HOW TO MAKE YOUR HOUSE HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE

Making your home a comfortable and functional space is key. Whether you’re looking to purchase a new home that is already at least partially accessible or are researching ways to modify your existing home, here’s a list of considerations to have as you embark in the project of making your home handicap accessible and a space that works to meet the needs of your family.

ENTRANCE

Let’s start at the beginning: the entrance to your home. Opt for a no-step entry with a low threshold, ideally less than half an inch. If you’re accommodating for wheelchair use, consider including grading and making the entrance at least 36 inches wide. While most wheelchairs can go through a space that’s 32 inches wide, those extra few inches will make it a lot easier to maneuver.

STAIRS

There are a variety of ways to modify stairs to accommodate wheelchairs, walkers, or other mobility-assistance tools.

RAMPS

Ramps are a great option for areas with just a few steps to go in and out. If installing ramps is not an option for some areas of your home, you can always purchase portable ramps that can be put away when not in use.

STAIRCASE LIFT

Staircase lifts are a wonderful choice for full size staircases. These can be attached to a variety of stair designs and are built with many features to choose from to fit your specific needs.

ELEVATOR

The idea of adding an elevator to your home might sound wild and perhaps a bit futuristic, but for many individuals with mobility issues this is a life-changing decision. There are several types of residential elevators available in the market, but perhaps our favorite is the freestanding/machine-room-less elevator because it’s the easiest to retrofit into a home with minimal home alterations.

Plus, did you know that adding a well-placed, nice elevator to your home can increase your home value by up to 10%? And in many cases, it can more than make up the cost of the initial investment. Here’s a handy guide that goes over the different types of residential elevators available.

BATHROOM

Choose step-in tubs or showers with a shower chair or bench instead of the traditional tub or shower designs. If you have a shower, but don’t have the room for a shower bench, you can look into foldable options that simply go back against the wall when not in use.

In addition to sitting options, always make sure to have enough handrails placed in key places to offer comfortable support. This is true for both within the bathing area and around the toilet area.

Finally, place grippy mats in the shower or tub and around the bathroom to avoid slipping on wet floors.

HANDRAILS

Speaking of handrails, these are not just for the bathroom! Install handrails near the beds, chairs, and steps to make sure there is always support available.

DOORS

Lever handles, push/pull doors, or automatic doors are easier to use than traditional door knobs, whether or not someone has full use of their arms and hands.

KNEE SPACE

Provide knee space under sinks and countertops to allow for wheelchair users to roll right up to them as needed. Another good rule of thumb here is to build countertops at 30 inches, instead of the traditional 36 inches, to make them more accessible to differently-abled residents and guests.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

• Arrange the home so there is plenty of room between furniture and is easy to move around
• Make essential items accessible by placing them in easy-to-reach storage spaces
• Consider a side-by-side refrigerator/freezer unit that offers equal access to both so that wheelchair users can use it with ease
• Install motorized curtains for ease of use
• Replace your vanity mirror for a pivot mirror that can be angled up or down, ensuring that everyone can have a clear view

These are just some of the ways you can adapt your home to make it more accessible and enjoyable for all, regardless of their mobility needs. If you’re looking for a home that already incorporates some of these features or if you would like to buy and remodel, give us a call—we would love to help you find a home that will fit your family’s needs.