Our build process starts with our architect visiting the neighborhood where we will plan to build. Here at Habitat, it is very important for us to protect the architectural integrity of each neighborhood, so the architect looks at the size and style of the existing homes and the neighborhood streetscape so that he can create a design that will fit in appropriately. He will then utilize this information along with the lot sizes to determine an initial design. Meetings are then held with the Architect, Director of Construction, Construction Manager, LEED Development Committee, and Construction Committee to hammer out many of the details taking into account Habitat Design criteria, LEED H criteria, and other criteria.

The following is a list of the general, standard features that can be included in the design and construction of every Habitat for Humanity Saint Louis Home.

Habitat Design Criteria

The following is a list of the general, standard features that can be included in the design and construction of every Habitat for Humanity Saint Louis home.

Interior

• Three or four bedrooms (4th bedroom located in the basement)
• One, one and one half, or two bathrooms
• Generally between 1100 and 1300 square feet in size
• Open plan Living Room/Dining Room/Kitchen
• Large closets.
• Guest closet and/or linen closet
• Energy efficient design with wall and roof insulation exceeding code requirements (Energy Star Rated)
• Wall and attic insulation exceeding code requirements
• High efficiency gas furnace and tankless hot water heater
• Sump pump
• Passive Radon venting system
• Energy efficient whole house air conditioning
• Electric or gas range
• Energy Star - Whirlpool refrigerator and dishwasher included
• Horizontal blinds for bedrooms included
• Oak kitchen cabinets
• Security/Alarm system

Exterior

• Sodded and landscaped yards
• Architecturally compatible (style and size) with existing homes in the neighborhood
• Recessed or covered entrance
• Parking pad (where required), accessed either from front driveway or from alley (no garages or carports)
• Fenced rear yard
• Shed

Universal Design (UD) Criteria: Cradle to Grave

The fundamental objectives of affordable universal designed homes are to address housing for a population facing financial and physical challenges. Houses built to these UD criteria are intended to best meet the needs of a wide range of occupants aged young to old and with varying physical abilities. A UD home will include features a that provide convenience, safety, and ease of use. HFHSL includes many of the following criteria in their UD homes:

Interior

• Wider hallways
• Shorter counter heights
• Pantry with pull out shelves
• Adjustable shelving
• Lower (luminous) switch and higher outlet locations
• Outlet and switch heights
• Accessible door threshold that provides stepless entry
• Lever door handles
• Kitchen sink: faucet with separate sprayer, drain located at the back of the sink
• Reachable window locks
• High contrast finishes
• Full length mirror
• Bath room phone jack
• All switches - luminous

Exterior

• Ramp to parking
• Door bell internally luminous located at a lower height
• Handrail modification