How to Remodel a Bathroom for Handicap Accessibility

Creating an accessible bathroom can help everyone feel more at home and improve quality of life. Updating your bathroom for wheelchairs, walkers, or other mobility issues can create a more useful and accessible space for the elderly or handicapped members of your household.

Reliable Home Improvement provides the top 5 areas to help renovate your bathroom to become more handicap accessible:

General Access

To ensure the wheelchairs and walkers have plenty of space, make sure the doorway is at least 34″ wide. Additionally, using levered door handles rather than doorknobs will be easier to use. The actual square footage of the bathroom also needs to be large enough that a wheelchair can easily maneuver around. Also, consider having enough space for two people to freely move about in case an attendant is needed to assist the individual.

Shower and Tub Access

One of the toughest areas to maneuver within a bathroom if using a wheelchair or walker is the shower. However, just a few fixes can ensure that anyone can use this necessity with ease. Adding a universal access shower is a great option to avoid the raised threshold that typical showers contain. Also, including a built-in bench across from the shower controls can be beneficial. Finally, handheld showerheads are perfect for use when either sitting or standing. Just make sure to use at least 60 inches of hose to ensure full coverage.

A bench in the shower across from controls as well as a handheld showerhead help create an accessible shower space.

 

Toilet Access

According to ADA Guidelines, toilets should be around 17-19 inches high from the floor to the top of the seat. Installing grab bars within reach of the toilet are also a great way to ensure access is easier.

Ensuring toilets seats are at a proper height, not too low or too high will help to create an accessible space.

 

Vanity Access

Lowering the sink and ensuring there are no cabinets underneath allows for a wheelchair to easily fit within the vanity. Additionally, using a single-handed faucets or faucets with a sensor will avoid strenuous wrist or hand movements.

Lighting Access

Installing light switches and electrical outlets at a lower level so everyone can reach will help to create a more accessible space.

Better yet, installing automatic lights that turn on by motion sensors will not only be beneficial for accessibility but can also be energy efficient. These lights turn off automatically as well, so no more wasting money by leaving lights on.

 

Creating an accessible bathroom for everyone can be as easy as making just a few minor adjustments. Contact Reliable Home Improvement to see how we can help bring an accessible space into your home.

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