.
Another option to accomplish a zero step entrance is through a concrete perimeter foundation. This method requires more materials and labor than a concrete slab, but the added benefit is that it can create a basement or crawlspace underneath the home. This is highly beneficial for storage, a safe place to take cover for a weather-related emergency, and a safe place for expensive mechanical equipment like water heaters and hvac units.
When building the concrete perimeter, the contractors can form an inner ledge to support the floor joists in order for the level of the floor to meet up with the top of the foundation at the ground level. Another option, is building a studded frame wall inside the foundation that supports the floor joists, making the top of the floor level with the entryway of the home. It is also important to accommodate for the level of the flooring, such as wood or tile, to minimize the transition to no more than 1/4 of an inch. These methods create a seamless transition between the level of the foundation and main floor height, making entry and exit a breeze.
Covered entryways are also important when creating a safe and accessible entry. A covered entryway helps to keep rain, snow, and other elements from interfering with entry into the home. Gable roofed entrances are often built to divert precipitation away from the entrance. Additionally, appropriate ground sloping and drainage systems in the ground such as french drains are common practices to divert water away from the foundation.
Lastly, building a fully accessible home can increase its resale value. As we continue to see an increased aging population, more and more people will be investing in accessible homes. Home builders can take advantage of this trend by specializing in these and many other building strategies for a more inclusive home environment.
In conclusion, designing and building a safe and accessible home for aging/living in place requires special attention to detail. Working with occupational therapists and general contractors who specialize in safety and accessibility can ensure that the necessary accommodations are made to the home. A zero step entrance, through cost-effective measures such as a concrete slab or concrete perimeter foundation, with specific design and attention to details early on, offers a safe and seamless entry point. It is critical for homeowners to know their options and equally important for contractors to understand how important it is that building accessible homes is making a positive impact on the community and the industry. Overall, it's a win for everyone involved.
Ryan Salmon, Doctor of Occupational Therapy, Contractor, Aging in Place Specialist, Offering Virtual and in Person Consultation.
safeaccessiblehome.com