# If you could design your own house

Category: Daily Living

## Post 1 by LovesDefinitionIsGod (Veteran Zoner) on Wednesday, 24-Jul-2013 16:48:43

Hi. I have a cousin who is going to school for interior design. She is doing a project, and asked me to tell her some things that would make my living space easier as a blind person. I told her large appliances with either clear tactle marking or built in speech. After that I hit a blank wall. What would make my life easier as a blind person? Most things I either just mark or organize myself. So I am wondering if anyone can give me some ideas. Thank you.

## Post 2 by SilverLightning (I've now got the silver prolific poster award! wahoo!) on Wednesday, 24-Jul-2013 17:49:57

I'd say things like having a wide porch that echoes so you can guide yourself to the door more easily. A naturally flowing front lawn that also helps lead you to the door. A relatively in closed floor plan so you don't have to wander across huge open spaces. A lack of half-walls and random steps. A fenced in back yard. A pool with a raised lip around it so we can find it with our feet easily. Lots of fountains to help orient ourselves when we're in the backyard. Lots and lots and lots of counter space for organization during cooking. Lots of storage in both bathroom and kitchen. Touch button locks, a touch button alarm system. That's all I can think of off the top of my head. Hope that helps.

## Post 3 by LovesDefinitionIsGod (Veteran Zoner) on Wednesday, 24-Jul-2013 18:06:22

That does help. Thanks Cody.

## Post 4 by Blue Velvet (I've got the platinum golden silver bronze poster award.) on Wednesday, 24-Jul-2013 23:15:42

I agree about the more enclosed spaces. I hate homes with huge open areas. There is too much echo and it can be difficult finding your way around. I would also love bedroom closets with lots of built-in shelves and drawers. I'd also love connected bathrooms to all the bedrooms and for at least one of those bathrooms to have a walk-in shower rather than a tub, although I do appreciate tubs for when I have time to relax and don't need to hurry through a shower. The walk-in shower should have a built-in bench and at least one built-in shelf to hold soaps and shampoos and such. A hand-held shower head would also be nice. I also agree about lots of counter space in the kitchen and appliances with easy to set buttons or dials.

## Post 5 by forereel (Just posting.) on Thursday, 25-Jul-2013 1:02:32

I'd add an intercom system to the house. The system allows you to answer the door with your telephone, or the box without approaching it. You can ask who's at the door, talk to them and not even go near it.
It should be have backup battery power that isn't attached to the houses electric, but can be powered at all other times via the houses system.
A little wider stair risers might be nice as well.

## Post 6 by Blue Velvet (I've got the platinum golden silver bronze poster award.) on Thursday, 25-Jul-2013 15:25:49

Oh, for once, you have a great idea. I think an intercom system for answering the door is great for any blind person. Even if the door has a large window, we can't see who it is. I'd love to be able to ask who it is at the door from any room in the house.

## Post 7 by forereel (Just posting.) on Thursday, 25-Jul-2013 20:07:28

Oh gosh, she loves me! Smile.
Thank you dear!

## Post 8 by forereel (Just posting.) on Thursday, 25-Jul-2013 20:09:28

Oh, I didn't say. This is found in the more expensive whole house security systems. It doesn't have to be expensive however.

## Post 9 by SilverLightning (I've now got the silver prolific poster award! wahoo!) on Thursday, 25-Jul-2013 23:42:57

Oh, that reminds me. I'd want a house with windows that are clearly covered. Like, my house right now has curtains that only cover the lower half. I'm told that people would have to be ten feet tall to see in, but part of me is always wondering, "Can someone see me naked from the street when I get out of the shower?" And for the love of god don't put a window in my bathroom. Those things creep me the hell out. Maybe I'm weird though.

## Post 10 by HauntedReverie (doing the bad mango) on Friday, 26-Jul-2013 14:37:33

I'd make an argument for having carpet in the living room and bedrooms at the very least. I hear that with certain colors of hard wood flooring, any dust is pretty visible there, and carpets, darker ones, hide that a little better. Also, it just feels nicer on my bare feet!

## Post 11 by Meglet (I just keep on posting!) on Friday, 26-Jul-2013 15:18:46

I'm with Cody on the bathroom window thing. It's a creepy concept, even.

## Post 12 by Runner229 (I've now got the silver prolific poster award! wahoo!) on Friday, 26-Jul-2013 16:12:10

Wow, this is a topic I never really put a lot of thought in to. I want to own my own house some day but I've never really thought of designing my own house.
I personally like more room and space. I don't care for houses that have smaller rooms because they tend to become cluttered easier. I feel this might also be more of an organizational issue but I've lived in both larger and smaller houses and this has been my experience. The more room and space, the better, especially in the kitchen. I need my space when I am cooking to move around comfortably. Some would argue smaller kitchens are better because you can reach everything without moving around as much, but I will argue what if you are preparing something that involves several dishes at once. Where are you going to put all those items at the same time without stacking things or putting them closely together. This is often the case for me because I enjoy making more homemade things when I can, while I'm sure more people nowadays would much rather cook convenience foods.
I love the smell of a fireplace in the fall, and I would absolutely enjoy having a fireplace in my livingroom. However, I haven't had much experience using one and I would need someone to show me how to use it and keep it clean. My grandparents have one in their condo, and even though they don't use it, they are still required to get it inspected every so often, and if any parts are hazardous they still have to get it repaired. I also enjoy having a good old barbecue a few times in the summer so having a grill out back would be cool on a nice wooden deck.
I would much rather have a house with carpeting throughout the entire house except for the kitchen and bathrooms. Believe me, I have lived in a house with every kind of floor there is and vacuuming is much easier than mopping and sweeping. I could do it, though, but if I had a choice that's what I would go with.

