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Aging-in-place universal design features can make your home more comfortable for family members who are older or have disabilities; they can also make your home safer. In addition, adding a universal-design bathroom can boost your home’s overall resale value.

You have three options in terms of professionals who can draw up blueprints: a draftsperson, an architect, or a structural engineer. A draftsperson can sometimes draw up plans for new construction, but they more often work from approved plans for alterations or to provide 3D drawings. Architects are usually the best option for standard residential construction projects. Structural engineers might be necessary for custom home builds or for alterations that could affect your home’s structural integrity. Draftsmen cost the least of the three, followed by architects and then structural engineers.

There are differences between universal design and ADA accommodations, but the outcomes are often similar. While universal design is a proactive process that takes a social justice approach to accessibility for all, ADA accommodations are focused specifically on accessibility for individuals living with disabilities. ADA accommodations often take the shape of wider doors and hallways, ramps, elevators, lower counters and sinks, and easy-to-grab door handles; universal design can include these plus emphasize better lighting, tractioned floors, and other building elements that allow all people to use buildings more comfortably.

Some architects include interior design in their portfolio of offerings, while some architectural firms employ interior designers to handle that aspect of home building projects or refer clients to interior designers they’ve worked with in the past. Ask a local architect whether they offer interior design services as well.