NOVA REAL ESTATE SCENE/Homes for the Physically Challenged

This week we had a very special and timely ceremony for the grand opening of a new Universal Home Design Community at Oak Leather in Burke.  Why was it so special and timely?   
 
First, this Universal Home Design community is the first of its kind in the area and the first time the community, religious leaders, government and business have joined together to bring a product that is as unique as the idea of all the diverse groups working together.
 
Attending the ribbon cutting were Sharon Bulova, chair of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors,  John C. Cook, Braddock District Supervisor and the Hon. Tom Davis, a former congressman who represented the district.

Secondly, “universal design” is about meeting the trend of independent living for people with disabilities, young and old. The idea behind the design concept is to create home layouts and amenities that make the home easier to live in for aging and physically challenged occupants.  
 
Sounds logical and it makes you wonder way these types of homes are just beginning to gain popularity.

The fact is, the last time anyone paid attention to “barrier-free” design was when we had a massive return of wounded and disabled veterans after World War II.  
 
Unfortunately, the homes were built without a lot of forethought and tended to be unattractive. Frankly, they had disability written all over them and most people didn't want to live in them.
 
As a result, not many were constructed.  If you could find one, that was charming and in a nice neighborhood, it was probably very expensive.

Homes, like those in Oak Leather Knoll look like other homes and starting from $425,000, they are comparably priced with other new town homes in the area. They are just easier to use.  
 
They serve two types of people—people who want a home that grows old with them and people who are already physically challenged.  
 
Let’s face it, whether you are young or old, climbing stairs and opening doors with an arm full of packages is difficult.   
 
Universal homes are designed with the needs of the user in mind.  
 
For instance, they have no-step entry, and wider doorways and hallways.   Electrical switches and thermostats are placed where they are easy to reach.  All homes can be equipped with elevators. There is room in the kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms and other public areas to make it easy for physically challenged occupants to get around.

Oak Leather Town Homes is a new community of eight brick front town homes. Each has three finished levels, a one-car garage, hardwood floors, gas fireplace and high efficiency furnace and hot water heater.
 
The homes demonstrate how all people, those with and without disabilities can enjoy a home that is comfortable, convenient and attractive.