If you live with someone with limited mobility, an aged adult, or a physically disabled person, you must remodel your home to accommodate their needs. Keep in mind the Fair Housing Act that requires buildings to meet specific parameters for accessibility of the disabled. They include:
- Accessible thermostats, light switches, and other environmental controls.
- A wheelchair-accessible route in the unit.
- Reinforced bathroom walls to accommodate wall grab bars.
- Bathrooms and kitchens that are wheelchair accessible.
Here are some ideas.
Hire an expert
Remodeling your home to accommodate a handicap is a demanding project that requires the help of an expert. They can get the work well done and come up with ideas to customize your home to your needs. Find a Universal Design certified professional for a disability remodeling project. The universal design emphasizes the environment to be usable by all people without specialized design or adaptation. Explore your options and ensure you hire the right expert to oversee your home remodeling project.
Remodeling entryways
You need to think about creating accessible doorways into and out of your home for the disabled person. Alternatives for staircases for people with mobility problems include lifts and ramps. Ramps are affordable because they are reliable and less prone to repairs. After all, they are not electronic. If you are on a budget, portable ramps also come in handy.
When remodeling entryways and exits, make a point of surveying your yard to make it more accomodating as well. Level the ground, create wheelchair-accessible paths, and remove any potential hazards.
Disability-friendly flooring
Flooring is an integral part of remodeling around a disability. You need to find a flooring option that is durable, firm, smooth, and relatively non-porous. It should not be prone to buckling or bunching. Suitable flooring makes it easy for a wheelchair to roll on and move without costing the person too much effort. It should be less likely to cause slips and falls and easy to clean. Wood flooring, laminate, and vinyl flooring can work well. It is good to consult with a flooring expert to examine your flooring options carefully.
Accessible bathrooms
Bathrooms are the most crucial rooms to remodel to accommodate people with mobility problems. A handicap-accessible shower affords them independence and privacy, and it is also vital for safety reasons, especially when getting into and out of the bathroom. The bathroom should be open enough to accommodate easy maneuvering. Depending on your bathroom layout, you may have to reroute the plumbing system.
Simple bathroom remodeling ideas around disability include installing level-handled water valves, handheld showerheads, grab bars. The toilet seat should be elevated than the standard toilet seat to facilitate less distance when moving from the wheelchair to the seat. Grab bars should also be there on both sides of the toilet.
Electrical system
Ensure all the electrical systems are accessible to the disabled person. An innovative feature is the smart home technology that allows one to control their electrical system through their devices or remotely. Consider installing electrical devices with remotes and longer chains.
The takeaway
It is necessary to research several options and, if possible, communicate with the person you are looking to accommodate to get their perspective on the remodeling project.