## Post 13 by forereel (Just posting.) on Friday, 26-Jul-2013 17:09:47

Bathroom windows are fine. They are frosted, and can't be seen through. They also let in fresh air is they open. Now if they are open of course, you'll need to have a privacy screen installed, but they are fine.
I do understand how a blind person would think about them though.
Fireplaces are really easy for a blind person to manage. A little practice and you've got it.
Cleaning is just like sweeping with a small broom and dust pan. Many have ashe trays, so that make it easier.

## Post 14 by forereel (Just posting.) on Friday, 26-Jul-2013 17:12:00

Forgot to say, many new homes don't have windows in the bath, so that probably would be easy. This is also your house, so have it your way. Smile.

## Post 15 by darksword (Generic Zoner) on Friday, 26-Jul-2013 20:19:38

Speaking for myself, I hope that I am never graced with the task of owning a house. Someone could give me one and I'd turn around to re-gift it to someone else. The only thing I'd change about designing any personal living space of my own would be to get rid of a kitchen for the most part. I neither like nor have patience to learn how or to care about the art of cooking and would welcome not having to pay rent for appliances that I very rarely use. I am being completely serious.

## Post 16 by Smiling Sunshine (I've now got the bronze prolific poster award! now going for the silver award!) on Friday, 26-Jul-2013 22:44:18

Ok, yall are all gooing to disagree with me. lol Oh well. Here goes.
I love love love my lamanent floors and hate hate hate carpet. This is the 3rd house I've owned and we've always started with carpet and converted to hard floors. Yeah, there's more dust but a canister vac with a floor attachment takes care of that since I suck at using a dust pan. At least once it's clean, it's really clean, unlike carpet where things just go deeper into the padding, especially wet spills and/or pet accidents.
While I do agree that open floor plans can be more challenging mobility wise, I find closed in rooms clostrophobic. Half walls don't bother me but I know they bug the crap out of folks who are totally blind. I can completely respect that.
I'd love skylights. Those are just friggen awesome!
I would absolutely get rid of what we call our pillar of doom. Basically it's a support post that's probably a 1 foot square of wall that's at the corner of our dining room hallway and family room downstairs. I probably haven't described the layout well but let's just say it gets run into allot around here. lol Things like that require furniture or something to be put infront of them amnd that doesn't always look good. I have another friend who's house has one as well and they hung a bunch of beads all around it.
How about a talking thermostat? That would be cool.
I also like the suggestion of the intercom that would allow for answering the door without going to it.
Counter space and lots of cabinets are a must in the kitchen. I love the idea of built in shelves and such in the closets. What about motion sensing lights? I'm not sure if that would be overkill or not but my mom's house has lights in all the closets that turn off and on when you open and close the doors.
Ok, one last thing I would avoid is having more than one light switch that controls a light. We have a couple of those in the house and my hubby who is totally blind can't tell if certain lights are on or off because one switch might be up and the other might be down, etc.
Hope all that makes sense. Sounds like a fun project.

## Post 17 by Jack Off Jill (why the hell am I posting in the first place?) on Saturday, 27-Jul-2013 1:59:09

I think these are all great ideas. I am terrible with a dust pan myself, so carpets I've grown to love. I suppose because of how I live, I am just extra careful with my things. I haven't had a spill in the house I live in now. And the dogs are good at not making a mess. But I can see how uncovered floors would be preferable, especially with little children. I think bigger rooms are to be called for, but one thing I hate in my house, is long walled windows. Basically one wall of our living room is made up of windows. I hate it, I feel so paranoid when I walk into my kitchen for something at night. Another thing I think is annoying are all these mirrors, I don't want a full lenghth mirror door, for my walk in closet. I also think bathrooms should be bigger, because my personal bathroom kills me, I feel so clauster phobic, and I don't wanna feel like that in a shower.

## Post 18 by SilverLightning (I've now got the silver prolific poster award! wahoo!) on Saturday, 27-Jul-2013 14:25:12

I've gotta ask darksword, if you rarely use the kitchen appliances, what do you eat?

## Post 19 by BryanP22 (Novice theriminist) on Saturday, 27-Jul-2013 23:39:07

I like the idea of an intercom system. I actually wish they had that where I live now.

## Post 20 by darksword (Generic Zoner) on Sunday, 28-Jul-2013 12:19:07

SilverLightning, I am incredibly lazy on this front and revel in it. I use a microwave and occasionally a Forman grill to make the things that I like. This combined with the fruits and vegetables that I enjoy makes up the lion's share of my intake. Yet if I could, I would farm out the need and expense of making things to someone else if they'd be willing to take me on as a consumptive client. I hate cooking and the few times that I have done it, even with my successes, I still hate the time and energy that must be expended upon such things. I'd love to live in a place where I could have the option to get rid of a kitchen completely. I live alone. As a result, when I eat, I would prefer to eat with others. I enjoy going out and not just simply for the desire to fill my stomach. I think that as I've gotten older, my need to be with others has actually increased, not decreased. Along with that comes the desire to pair food with socialization. If I remain single for the rest of my life (which isn't wholly an unpleasant thought), I'd keep a small dorm sized fridge around with a microwave (and possibly a very small grill) and that'd probably be it.

