Functional Design

(See also Checklist for Universal Design)

___  Abundant, adaptable storage space in every room

___  Sufficient, secure storage for outdoor items

___  Family entry nook for electronics, mail, gear, shoes, etc.

___  Consider cathedralized storage attic

___  Controlled visitor entrance, access and view

___  MBR on same level as second BR

___  Efficient workflows, traffic paths

___  Sound controls

Kitchen:

___  Service entry (from car) convenient to kitchen

___  Accommodates multiple cooks

___  Accommodates social interaction

___  Layout follows space guidelines (see Ref. Guide)

___  Work triangle distance totals 15-26 feet (lines connecting center of sink,
         cooktop, refrigerator)

___  For multiple-cook kitchens, consider dual work triangles with a second sink
         and microwave oven (sink-oven-refrigerator triangle)

___  No major traffic paths cross through primary work triangle

___  No doors interfere with work centers, appliances or open cabinets or
         drawers

___  Work space aisles min. 42 in. wide (including clearance around islands)

___  Passageways min. 36 in. for one cook; 48 in. for two cooks

___  Upper (wall-mount) cabinet frontage: min. 186 in. (min. 144 in. for compact
         kitchen < 150 sq. ft.)

___  At least 60 in. upper cabinet frontage within 72 in. of primary sink centerline

___  Base cabinet frontage: min.192 in. (min. 156 in. for compact kitchen)

___  Drawer frontage: min. 165 in. (min. 120 in. for compact kitchen)

___  Storage aids to improve accessibility and functionality (sturdy roll-out
         shelves, dividers, assorted drawer depths, etc.)

___  Functional corner storage (lazy susan, diagonal door, etc.)

___  15- to 18-in. clearance between countertop and bottom of upper cabinets

___  Countertop frontage: min. 198 in. (min. 132 in. for compact kitchen)

___  No two primary work centers are separated by full-height, full-depth cabinets

___  Min. 24-in. countertop frontage to one side of primary sink, 18 in. on other
         side

___  If there is a second sink, min. 3-in. counter space on one side, 18 in. on
         other side

___  At least two waste basket areas (trash and recycle)

___  Edge of dishwasher within 36 in. of edge of sink

___  Min. 21 in. standing room beside dishwasher

___  Min. 36 in. continuous countertop space for food preparation center

___  Min. 15 in. counter space on latch side of a refrigerator, on either side of
         side-by-side, or on landing space across from refrigerator (no more than
         48 in. away)

___  Min. 15 in. counter space on one side of cooking surface, min. 3 in.
         clearance from an end wall

___  Appliances located min. 15 in. from cabinet corners (so protruding appliance
         handles do not interfere with opening base cabinet drawers)

___  Cooking surface is not placed below an operable window

___  Min. 15 in. landing space next to oven and microwave

___  Bottom of microwave is below shoulder height of shortest user

___  Cooking surface has hood exhaust system (100-150 cfm)

___  If indoor grille and high cfm exhaust, a dampered outside air inlet is provided

___  Min. 24 in. wide by 12 in. deep counter/table space for each seated diner

___  Min. 36 in. walkway clearance around dining table; 24 in. if not a pathway

___  Operable window area

___  Ground fault circuit interrupters on all receptacles within 6 feet of water
         source

___  Fire extinguisher located across from cooking surface (B-C type is best for
         grease fires; A-B-C is all-purpose)

Low Maintenance, Outside and Inside

___  Long-lasting materials and equipment

___  Materials that need infrequent or no refinishing

___  Mildew- and algae-resistant materials

___  Heat-, cold-, sun- and water-resistant materials

___  Scratch- and stain-resistant materials, finishes

___  Easy-to-clean surfaces, appliances, etc.

___  Min. dust collecting surfaces

___  Space at entry for shoes, outerwear

Advanced Wiring and Automation:

___  Structured wiring, central control

___  High-capacity cabling

___  Easily upgradeable installation route

___  Integrated multi-hazard and security systems

___  Energy-management control system

___  Home office equipped for telecommuting

___  Automated lighting controls

___  Whole house wireless networking

___  Assistive technologies

Adaptable For Changing Needs

___  Open planning of social zones

___  Multi-purpose, adaptable room

___  Usable attic space

___  Expandable floor plan (future additions)

___  Tandem rooms with movable partitions

Practical

___  Life-cycle cost-effective systems, products

___  Locally available or easily obtained products, installers, maintenance

___  Reduces labor cost or construction time (financing cost)

___  Enhances or protects market value