• Open floorplan: We looked at many web sites that featured houseplans and we also walked through a number of model homes. The more open floorplans worked much better for Chris to wheel around in so we ended up choosing a floorplan of a local builder's model and making the necessary modifications.
• Doorways need to be a minimum of 36 inches.
• Hallways need to be a minimum of 42 inches.
• Turning area: A five foot turning circle for the wheelchair is needed, especially in the bathroom.
• Flooring: Good choices for flooring are hardwood floors or vinyl flooring.
• Use lever handles for doors instead of knobs.
• Outlets should be 18 inches from the floor.
• Light switches should be 40 inches from the floor.
• Whole house electrical panel: The main breaker is 50 inches from the floor.
• Pocket doors can be useful space savers (Note: don't hang anything on the wall the door slides into)
• Windows: We used lower windows in most of the first floor so Chris could see outside easily. We opted to use a casement window in Chris' bedroom so he could open and close it by himself. If you use casement windows on the first floor, be aware that they can be hazardous to someone walking outside when the windows are open.
• Closets: Racks with large knobs can be used inside closet doors to hang jackets, backpacks, etc. since reaching hangers can be difficult.
• Grabber: Chris keeps a long handled "grabber" on a low hook near the kitchen to access lightweight items like cereal boxes.

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