NARI Launches Universal Remodeling Education Program

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CONTACT:        Gwen Biasi (gbiasi@nari.org) or Nikki Golden (ngolden@nari.org)

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NARI Launches Universal Remodeling Education Program  

Des Plaines, Illinois, Oct. 31, 2008 – The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) launched the Universal Remodeling—Creating Comfortable and Accessible Homes education program today.

According to AARP’s “Fixing to Stay” study, 60% of respondents who have already modified their home did so to increase the ability to live independently and 55% did so to provide flexibility to adapt to the changing needs of family members. NARI recognizes how important a person’s home is to them and that interest is growing in modifying a home to fit the changing families’ needs. This Universal Remodeling education program is designed to teach remodelers how to interview clients with an understanding and consideration of their special needs, how to build these projects and the seven principles of Universal Remodeling, according to North Carolina University’s The Center for Universal Design. These principles include:

Equitable Use: The design is useful and marketable to people with diverse abilities.

Flexibility in Use: The design accommodates a wide range of individual preferences and abilities.

Simple and Intuitive Use: Use of the design is easy to understand, regardless of the user's experience, knowledge, language skills, or current concentration level.

Perceptible Information: The design communicates necessary information effectively to the user, regardless of ambient conditions or the user's sensory abilities.

Tolerance for Error: The design minimizes hazards and the adverse consequences of accidental or unintended actions.

Low Physical Effort: The design can be used efficiently and comfortably and with a minimum of fatigue.

Size and Space for Approach and Use: Appropriate size and space is provided for approach, reach, manipulation, and use regardless of the user’s body size, posture or mobility.

“No matter what the age of the family members, remodelers should discuss these issues when performing any remodeling or renovation work,” says Renée Rewiski, president of NARI. “Teenagers playing sports potentially will have temporary injuries; visitors may have varying levels of eyesight, or physical abilities; elderly loved ones may require special needs. All these should be considered during any remodel, and our members will have a standard to use when discussing these issues during a consultation.”

A remodeler who has taken NARI’s Universal Remodeling course will have gained an in-depth, thorough knowledge of all aspects of Universal Remodeling.  It gives the contractor a competitive edge in this increasingly-popular segment of remodeling. 

“The Universal Remodeling program is so important because it will provide remodelers with the expertise for remodeling with today, tomorrow, and well into the future in mind for their customer,” says Bryce Jacob, chair of the Universal Remodeling Education Sub-Committee. “Our members will learn how to dig deeper into the dynamics of their clients’ lives so their remodeling solutions will better serve their clients’ entire family.”

NARI’s Universal Remodeling course will allow the remodeling contractor to bring to their clients specific expertise in allowing a family to stay in their home, regardless of the specific needs of various family members.  The opportunities offered by NARI are easily accessible; the class will meet once a week for two hours via a teleconference/Webinar. The course will last for four weeks.

To learn more about the Universal Remodeling program, or to enroll, call NARI Headquarters toll-free at 800-611-6274 and ask for Jessica Noe or Dan Taddei.

The cost of this program will be $295 for NARI Members and $395 for Non-Members. For a limited time, NARI members will receive a discounted rate of $195. Space is limited so sign up now. 

The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) is the only trade association dedicated solely to the remodeling industry.  With more than 7,700 member companies nationwide, the Association -- based in Des Plaines, Illinois, -- is “The Voice of the Remodeling Industry”TM.  For membership information, or to locate a local NARI chapter or a remodeling professional, visit NARI’s website at http://www.nari.org/, or contact the national headquarters office at 800-611-NARI.