## Post 21 by darksword (Generic Zoner) on Sunday, 28-Jul-2013 12:20:26

This isn't just a blind thing either. I know a whole lot of sighted men and women that don't like to cook either.

## Post 22 by forereel (Just posting.) on Sunday, 28-Jul-2013 13:30:07

On the talking thermostat?, we could take that a step more.
We all use computers, so being we are designing, you can have all your electronics set up so they work via your network. Want the thermostat at 75, go to it, arrow up until you are at your desired temp just like you would when setting volume.
Lights on, of, same deal. You can even make your iPhone your remote, believe it or not.
Speaking of lights, all switches should be configured so that when the switches are down, that is off, when they are up, that is on. I like the flat switches over the stick type, so I'd have all flat. They feel like a toggle switch, and if you brush against the wall, you don't get caught on these.
I also like whole house vacuums systems. All you need to take around is the hose, and brushes. This, if you have steps, for smaller people, can really make life good. You aren't likely to fall down steps trying to lug the vacuum sweeper around.
Back to lighting, you can also have the switched buzz or vibrate when on. Turn the light on, hear or feel a vibration, turn it off, nothing, or a different tone or vibration.
That feature is as simple as installing different type switches.
I like fresh air, so enjoy having my windows, and screen doors open. To keep people from sneaking up, I'd have all doors and screens installed attached to my security system. If you touch, cut, or try to open or remove the screen you set off the alarm. It is audio, and has a voice that tells you the door or window vilated. Example, kitchen window. That way you know exactly where the problem is.
If you've got small ones that go in and out, you disarm the door they use, but the rest of your house is armed. The door that is disarmed makes an audio chime when opened if you want.
When these kids get to that teen age, you can keep them from sneaking out on you. Smile. You have a master code, and each child receives the parent code. That setup is a bit costly, but is available.
All I speak about is available by the way.

## Post 23 by loves animals (This site is so "educational") on Monday, 29-Jul-2013 7:32:31

what a cool topic and yeah some of these idea's sound rather cool and the intercom thing sounds like an awesome idea as it would also be for those of us living alone, it would make it safer.
Be neat if there were sensors on doors so that when a door is open it will make a noise and when it is closed so then we're not continuously walking into them, left open by others or your self.
To have less hall ways and open floor plan is great as then your not walking into any walls.
Make appliances talk like the tv so then you can tell it what to do instead of using a remote and having to go search for it.
I agree that walk in showers are better for us than the ones that are in a tub.

## Post 24 by SilverLightning (I've now got the silver prolific poster award! wahoo!) on Monday, 29-Jul-2013 10:09:55

I agree with most of these things, but I'm curious about the walk-in shower idea. Why do you feel that would be better for us? Personally I like having tubs. I saw this show once about bathrooms, and they showed this shower that had speakers in it, and six shower heads to spray on you from all directions. It looked cool, I'd want one of those.

## Post 25 by forereel (Just posting.) on Monday, 29-Jul-2013 10:21:09

Want both tub and the ability to walk in to it?
In California I saw a home that had a setup like this. You walk down a mild decline until you are in the tub or shower. Sort of like walking from the shallow end of the pool in to the deep end.
That way you can bath, or shower and simply walk out of both.
The shower had several sprays and the tub was jetted.
Sweet stuff. Smile.

## Post 26 by chelslicious (like it or not, I'm gonna say what I mean. all the time.) on Monday, 29-Jul-2013 13:03:09

I honestly don't care to have any fansy shmancy stuff in my shower. I'm not going in there to have a party. I just wanna take a shower, and get out.
the idea about the intercom and security systems are great, though.

## Post 27 by chelslicious (like it or not, I'm gonna say what I mean. all the time.) on Monday, 29-Jul-2013 13:40:31

oh, and, since I didn't have time to say this earlier, I'll say it, now.
I absolutely love the idea of a walk-in shower. I'm sure others have different reasons as to why they'd agree, but here's why I feel that way.
as someone who has had problematic legs for my entire life, and always will, having a walk-in shower would mean I wouldn't have a huge step to go up, and, during times when my leg is really giving me grief, instead of needing to rely on others to get me in and out of the shower, I could do so independently.

## Post 28 by Blue Velvet (I've got the platinum golden silver bronze poster award.) on Monday, 29-Jul-2013 13:49:28

When I suggested a walk-in shower with a built-in bench, my reasons had nothing to do with blindness. I used to love to soak in the tub, but for the past several years I have had problems with ulcers on the bottoms of my feet due to my diabetes. My foot doctor has advised me to take showers rather than to soak in a tub because soaking my feet can further degrade the skin on my feet. I also have balance problems now due to neuropathy in my feet, so a walk-in shower with a bench where I can sit to do most of my washing would be helpful. Also at least one sturdy grab bar for balance when I am standing would be helpful. I don't need sprays coming from a million directions. I'd be happy with just a hand-held shower head which is easy to install from what I hear.

## Post 29 by SilverLightning (I've now got the silver prolific poster award! wahoo!) on Monday, 29-Jul-2013 16:10:39

Ok, that makes perfect sense. For you that would be perfect. I didn't realize it was for other reasons than blindness. I was struggling to find a reason why blindness would make it difficult to get into a tub.
I've seen tubs like that wayne, they look comfy, but I'd always worry about the water sloshing over the edge if you moved around while taking a bath.

