Accessible Home Virtual Tour

Accessible homes aren’t much different from the average homes lining a typical, American neighborhood street. In fact, many accessible homeowners find that certain defining features have a positive impact on their home’s overall value and resale price. 

There are a number of great ideas and cost effective options for building an accessible home or adapting an existing home -- all the while maintaining (and often enhancing) a home’s unique style, design, character and functionality. Today’s accessible homes incorporate gradually elevated front pathways, secret elevators disguised as regular closets, open floor plans and common areas, modern bathrooms with easy-to-access showers and baths, efficient kitchens and home offices.

We invite you to view a photo album highlighting key accessible/adaptable features of such a home in Raleigh, N.C. It’s a beautiful, new and fully-accessible home that combines creative design elements with simple, personalized adaptations that make a real difference for one family living with disabilities.

Step inside -- you’ll be amazed, and likely, a little inspired!

Central Living Room

As you view the virtual tour, take note of the many features making this home accessible to people with disabilities -- and retaining its design and beauty!

• Open areas, wide doorways and pathways easily accommodate a wheelchair
• Lever-style handles on all doors allow for easy manipulation
• Flat, even floor surfaces throughout, often hardwood or tile, including all entrances to the home
• Light switches are lowered for wheelchair position height and positioned on the first wall of each room
• Height of cabinets, countertops and shelving are lowered throughout and accommodate legroom when necessary
• Appliances are positioned for easy access
• Elevator disguised as a closet provides wheelchair access to the second floor, utilizing vertical space when expansion horizontally onto another lot is not an option

Front Exterior

• Front driveway gradually inclines for wheelchair access to/from the street and sidewalk
• Sidewalk and gradually inclined pathway winds to the front door for wheelchair access
• Front entrance features a flat, even surface that slopes into the home with no steps to hinder mobility in a wheelchair
• French style doors open into the home and provide a wide entrance for wheelchairs
• Lever-style handles on the door allow for easy manipulation

Rear Exterior

• Backyard space spotted with multi-level surfaces connected by gradually inclining pathways for unlimited wheelchair access
• Landscaping includes pathways and ramps at all points, making use of the natural hill for access and beauty
• Many flat gravel pathways and closely trimmed grass provide full access to the driveway, yard, home and children's playhouse
• Patio provides flat, even surface and access to the grass or home
• Gardening/landscaping is easily accessible at all points -- even the garden hose