Home Safety Tips
Design. Build. Enjoy – Safely.
Aging-in-Place
Home Safety Tips
1. Overall Floor Plan
a. Accessible bedroom and bathroom on first floor
b. Wide walkways of at least 42”
c. Low-maintenance non-slip flooring
2. Interior Doors
a. Clear pathway of 32” requires 36” door
b. Zero-step or threshold maximum of ¼”
c. Doors should have lever style handle
d. Sliding/barn doors are preferred over pocket doors when possible
3. Entry
a. Accessible path of travel to home from sidewalk and garage
b. Zero-step entry or threshold maximum of 1/2” beveled
c. Motion sensor lights
d. Lever style handle
e. Smart doorbell camera
4. Garage
a. Zero-step or threshold maximum of ½” beveled
b. Lighting sufficient to entire garage
c. Smart garage doors
5. Laundry
a. Washer and dryer at comfortable heights
b. Laundry sink with single lever handle
c. Counter space for placing items
d. Task lighting
6. Storage
a. Sufficient lighting
b. Storage systems for ease of access and organization
7. Lighting / Electrical
a. Strong overhead lighting – dimmable
b. Nightlights
c. 3-way switches at each end of hallway, large spaces
d. Receptacles 18-24” above finished floor
8. Mechanical Systems
a. Audible and visual strobe light system to indicate smoke/carbon monoxide
b. Easy to read thermostats
c. Home security system
9. Windows
a. Sufficient number of windows for natural light
b. Easy to access and operate hardware
c. Energy efficient and double pane windows