Barrier-free construction is not only implemented in public facilities, large residential buildings, buildings with 50 or more employees and care facilities as required by the SIA 500 standard. Although it is not mandatory for single-family homes, many private individuals choose this path when building their homes. It is a long-term decision taken with an eye to the future.
Avoiding architectural barriers and increasing living comfort
Barrier-free construction aims to make the home usable, giving its inhabitants greater freedom of movement. These barrier-free buildings, of course, allow disabled people to participate actively and independently in all social activities; but not only them.
The advantages of a barrier-free home affect everyone who builds their home to stay there as long as possible. Young people may not yet consider this aspect but only think of a mother who has an infant in a pram; architectural barriers are also a problem for her. Even small children grow up and begin to move around the house with a walker or tricycle. Giving them the space they need without fear of them hurting themselves is reassuring.
Elderly parents would be more motivated to visit their children if they did not have to deal with the common architectural barriers we often find in homes. Your wheelchair-bound friends would also be happy to spend pleasant moments in your company in your new home. No one wants to think the worst, but it could happen to anyone to break a leg and be disabled for a limited period. Advancing age is another factor to consider. Staying in one’s own home even in old age could make life happier for the elderly. When we opt for an obstacle-free construction we increase living comfort; often it also means an increase in value.
Living in one’s home for a long time
Architectural obstacles in private homes are different for everyone. From stairs without a ramp, to doorsteps with a difference in height, to a kitchen countertop that does not allow for adjustment, to narrow corridors, door handles that are too fine, parking spaces that are too narrow to place a wheelchair next to, and more.
For your home, you have the opportunity to decide which barriers are important for you to avoid, so that your home allows you to live comfortably both in the present and in the future.