## Post 30 by chelslicious (like it or not, I'm gonna say what I mean. all the time.) on Monday, 29-Jul-2013 17:26:21

Cody, why would you even think that blindness has anything to do with not liking tubs, in the first place? that's pretty silly, in my view.

## Post 31 by LeoGuardian (You mean there is something outside of this room with my computer in it?) on Monday, 29-Jul-2013 17:41:07

@Darksword, all I have to say to your last post is Tokyo.
Seriously anybody who thinks your desires are to do with being blind is quite obviously world-ignorant.
And this is becoming a lot more common in the U.S. with a lot of working people, where the pad is for crashing mainly with a mini fridge for booze and the like and that's about it.
I agree about socialization also, here I am early 40s still living in suburbville until early 2014 it looks like, which will make my isolation nearly 6 years. Most of that was worth it for the daughter's education but still this is all true.

## Post 32 by changedheart421 (I've now got the bronze prolific poster award! now going for the silver award!) on Monday, 29-Jul-2013 21:07:24

I would want a house with a nice open floor plan and tile floors. I want lots of room in my kitchen and really want a fireplace in my bedroom and livingroom. Love the intercom on the door idea. lots of friends I know have the camera above the door thing so they can see easily who it is. I would want a nice closed in back porch with windows I can open and close depending on weather.

## Post 33 by forereel (Just posting.) on Monday, 29-Jul-2013 22:22:50

I thought that too when I saw the tub Cody. It doesn't have floors next to the water, but walls and lips for things or to sit. The lips have drains in them for sloshing. The water can't go back up unless you over fill the tob.

## Post 34 by SilverLightning (I've now got the silver prolific poster award! wahoo!) on Monday, 29-Jul-2013 23:37:47

Chelsea, I thought it because the original post asked about adaptations for blind people. Then someone mentioned a walk in shower. Ergo, walk in shower for blind people.

## Post 35 by forereel (Just posting.) on Wednesday, 31-Jul-2013 3:17:15

Phat! sturdy handrails would be something I'd wantand have installed.
If you miss step, you want to know your handrail can support you, and for us, I think we do this from time to time, no matter how well we know the house.
All my porches, decks, and any areas that have drop offs or any kind would have railings for guide reasons. Putting a bit of different texture on the top step is a good deal as well.
Plus, if you get in a hurry, you can slide down these babies. Even if you're not in a hurry, you just want to let the kid out sometimes.

## Post 36 by darksword (Generic Zoner) on Thursday, 01-Aug-2013 13:59:08

Why be snarky when the question was put as an honest one?

## Post 37 by Blue Velvet (I've got the platinum golden silver bronze poster award.) on Thursday, 01-Aug-2013 15:40:12

As for decks and porches outdoors, I would not want steps. For me, not only being blind but being someone with balance problems, the fewer steps I have to deal with the better. I know there would have to be steps leading up to and down from a porch, and that's fine, but I've seen multi-level decks, and for me those are just accidents waiting to happen.

## Post 38 by SilverLightning (I've now got the silver prolific poster award! wahoo!) on Thursday, 01-Aug-2013 17:10:17

I don't mind steps so much, and I don't think I'd want rails in my house, though I understand the need. I just don't misstep enough to warrant installing them in my house, not even in the bathroom.
Darksword, who were you asking your question of exactly?

## Post 39 by chelslicious (like it or not, I'm gonna say what I mean. all the time.) on Thursday, 01-Aug-2013 17:20:19

no one's being snarky, here.
something that I think would help those of us who have additional disabilities/balance problems, is having a remote control and/or a wireless device with a button on it that would open and close the refridgerator/freezer doors.
so, if we're unable to get directly to either one, we could just press that button, and they'd close/open.

## Post 40 by forereel (Just posting.) on Thursday, 01-Aug-2013 20:20:35

Becky, you don't have to have steps at all on a house. Porches can be built with gental ramps, or in this case risers, so you feel like you are walking up a slight hill.
A Spanish style porch, is totally flat, as far as it feels, but is slightly off so that water drains.
You have seen or been inside a ranch house? These have no steps anyplace in the hold place. They are totally flat.
I have even seen multi level porches built with no steps at all.
I wonder about the fridge? Because they have to sill well by vacuum I wonder how that could be done. I'm going to ask for fun. Smile.

## Post 41 by Blue Velvet (I've got the platinum golden silver bronze poster award.) on Thursday, 01-Aug-2013 22:47:20

Wayne, I was referring more to decks than porches. A couple steps leading up to a porch don't bother me as long as the porch itself is flat. But I've been in a couple homes with decks outdoors that have many levels. You turn one direction and step down or up one or two steps, walk a little further and step down or up again. You turn to go back and again have to negotiate steps in various places. I'm not sure why anyone, blind or sighted, would want such a deck, but apparently some people do.

## Post 42 by SilverLightning (I've now got the silver prolific poster award! wahoo!) on Thursday, 01-Aug-2013 22:56:28

Chelsea, I'm curious about this, can you explain why you'd want to automatically open the refrigerator door? I don't have balance problems, so I don't know. I never thought that would be much of a challenge, explain please?

