# Arlington Universal Design: A Home That Works for Everyone — Without Looking Like It Was Designed for Anyone in Particular > Expert universal design remodeling in Arlington, VA. Design-build experience since 1994. Create a home that works beautifully for every stage of life — without compromise. - **Source:** https://berrizdesign.com/services/adu/universal-design/ - **Company:** Berriz Design Build, LLC — Design-build home remodeling and landscape design contractor, founded 1994 - **Contact:** (703) 552-7565 · bob@berrizdesign.com - **Based in:** Arlington, VA - **Service:** Universal & Aging-in-Place Design - **Service area:** Arlington, VA, McLean, VA, Vienna, VA, Great Falls, VA, Oakton, VA, Alexandria, VA, Clifton, VA, Fairfax Station, VA ## Questions and answers **What is universal design in home remodeling?** Universal design is an approach to home design that makes spaces usable and comfortable for people of all ages, sizes, and abilities — without requiring specialized adaptations. It integrates accessibility features as design elements rather than afterthoughts, resulting in homes that are both beautiful and functional for every stage of life. **How is universal design different from aging-in-place remodeling?** Aging-in-place remodeling is typically reactive — modifying a home after a specific need arises. Universal design is proactive — building flexibility and accessibility into the home from the start so it serves every occupant well regardless of age or ability. Universal design features are also more aesthetically integrated and less visibly 'medical' in appearance. **What are the key universal design features for an Arlington home?** Core universal design features include: zero-threshold entries and showers, wider doorways (36" minimum), lever-style door and faucet hardware, first-floor primary bedroom and bathroom, varied counter heights, improved lighting, and non-slip flooring. Berriz Design Build integrates these as design elements, not add-ons. **How much does universal design remodeling cost in Arlington?** Costs range from $20,000 for targeted modifications to $250,000+ for a comprehensive universal design renovation. When integrated during a planned remodel, universal design features add minimal cost — far less than retrofitting them later. Berriz Design Build provides transparent pricing for every scope. **Do universal design modifications require permits in Arlington?** Structural changes, electrical upgrades, and plumbing modifications require Arlington County permits. Hardware and fixture changes typically do not. Berriz Design Build identifies all permit requirements and manages the process as part of every project. **Why choose Berriz Design Build for universal design in Arlington?** Berriz Design Build has been integrating universal design principles into Arlington homes since 1994. We understand how to make accessibility features invisible — seamlessly integrated into beautiful design so your home supports every stage of life without ever looking like it was designed for limitation. ## Page content The Berriz Perspective The word 'accessible' has a problem: it makes homeowners picture institutional handrails and clinical bathrooms. Universal design is the opposite of that. It's the design philosophy that says a home should work beautifully for a toddler, a teenager, a 40-year-old, and an 80-year-old — without any of them noticing that it was designed with the others in mind. Zero-threshold entries that feel like architectural choices. Wider doorways that read as generous proportions. Walk-in showers that look like spa design. First-floor primary suites that feel like a lifestyle upgrade. Berriz Design Build has been integrating universal design principles into Arlington homes since 1994. The goal isn't to accommodate every stage of life. It's to make every stage of life feel like the home was designed exactly for you. Common Questions ## What Arlington Homeowners Ask About Universal Design ### Discovery & Eligibility What is universal design in home remodeling? Universal design is an approach to home design that makes spaces usable and comfortable for people of all ages, sizes, and abilities — without requiring specialized adaptations. It integrates accessibility features as design elements rather than afterthoughts, resulting in homes that are both beautiful and functional for every stage of life. How is universal design different from aging-in-place remodeling? Aging-in-place remodeling is typically reactive — modifying a home after a specific need arises. Universal design is proactive — building flexibility and accessibility into the home from the start so it serves every occupant well regardless of age or ability. Universal design features are also more aesthetically integrated and less visibly 'medical' in appearance. ### Cost & Permitting What are the key universal design features for an Arlington home? Core universal design features include: zero-threshold entries and showers, wider doorways (36" minimum), lever-style door and faucet hardware, first-floor primary bedroom and bathroom, varied counter heights, improved lighting, and non-slip flooring. Berriz Design Build integrates these as design elements, not add-ons. How much does universal design remodeling cost in Arlington? Costs range from $20,000 for targeted modifications to $250,000+ for a comprehensive universal design renovation. When integrated during a planned remodel, universal design features add minimal cost — far less than retrofitting them later. Berriz Design Build provides transparent pricing for every scope. ### Process & Partnership Do universal design modifications require permits in Arlington? Structural changes, electrical upgrades, and plumbing modifications require Arlington County permits. Hardware and fixture changes typically do not. Berriz Design Build identifies all permit requirements and manages the process as part of every project. Why choose Berriz Design Build for universal design in Arlington? Berriz Design Build has been integrating universal design principles into Arlington homes since 1994. We understand how to make accessibility features invisible — seamlessly integrated into beautiful design so your home supports every stage of life without ever looking like it was designed for limitation. Explore the Practice ## Related services ### Detached ADU Expert detached ADU design and construction in Arlington, VA. Design-build experience since 1994. Build a pr… Explore → ### Basement ADU Expert basement ADU design and construction in Arlington, VA. Design-build experience since 1994. 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