| All staircase width is over 42 inches (~1.1 meters), except for support post for the stairs leading from the 1st floor to basement |
To allow for an adult and a child to go hand-in-hand while using the staircase. Also, it makes it much easier moving furniture. |
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| 36 inch (~92 cm) passageway from owner’s entrance into kitchen |
Easy access in and out of the kitchen |
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| All passageways are at least 36 inches (~91 cm) wide, most are over 42 inches (~1.1 meters) wide |
To make it easy for a wheelchair or walker to navigate in hallways. Also, it makes it easier for two people to pass each other. |
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| All staircases have handrails on each side |
To allow easy grasping of the rails as one’s dominant hand is always near a railing. Also, for individuals who may have difficulty walking, many times they have two hands on the railing at all time pulling themselves up the stairs. |
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| Horizontal handrail extensions at top and bottom of all stairs |
To also give a tactile feel that one is coming on or off a staircase is to have a horizontal section of the railing that extends out at least 12 inches or 30 centimeters beyond both the top and bottom steps. |
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| Both 2nd to 1st floor and 1st to basement staircases have an open middle shaft that is over 6 feet (~1.8 meters) wide |
To accommodate a future pneumatic elevator for a wheelchair |
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| Carpeted stair runners & basement |
Carpeting was used on steps as it is more slip resistance on stairs, and for dogs that run fast, it gives them traction as they go up and down the stairs. |
Engineered Flooring |