## Post 43 by forereel (Just posting.) on Friday, 02-Aug-2013 2:31:33

Becky. You don't have to have any step leading up to the porch, and many homes don't.
From what I understand, on the houses with different levels, is you get the sense of openness, but also the separation of rooms. I'd agree with that.
Some houses are built in to hill sides, so they have to flow with the land, so need these 2 or 3 steps you've seen.
These houses look nice in the hills that are built that way. Ssometimes you have no choice if you want to build in that area and keep the land as is.
You can change it, but normally the builders are going for a look or different style.
My exewife, and I use to go looking at houses as a hobbie on the weekends, so I've probably seen it all plus some.
If I didn't want steps, I'd build what is called a ranch or Bungalow , or some call them Spanish style. The name changes depending on several factors, but they are all flat, no steps at all leading to anyplace.

## Post 44 by chelslicious (like it or not, I'm gonna say what I mean. all the time.) on Friday, 02-Aug-2013 8:50:15

if I'm unstable on my feet, which is what's meant by having balance problems, it's highly likely that at times when I'm more unstable, I won't be as easily able to maintain my balance to search in the fridge/freezer for what I want, keep the item in one hand, then promptly close the door.
I should also mention that I'm not only factoring in balance, here, but tremendous leg pain, as well.

## Post 45 by SilverLightning (I've now got the silver prolific poster award! wahoo!) on Friday, 02-Aug-2013 9:14:48

Ah, Ok, I see what you meant. I guess I never thought of that. Interesting.

## Post 46 by chelslicious (like it or not, I'm gonna say what I mean. all the time.) on Friday, 02-Aug-2013 11:24:33

really? I would've thought you had, considering what a logical person you claim to be.

## Post 47 by Shepherdwolf (I've now got the bronze prolific poster award! now going for the silver award!) on Friday, 02-Aug-2013 14:57:00

I've never had balance problems myself. I'm totally blind, and that's basically it. Speaking from personal experience, I don't really know what it's like when one or both legs don't work the way they should. I can say that as a person with good balance I've never really thought twice about opening or closing a freezer door, or any other door, except when my hands are full. When your hands are occupied though, depending on the door and the weight of what's in your hands or arms, it can be a bit awkward for sure. For me, this was a scenario I had to stop and think about for a sec, and I went, "Oh...well, I suppose at the very least it would eliminate excess walking". If you opened your freezer and took some stuff out, making your hands occupied (one with the items, perhaps the other with a support cane?), then you really don't have a hand to shove the door closed with. You might use your shoulder or even the side of your head, but if balance isn't good even with a support cane, that's probably not going to be so easy. So you'd get to your countertop, plunk your stuff down and then use a remote...or hey, voice-activated open/close command would be cool too. That way you could just say "Close" as you were walking away and it would shut. I am probably misunderstanding bits of this or maybe even overcomplicating it (comes with not being intimately aware of the situation I suppose), but after giving it a little thought I can completely see how that might be helpful in some cases.
A few things I'd like in a house that I custom-designed:
- clear driveway (which is to say one where you knew it was yours)
- deep front porch with overhand, as Cody suggested, for easier navigation
- a good-sized tub (though this is preference, not truly blindness-related)
- intercom system and accessible house controls (thermostat, central air, etc)...that's bloody handy
- accessible appliances (washer, dryer, stove, microwave)
- no free-standing pillars or posts to bash into
- no half-walls that are too low to hear
- no sudden unexplained steps (stairways are fine, one or two steps from room to room are sort of a pain till you get used to them)
- bathroom window more than four and a half feet above the ground (windows really are excellent for ventilation, and if it's smallish and at head height, even someone looking in won't see what you don't want them to without somehow looking down from the outside)
- good-sized sinks (I hate splashing when I do dishes, and small sinks are a pain in the tail for that)
- lots of electrical outlets so I'm never too far from wall current
- rooms that are neither too boxy nor too full of echo
- few to no flowers, since lots of nice flowers means lots of not-so-nice bees
- as a general, placement in a neighbourhood that has fairly accessible public transit nearby enough that I can walk to it

## Post 48 by LovesDefinitionIsGod (Veteran Zoner) on Friday, 02-Aug-2013 15:06:19

Thank you all for your ideas. I love them. Some of them should have been almost common sense to me, and when I read them I was like, well yeah. Keep 'em coming.

## Post 49 by SilverLightning (I've now got the silver prolific poster award! wahoo!) on Friday, 02-Aug-2013 15:17:45

Not really a matter of logic Chelsea. Just a matter of me never having to think about it before. I don't have balance issues, so I don't really have a reason to think about what would make it easier to live with them.

## Post 50 by LeoGuardian (You mean there is something outside of this room with my computer in it?) on Friday, 02-Aug-2013 15:40:21

Cody's right here. Logic doesn't mean you think of everything.
I'm married to a tall chick who now has joint troubles in her mid 40s. So, I never thought about some things people in her situation deal with, it's been something I have learned, and me being a short guy with good balance who can climb crawl just about anywhere I have simply had to learn, and accommodate where I can.

## Post 51 by forereel (Just posting.) on Friday, 02-Aug-2013 15:49:30

Also, remember, these doors take some pulling on to get them open. They are not like regular doors due to the magnets and the seals.
I'm still checking on that. Interesting.

## Post 52 by chelslicious (like it or not, I'm gonna say what I mean. all the time.) on Friday, 02-Aug-2013 17:54:41

well, I know Cody is generally one to pick fights, so that's where I was coming from. I'm not saying that everyone has to know these sorts of things, by any means, though.

## Post 53 by SilverLightning (I've now got the silver prolific poster award! wahoo!) on Friday, 02-Aug-2013 18:14:44

I see no need to fight over refrigerator doors Chelsea, especially since we're not disagreeing on anything.
I wonder if some sort of actuator could be wired, like a pedal or something you step on that opens the door, or a button you lean against.

