Tips For An Accessible Home Renovation

For those who are renovating to age in place or remodeling for people with disabilities, I recommend you focus on taking care of the basic needs first – eating, sleeping, and bathing comfortably. 

Building for life may seem like a big job – and it is – but if you break it down into smaller projects you can take it one step at a time. I have renovated a few handicap-accessible homes in my career.

Being able to navigate your home could be a challenge as you age or are dealing with disabilities- the idea is to mitigate that as much as possible starting now. Here are some tips on building a wheelchair friendly house.

For this accessible bathroom from Holmes Family Rescue, we worked with the experts from Med Health Plus. They guided us on the features that were important to incorporate for Noah.

REMEMBER:

Before starting any home improvement projects or renovation, always make sure you’ve got the proper permits in place.

Accessible Doors and Entrances

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Doors need to be wider to accommodate wheelchairs and walkers. Doorways should be at least 32” wide – but 36” is better for maneuverability.

Creating a no-step entrance using landscaping to create a slope up to the front entryway can create a functional ramp. The lack of stairs makes sense for accessibility needs, and the landscaping will have it looking good, too.

Windows Should Be Easy To Open

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Any window in the home shouldn’t require the use of both hands. Casement or awning windows that open and close with a crank are simple to use for homeowners of any dexterity level. They will also need to be low enough for people who are seated to operate.

Newer windows are double paned and usually have an inert gas (argon or krypton) between the panes that provides some insulation and reduces the chance of condensation. 

Installing an Elevator 

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If you are in a wheelchair, the best option is a lift that accommodates you with the wheelchair. The footprint of residential elevators has reduced significantly in the past few years. But don’t be fooled, you still need significant space in order to put an elevator in your house.

For Holmes Family Rescue, we added a Savaria elevator in Noah’s house so he can enter and exit his house confidently.

Consider Your Flooring Choices

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Your accessibility needs should dictate what kind of materials you use in your home, especially when it comes to your flooring. 

A non-slip flooring, especially in bathrooms, is essential. But you will also need to consider the durability of the material you use. When building a wheelchair-friendly house, remember that wheelchairs and walkers are heavy – and can cause softer materials to deteriorate more quickly. This photo from Holmes Family Rescue features engineered hardwood from Twelve Oaks. We tested it ourselves by scratching it. It is very durable, perfect choice for a wheelchair-friendly house.

Remember, if the room isn’t wide enough to turn a wheelchair, it doesn’t matter what your flooring is made of – the space just will not work and you’ll need a new plan.

Here are a few options to think about when it comes to flooring:

#1 Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood looks great – but you will want to avoid certain woods as they’ll be more susceptible to damage.

#2 Laminates

Laminate can mimic the look of wood, but offer better durability and resistance than some softer woods. Laminate flooring is also a good option for the cost conscious homeowners.  

#3 Tiles

Tile is very durable and easily cleaned if scuff marks are a concern. Because they’re water-resistant, they make a good contender for kitchens and bathrooms. Porcelain tile is the best option for bathrooms. It’s durable, easy to clean, and has a low moisture absorption rate

#4 Carpet

You might think that carpet can be a hindrance to someone using a wheelchair – but if you plan for it, it can work. A thinner carpet, with a pile or height of half an inch or less, without an underpad will offer far less resistance, and accommodate accessibility devices easily.

RELATED:

• How To Level An Uneven Floor
• Flooring Guide For Your Bathrooms Dos and Don’ts

Curbless (Walk-In) Showers

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I would highly recommend turning your bathroom tub into a stand-up curb-less shower. It just makes sense, especially as we age. You will benefit from having a mobility-accessible shower ideally on your home’s main level.

A reliable waterproofing system will ensure that moisture isn’t penetrating your walls or floors.

In my opinion, Schluter Systems provides the best waterproofing products for all your renovation needs. Here’s a more in-depth look at curb-less showers.

READ MORE:

DO’S AND DON’TS OF YOUR BATHROOM RENOVATION

Install a Shower Bench

A built-in shower bench is a great idea. It provides a sitting option, especially important in case of mobility issues or injuries

It is framed right into the shower wall and floor, which is then waterproofed and tiled. 

Talk to your contractor about pre-fabricated shower benches and custom built-in shower benches.

More about Shower Benches for your Bathroom Remodel here.

Pocket Doors

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For smaller cramped areas, it can be difficult to account for the swing of a hinged door with a person’s individual mobility device, and a pocket door can offer the perfect solution to keep the room usable while offering a sense of privacy.

It IS possible to retrofit pocket doors throughout your home. Your contractor can help you decide where you can easily add them – and where you shouldn’t. 

Do you know what’s behind your walls? In many cases, there could be electrical wires, ductwork, or plumbing snaking through the house providing much-needed utilities. Or the wall could be structural. You need to know this before you even attempt to install a pocket door. Some of these systems just can’t be messed with.

Kitchen and Bathroom Faucets 

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Installing a touchless faucet is an easy update! The great thing about this type of technology in the kitchen is that you don’t have to touch the faucet to turn it on. Instead, it is activated by a sensor located on the side of the faucet. This can come in handy for individuals with limited mobility who may experience difficulty reaching or grasping the faucet handle. They can also reduce germ transfer and contribute to a CLEAN HOME by eliminating the need to touch the faucet after messy tasks like preparing raw foods.

To move or not to move? I hear that question often from families with an aging member or families with a member with mobility issues. The truth is, if you RENOVATE IT RIGHT, your house can be renovated to accommodate your needs.

RELATED:

Renovating It Right – Room By Room

READ NEXT:

Buying stainless steel appliances, replacing old cabinetry with new, and adding a fresh coat of paint are enough for many people to call a renovation complete – but rebuilding your home for life takes more consideration than that. Is Aging in Place Right for You and Your Home?

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