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Universal design costs can be minimal when you add them during construction; however, adding universal design principles to existing homes can sometimes increase renovation costs. For example, a mid-grade bathroom remodel is estimated to cost around $30,000, while a standard universal design remodel can cost closer to $40,000. Adding accessible design components can include widening hallways ($500 to $2,000), curbless showers ($2,000 to $8,000), and widening doors ($400 to $800). Keep in mind that these increased costs can lead to higher resale values because universal homes may appeal to a wider variety of buyers.

A home elevator is a fantastic way to improve your home’s accessibility. Elevators allow anyone, even those who use wheelchairs or walkers, to safely move between floors within your home.

Dumbwaiters may allow you to move items up and down floors, and stair lifts can move people up and down, but elevators are the best option if you need space for people, their belongings, and/or mobility aids such as wheelchairs.

That said, home elevators cost more than other options, such as stair lifts. Consider your needs and your budget when deciding the best way to make your home more accessible to a person with a disability or a person who is aging in place.

Building designers charge between $2,000 and $50,000, depending on project scope, complexity, and customization.

Whether you’re building a new home or building an extension on your existing property, you will likely need both a structural engineer and an architect. A structural engineer will determine what loads your foundation and framing can safely handle, and an architect will draw plans according to those structural calculations to simplify the building process. You can start by contacting a structural engineer near you, as many work alongside architects and can get all of the prep work done at once.