## Post 54 by chelslicious (like it or not, I'm gonna say what I mean. all the time.) on Friday, 02-Aug-2013 18:19:56

that would be a good idea, Cody. hell, they have petals, if you will, that you can step on to open trash cans, so why not refridgerators?
another thing I think would be helpful, is sliding glass doors, instead of doors you have to open (again, for the same reasons I've mentioned above).
I know that probably doesn't sound practical, and likely isn't possible inside houses/apartments, but hey, we're designing our own house, right?

## Post 55 by Shepherdwolf (I've now got the bronze prolific poster award! now going for the silver award!) on Friday, 02-Aug-2013 18:21:39

It's perfectly possible, if you're talking about doors that slide from left to right or vice versa. They have sliding-glass doors that connect outside to inside, and there are definitely places I've seen that have little half-doors that slide on tracks. I've seen it done in different variations for closets too.

## Post 56 by forereel (Just posting.) on Friday, 02-Aug-2013 18:28:35

Shep is right. You can have doors slide.
How they do it is they cut out the studs back for a double door, then put a sliding door in. Doors can even be made to open as you approach them.
The fridge, I'm working on. I'm gonna find that. Lol

## Post 57 by chelslicious (like it or not, I'm gonna say what I mean. all the time.) on Friday, 02-Aug-2013 18:32:04

that's cool about the doors. I of course knew they existed as back doors, for instance, but figured they wouldn't be possible to have inside. it's nice to know I'm not too out of my mind, though. lol.

## Post 58 by forereel (Just posting.) on Friday, 02-Aug-2013 18:38:38

It is really an easy change actually. No more expensive then regular doors, and easier to hang actually.
The only issue with sliding doors is keeping the tracks dirt free.

## Post 59 by SilverLightning (I've now got the silver prolific poster award! wahoo!) on Saturday, 03-Aug-2013 0:21:26

Inside they're called pocket doors, because they slide back into a pocket in the wall.

## Post 60 by forereel (Just posting.) on Saturday, 03-Aug-2013 7:01:00

They also have the bi fold doors as well. These fold in half and slide back. These are on many closets.

## Post 61 by SilverLightning (I've now got the silver prolific poster award! wahoo!) on Saturday, 03-Aug-2013 7:19:25

Yeah, but they aren't very sturdy. I don't know if I'd want one as a door to a bedroom. They don't seal well or afford a lot of privacy. You can get pocket doors that completely cut out sound and afford extreme privacy. Still, to each their own, its our own personal house.

## Post 62 by forereel (Just posting.) on Saturday, 03-Aug-2013 8:03:07

The ones you have seen on closets are not, but there are some that are extremely sturdy. These doors are solid wood, mettle even. They are designed with 2 tracks, one on top and one on bottom and latch in the middle.
I've seen the better variety used only as design items, not for any other reason.
On a room, I'd prefer the pocket type myself though.

## Post 63 by forereel (Just posting.) on Saturday, 03-Aug-2013 8:05:53

I forgot about the curtain style as well. These are exactly as they sound fold up like a curtain. You see these in hotels as means of deviding rooms.

## Post 64 by forereel (Just posting.) on Saturday, 03-Aug-2013 10:36:32

And just because you asked.
How to: Open the fridge with a Remote Control - YouTube
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ce4TX37yRlA

## Post 65 by love94 (Account disabled) on Sunday, 04-Aug-2013 0:50:39

I am visually impaired blind.

## Post 66 by Smiling Sunshine (I've now got the bronze prolific poster award! now going for the silver award!) on Sunday, 04-Aug-2013 16:19:57

One of the houses I lived in as a teen ager has a pocket door to my room. It was super cool. About the only bummer with it is they're hard to slam when you're good and angry. lol

## Post 67 by rdfreak (THE ONE AND ONLY TRUE-BLUE KANGA-KICKIN AUSIE) on Monday, 05-Aug-2013 0:15:43

I'd never seen a pocket door before until a few weeks ago when I was at my friend's new house. I wonder now about the seal as this one is actually their back door leading out to the deck. They're in the tropics so it's not so bad temp wise but insects and things like that.
Still it was very nice. This door was mostly window floor to ceiling - very neat.

## Post 68 by forereel (Just posting.) on Monday, 05-Aug-2013 1:23:31

Yep, slamming one of them babies, specially a solid wood one might get your fingers and you'll learn to cuss. Lol.

## Post 69 by SilverLightning (I've now got the silver prolific poster award! wahoo!) on Monday, 05-Aug-2013 1:28:08

You can slam them, but they always bounce back. So you slam them, and then it opens itself back up a few inches just to laugh at your efforts. Its frickin' frustrating.

## Post 70 by forereel (Just posting.) on Monday, 05-Aug-2013 10:01:23

So you slam it good this time, but forget to move your fingers and. Lol

## Post 71 by loves animals (This site is so "educational") on Tuesday, 06-Aug-2013 1:37:26

ouch that does hurt when you get your fingers caught in a door and I've not heard or seen those kinds of doors before though the place we live at here has a sliding door

## Post 72 by chelslicious (like it or not, I'm gonna say what I mean. all the time.) on Tuesday, 06-Aug-2013 12:21:32

I've never seen them, either, but I'm not one to get angry, so wouldn't have to worry about the slamming you all speak of. although, I don't slam doors, anyway.

