If you are making plans to stay in your home as long as possible, designing your bathroom equipped for years to come will be critical. If you are planning on remodeling your bathroom to compliment your dream home, you may want to consider elements of a universal design. A universal design is a plan that creates a space that is both safe and comfortable for people of all ages and abilities. At Hatchett, we see the growing trend to remodel homes planned to age in place and a remodeled bathroom is a key component.

In order to better serve our customers from Virginia Beach to Williamsburg and everywhere in between who wish to age in their homes, the Hatchett Design Remodel team took measures to become Certified Aging in Place Specialists. With four Certified Aging in Place Specialists on staff, the Hatchett Design team is poised to develop an aging in place design which offers the aesthetics you desire while meeting the needs you will have for your bathroom for years to come. Creating an aging in place design or universal design will confirm that you are able to live in your home safely, comfortably, and independently regardless of income, age, or ability level.

Hatchett’s Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) designers will start with a conversation, hearing your desires for the remodeled bathroom and assessing the current bathroom space. Our team will then develop an aging in place design that is both functional and luxurious as you plan to remain in your home for as long as possible. Our CAP specialists create universal design plans not only accounting for current needs for your bathroom but also expecting future needs for the space as well.

Along with our certification as an Aging in Place Specialist, another key hallmarks that differentiates Hatchett Design Remodel is our Design to Build process. When working with the Hatchett Design Remodel team to remodel your bathroom with an aging in place design, you will have one of our four Certified Aging in Place Specialists assigned to your project. Being your main point of contact, your designer will be the key communicator between you and the construction team. Additionally, the project management team and construction team are Hatchett teams as well. That means no sub-contractors working on your project. Having one point-person and a team from start to finish all under the Hatchett umbrella reduces the time it takes to complete your project and ensures it is as smooth a process as possible.

A bathroom designed for aging in place is created with safety in mind. Removing steps in the bathroom are key to reduce chances of slips and falls. Consider a walk-in shower instead of a tub. Curbless showers are a popular option as they remove the step over the threshold of the shower. Safety rails and grabs are a must-have in a universal designed bathroom. Position rails or grabs at the entrance to the shower, in the shower and by the toilet. A seat in the shower is a nice option as you plan to stay in your home for years to come. A taller toilet is a consideration for an aging in place bathroom as well. Even shower heads make a difference in a bathroom created with universal design. Removable or adjustable shower heads make the bathroom easier to use.

The Hatchett Design Remodel team is mindful of potential slipping hazards in our universal bathroom designs. Placing the bathroom on the main level is ideal for an aging in place design. Our team recommends that you refrain from using mats and floor throws that could become tripping hazards. The ideal flooring options in the universally designed bathroom are both slip-resistant and soft to the feet. Widening doorways from the standard 30-inchest to 36 provides the ability to maneuver more easily as well as making accessibility for walkers and wheelchairs.

Plan a sink faucet that is easy to use with hands-free or lever-handled faucets instead of knobs. Additionally, cabinetry in an aging in place bathroom should be void of knobs. Consider lever, pull-handles, or d-pull style handles for easier opening cabinetry and drawers. Anticipating the need for vanity space for medicines, consider a larger style with sufficient counterspace.

Need inspiration? Visit one of Hatchett Design’s two area showrooms. Conveniently located on the Southside in Virginia Beach and on the Peninsula in Newport News, the Hatchett Showroom offers the ability to see, touch, experience options for your remodeled bathroom. Our showroom has samples of cabinetry, tiles, flooring, lighting, and even faucets. Either stop by or schedule an appointment with one of our showroom consultants for more of a guided tour. Hatchett’s showrooms are open Monday to Friday from 9am – 5pm.