Visitability Means:

- One zero step entrance on an accessible path of travel from the street, sidewalk or driveway

- Doorways that provide 32 inches clear space throughout the home's main floor and hallways that provide 36 inches of clear width

- Basic access to a half or (preferably) full bath on the main floor


Pictures

Building Visitability features into a home from the start leads to a natural looking structure. In fact, in places where Visitable features are required in newly built homes, buyers who don't need these features tend not to even notice them but enjoy the convenience they offer none the less. Just as planned zero-step entries for local businesses are unnoticeable, so too are they in homes.

Everyone, not just individuals with limited mobility, can benefit from the incorporation of Visitable features in single-family homes. Some of those benefits come in the form of greater ease of moving furniture, the ability to more easily transport objects such as strollers, bicycles, or groceries, and even allowing firemen or paramedics greater access in times of an emergency. Additionally, by incorporating Visitable features into newly constructed homes from the beginning, thousands of dollars can be saved compared to the cost of building these features in during a renovation down the road.

Families living in Visitable homes are also able to welcome family members and friends who may have limited mobility without the need to devise makeshift access features that could potentially be dangerous and cause injuries.

To see examples of how Visitable features can be incorporated into the design of a home, please click on the thumbnails below to browse through slideshows of several Visitable Montana homes.


Missoula

Accessible Routes Can Be Unique and Beautiful Large Homes with Open Plans Provide Design Opportunities Zero-step Entrances Increase Owner/Visitor Access Wide Pathways Provide Freedom
Good Designs Lead to Better Homes Making Visitable Changes Might Be Necessary Visitability Features Can Be Low-Cost Visitability Strengthens Communities
Visitability Provides Features for the Whole Family Visitability Complements Style Visitable Decks Bring People Together Adding Connectivity Improves Function