## Post 73 by forereel (Just posting.) on Tuesday, 06-Aug-2013 16:48:10

Good, your fingers are relieved. Smile.
Let me try to explain how one looks. Suppose you took a regular door and instead of it swinging it slide to the side in to a space in the wall?
The wall is hollow, and has space for the door, and the door hangs on a track in the top of the door, or slides in a groove in the top of the door.
The door doesn't slide all the way in in some cases, and when they do, they have something in the side you can flip out to pull the door with.

## Post 74 by jen91_09 (777) on Wednesday, 14-Aug-2013 13:00:51

This is a really cool topic. I haven't thought much about this before other than I really want a house someday with a fenced in back yard for my guide dog/pet dogs/eventual kids to run in. I'd have the intercom system for the doors. Anybody know how much those would cost? I'm not really willing to spend a ton of money, at least right now and figuring once I do get a job it won't make a ton of money lol. I'd also probably get carpet, or maybe lanolium? IDK. I like carpet because it's quieter and warmer in winter, but lanolium would be easy to clean messes up from... i'd have to use a vacuum though since I suck at using a dust pan. lob

## Post 75 by forereel (Just posting.) on Wednesday, 14-Aug-2013 16:58:52

That depends on how you want it installed.
RadioShack can set you up with something cheaply, or an electronics store.
It also depends on how many doors you want to cover.
The built in systems are going to be better and more reliable, due to them not having to have the batteries checked and such things.
Plus, you can wire them in to whatever sorce you want to use as the ansering device, like your computer and Skype.
I live in an apartment and can answer the security door using Skype, due to it being in the phone system.
$50 for something cheap I'd say. You just need a speaker outside and something to answer it with inside. Something portable would be best.

## Post 76 by loves animals (This site is so "educational") on Thursday, 15-Aug-2013 6:45:50

like your ideas, smiles.

## Post 77 by BryanP22 (Novice theriminist) on Saturday, 24-Aug-2013 20:29:04

LOL. Slamming pocket doors got me thinking of an incident quite a few years back. Granted this was with a roll-up garage door rather than a pocket door but it still popped into my head. But after my sister graduated High School she ot a Volkswagen Bug. Well she started having problems with it and so mydad had to spend a lot of time trying to figure out what the problem was. Unfortunately as with computers cars can be a bit finaky when it comes to fixing them. Well after a long and frustrating period of trying and failing to find the problem or fix it, my dad went into the house to get something. Unfortunately he wasn't in a good mood by this point and as people sometimes will when they're mad he just shoved the garage door up haphazardly as he walked under it. Unfortunately he didn't really push the door up far enough for it to catch and stay up, so it bounced off the top of his head just as he was walking under it.
Getting back on topic though I've been considering the best ways to add a blind friendly security system to a house. Problem is they can be expensive to run and sometimes they can go off for no apparent reason. Not only that but unless you have one you can program to recognize them your pets can set them off. Then of course finding one that would be blind accessible, although I have heard that ADT has some that are pretty good in that regard. My biggest worry though would be that I'd set it off by accident myself and then forget the code. But whe I was younger we briefly lived in Gresham, Oregon in a house that came with a security system. We weren't in that house but a month or two when we started having problems with the security system. It would start beeping for no apparent reason and it would take quite a production to shut it off. The last time it not only started beeping but it also started making this sci-fi laser type noise. My dad finally ended up just removing the battery.

## Post 78 by forereel (Just posting.) on Saturday, 24-Aug-2013 20:46:37

There better than that now. It also depends on the product you buy.
The better one have a service that calls you before they call the police depending on why it goes off.

## Post 79 by chelslicious (like it or not, I'm gonna say what I mean. all the time.) on Saturday, 24-Aug-2013 20:54:28

yes, Wayne is right about the security systems being much better than they used to be. I know, cause a house I lived in years ago had one installed, and the company called you to make sure things were okay, as it was going off. you'd have to provide them with whatever code word you set, so they'd know it was someone who lived there, rather than a robber. that way, the police wouldn't get sent out for nothing, if everything turned out to be fine.

## Post 80 by BryanP22 (Novice theriminist) on Monday, 26-Aug-2013 15:35:42

True. This was about nineteen years ago now so I would think they'd have improved since then. It's good to know that at least some of them would call ou before they called the cops. It would give you a chance to set them at ease if you'd forgotten the code to enter into the system's keypad.

## Post 81 by forereel (Just posting.) on Monday, 26-Aug-2013 17:41:33

Well, they teach you. You keep forgetting they charge you. Smile, but yes, 19 years is a long time, and they've improved greatly.

## Post 82 by loves animals (This site is so "educational") on Tuesday, 27-Aug-2013 5:44:00

yeah we have that here where the company will call you if the alarm goes off but as I had never used one before and the darn thing was blasting so I tried to find the stop button but apparently you have to enter a password or code of some sort which I didn't know of so I was pressing buttons and found this large one and I pushed it number of times and then all of a sudden the alarm stopped but a while later a knock was heard at the door and I was asked if I was alright and I told them I was and I was told the fire/police could of turned up and I was unsure of why and I was told that the button I was pushing was the emergency button, smiles

## Post 83 by forereel (Just posting.) on Tuesday, 27-Aug-2013 11:08:23

Admit it. You just wanted company. Smile.

## Post 84 by loves animals (This site is so "educational") on Wednesday, 28-Aug-2013 0:28:07

no not because of that I had never been shown by any one how a alarm system worked or how to use one before.

