Building Your Forever Home: How Universal Design Creates a Space That Grows With You
When building a custom home, it’s easy to focus on what you need right now. But what about five, ten, or even thirty years from now? At Will Johnson Building Company, we believe a forever home should be just that—a place that continues to serve your needs as life evolves.
That’s where universal design comes in. This approach blends form and function to create spaces that are as beautiful as they are accessible—without sacrificing style. Whether you’re planning for aging in place, welcoming multigenerational family members, or simply building with long-term convenience in mind, universal design lays the foundation for a home that adapts to you.
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What is Universal Design?
Universal design refers to the thoughtful planning of environments that can be used by all people, to the greatest extent possible, regardless of age or ability. Unlike retrofitting a home later to meet mobility needs or add accessibility, universal design integrates these features from the start.
Some common elements include:
Zero-step entryways
Wider hallways and doorways
Lever-style door handles
Curbless showers
Main-level primary suites
Non-slip flooring materials
Task lighting and rocker switches
By planning ahead, you can ensure your home stays comfortable, safe, and easy to navigate—now and in the future. Read more about universal design from the National Association of Home Builders.
A Forever Home Designed Around You
Located in Chapel Hill, our team has spent more than 30 years helping clients throughout Durham, Chapel Hill, and the Triangle bring their dream homes to life. When you work with Will Johnson Building Company, we guide you through a design process that’s rooted in your lifestyle—now and for years to come.
Whether you’re building a multigenerational family compound, downsizing to age in place, or simply want future flexibility, we’ll help you prioritize features that blend practicality with timeless design.
Read about our process when we approach to family compounds and multistructure living!
Design that Doesn’t Compromise on Style
One of the most common misconceptions about universal design is that it’s clinical or purely functional. In reality, the best universal design is virtually invisible—it just works better.
Our custom homes often feature:
Custom wood cabinetry with soft-close drawers and accessible heights
Natural stone, wide-entry showers that feel like spa retreats
Open-concept floor plans with seamless indoor-outdoor transitions
Smart home technology for lighting, security, and climate control
These aren’t just upgrades—they’re investments in a home that will serve you and your family for decades to come. See more from our portfolio of work!
Start Planning Your Forever Home Today
If you’re considering building a custom home in the Durham-Chapel Hill area, think beyond the present. With universal design principles and the right builder by your side, your dream home can truly be a forever home—beautiful, functional, and ready for all of life’s chapters. Contact us to start the conversation!
Keywords: Forever home Durham NC, universal design home builder, age-in-place design Durham, custom home builder Chapel Hill, accessible home design NC, multigenerational homes, Will Johnson Building Company
