How to Plan a House Remodeling for People With Disabilities?

Table of Contents

1. Plan a House Remodeling for People With Disabilities[+]
   1. Kitchen
   2. Bathrooms
   3. Entrances
2. Stairway
3. In Conclusion

House remodeling is a big event that takes an abundance of time, effort, patience, and money, making it one of the most significant endeavors in one’s life, so no wonder everyone wants to make it as close to perfection as possible.

The value of comfort is especially important when designing a house for those living with impairments or disabilities. It is vital for them and their families to have the appropriate aid and support.

Plan a House Remodeling for People With Disabilities

While there’s no single solution that will work well for everyone because even with the same root cause, two people can experience different limitations. Fortunately, there’s a variety of resources out there that can help you during the planning process.

There are a few key areas, including the kitchen, bathroom, entrances, and stairways, that your remodeling project should focus on.

We’ll guide you through the most common home modifications for disabled needs in the article below, so continue reading and learn more!

Kitchen

Kitchens are among the most frequently remodeled rooms in homes across America. The kitchen is the heart of the home, where families gather to talk, eat, work, and spend quality time together. They are also the place where food is prepared and cleaned and where many household activities take place.

However, many things can be done to make them more accessible for people with disabilities. In the planning phase, you might be interested in trying out Architectural Rendering Services, as they often come in handy when layout change is involved during a remodeling project.

The kitchen layout and design should facilitate access throughout the room. This includes ensuring that there’s enough space for wheelchair or scooter access, as well as an area designated for getting in and out of the wheelchair.

In case of trouble walking, make sure that you have plenty of space around the work surface and consider installing an island. It will help move around the kitchen more efficiently.

It’s also important to consider the counter height and the sink, stove, and refrigerator placement. A lowered kitchen countertop can be a game-changer in this case. They provide an opportunity to be able to reach the countertop easily and conveniently.

This way, you won’t need a stool or any other additional help. Another thing to consider is a lowered sink. This will make it much easier for a person to wash dishes or do other kitchen tasks.

They can also be installed in a way that it becomes easier to fill and drain the sink, adding yet another convenience. A wheelchair-height refrigerator may be another solution that will make it much easier for people to access items stored in the fridge.

Bathrooms

Bathrooms are another room in the house that can be modified to increase comfort and accessibility for people living with disabilities. One of the most frequent modifications is widening doorway thresholds. It is important that bathroom doorways are wide enough for a wheelchair to pass through, so be sure to check your main bathroom door before beginning any remodeling project.

Don’t forget to add grab bars in areas near sinks, toilets, and showers to help users maintain balance and prevent falls. A roll-in shower is another great addition to a bathroom remodel.

They allow for more space and offer more options for bathing than conventional tubs. For example, roll-in showers usually have a seat with safety straps for additional support. If you choose to install grab bars as well, make sure that they meet ADA guidelines and are firmly anchored to the walls (use anchors approved by your local building department).

You can also remove any protruding nails or screws on the walls to prevent people from hurting themselves while trying to steady themselves.

Also, if you have a bigger bathroom, think about adding a second sink or a corner cabinet that can double as a handwashing station. These simple modifications will make life easier for people with limited mobility.

Entrances

You can make several modifications to existing stairwells and entrances in the home. You can modify entrance doors, so they open outwards instead of inwards. This change will allow wheelchair users to roll right into the house without having to back up first.

While many people suggest using a Dutch door system, which consists of two doors that swing open in opposite directions, remember that these doors require more clearance space than regular swinging ones.

Another thing you should pay attention to is the flooring surface, which must be non-slippery and easy to clean. If one of your family members needs help getting in and out of a wheelchair or scooter, you should consider installing a ramp leading to the front door.

Make sure to use grab bars that are ADA compliant and meet all safety standards. They should be sturdy and firmly mounted. Most importantly, they should be installed at arm level or lower and be securely anchored to the wall. Also, they should not interfere with doors or cabinets when they are opened.

Stairway

If your house is elevated, you might need to consider building an exterior ramp. Exterior ramps make life easier for those with mobility impairments. The costs of building ramps are reasonable, though depending on the scope of your project, you could consider installing a chair lift or in-home elevator.

A chair lift is a particularly great choice because it typically doesn’t require remodeling to install and is the more budget-friendly option. However, an in-home elevator provides the added benefit of moving a wheelchair between floors with minimal effort.

In Conclusion

Whether your house requires only a few small adjustments or a whole renovation, these changes will allow you to make it safer and more comfortable for the years to come.

Any large remodeling project should be tailored to your and your loved one’s needs and preferences, so don’t be shy to reach out for professional help if the whole thing happens to be too overwhelming.

Creating a comfortable home is possible, granted you dedicate time and effort, so be on the lookout for the right resources and turn your plans into reality.

Thank you for reading!