## Post 85 by forereel (Just posting.) on Wednesday, 28-Aug-2013 16:31:06

Sure, sure. Push the panic button, soon you get big strong men at your door. Smile.

## Post 86 by loves animals (This site is so "educational") on Wednesday, 28-Aug-2013 22:49:46

hahahahahahahaha so funny, smiles.

## Post 87 by l_borgia (Generic Zoner) on Wednesday, 18-Dec-2013 1:49:57

Mark your microwave, oven, washer and dryer with tactile marks and have an active role in deciding where your furniture goes (don't have other people decide and dictate for you where your stuff is going to go.) You'll be fine…oh, and get some art for your walls or a nice plant…your sighted friends will appreciate how nice they look. These are things I've learned.

## Post 88 by LeoGuardian (You mean there is something outside of this room with my computer in it?) on Wednesday, 18-Dec-2013 11:51:53

Lol does my beer growler collection and other paraphernalia count as art? Lol the Chick says maybe not, but she does allow it to be displayed in my space these days, now the daughter is grown no more words about aged appropriate and all those things. Hahaha. Art and décor is subjective.

## Post 89 by Imprecator (The Zone's Spelling Nazi) on Thursday, 19-Dec-2013 10:08:59

I would want a pool, with a slide attached to the upstairs master bedroom window, so I could just climb out the window and slide down into the pool. That's all I can think of at the moment.

## Post 90 by loves animals (This site is so "educational") on Friday, 20-Dec-2013 6:07:45

lol cool idea, smiles.

## Post 91 by Smiling Sunshine (I've now got the bronze prolific poster award! now going for the silver award!) on Friday, 20-Dec-2013 13:47:37

If anyone getting a house has the option to get a new thermostat, the Honeywell brand also has an accessible IPhone ap. I'm totally switching ours to one of those if we get any Christmas money. In Texas, it is 70 right now and will be 40 in a few hours so the ability to control one's own AC/heat is pretty important. I love how they're making aps to help with stuff like this.

## Post 92 by Imprecator (The Zone's Spelling Nazi) on Friday, 20-Dec-2013 15:17:11

A toilet with an ass warmer.

## Post 93 by loves animals (This site is so "educational") on Friday, 20-Dec-2013 18:17:31

lol, nice one, smiles.

## Post 94 by LeoGuardian (You mean there is something outside of this room with my computer in it?) on Saturday, 21-Dec-2013 0:22:43

A room with a carousel of kegerators, a liquor cabinet, display racks for all kinda ops gear, some crash test dummies and a dart board to test all the gear on, a walk-in humidor, and a urinal.
Lol, that kinda room, a certain Chick would probably ask me how much time I was planning to spend in there. *smile*

## Post 95 by forereel (Just posting.) on Saturday, 21-Dec-2013 11:24:18

Domestic. Your dream is come true.
You own your house, so switching this out wouldn't be difficult at all.
It works like this. The heating/colling control is plugged in to a wall contro that receives signals from your cellphone. You can do it on your computer, or iPhone with easy, and even if you are not home as long as you have power.
We are not talking expensive.
If you want more information, brands, and such say, and I'll post it, or my idea of a setup.
I don't know how handy your husband is with fixing this, but the heating controls mainly have 2 wires, so are easy to install.
You have access to someone that takes you places, so a trip to your home depot will set you up.
To get it installed, while at the home depot, as them to give you a list of the contractors on the bulletin board, if you're husband isn't able.
There you go. Control in the palm of your hand. Smile.

## Post 96 by chelslicious (like it or not, I'm gonna say what I mean. all the time.) on Saturday, 21-Dec-2013 12:11:46

leo, would you take your iPhone in there, too, along with your braille display, so you could read on the shitter? lol.
just had to ask, as I know of many a male who reads there.

## Post 97 by LeoGuardian (You mean there is something outside of this room with my computer in it?) on Saturday, 21-Dec-2013 14:25:05

That's a good possibility. Never done it, though.

## Post 98 by forereel (Just posting.) on Saturday, 21-Dec-2013 14:36:57

Hehe. iPhones are to expensive to drop in the toilet.

## Post 99 by loves animals (This site is so "educational") on Saturday, 21-Dec-2013 18:20:06

yes they are and don't have one because of that but also touch screens are some times difficult to use, smiles.

## Post 100 by Smiling Sunshine (I've now got the bronze prolific poster award! now going for the silver award!) on Sunday, 22-Dec-2013 10:10:42

A toilet with an ass warmer??? Why didn't I think of that. Damn but that's a good idea. And, yep, we're getting a new thermostat with our Christmas money. Woot woot.

## Post 101 by loves animals (This site is so "educational") on Sunday, 22-Dec-2013 17:45:25

cool, smiles

## Post 102 by Imprecator (The Zone's Spelling Nazi) on Friday, 27-Dec-2013 23:28:27

Big library/study type room with a computer, shelves of books, CDs and DVDs. Basement designed to look like a dungeon. I would collect medieval musical instruments and weapons, and store them down there.

## Post 103 by BryanP22 (Novice theriminist) on Friday, 03-Jan-2014 4:26:31

I wouldn't mind being able to control my thermostat with my phone, but alas I have a feeling that's a bit too sophisticated for fixed income housing at least in Twin Falls, Idaho.

## Post 104 by loves animals (This site is so "educational") on Friday, 03-Jan-2014 5:23:36

I'd have a talking library where lots and lots of books would be stored, smiles.