Remodeling a Bathroom For Accessibility

In order to make a bathroom fully handicapped accessible, several modifications need to be made. Here are three steps involved in remodeling for accessibility.

1. Widen Doorways

Widening a doorway is usually the first step in making an accessible bathroom. Most doorways measure between 23 and 27 inches. In order for a wheelchair to clear a doorway, the width needs to be approximately 32 inches. In most homes, a door frame needs widened to accommodate a new door that is easy to pass through in a wheelchair and not difficult to open and close from a seated position.

2. Install a Roll-In Shower

A bathtub can be a dangerous obstacle to bathing for somebody who needs to get in and out of a wheelchair or even just someone who has limited mobility. There are a couple of different solutions that can address this problem. If baths are preferable to showers, you can install a tub with a side that opens and closes, and then fill the tub once inside. If showers preferable, you can simply eliminate the tub altogether and create a large open shower area that someone can roll into.

3. Raise Sinks and Remove Vanities

Using a sink from a wheelchair requires being able to roll right up against it. In order to do this, any lower obstruction that a sink sits on needs to be removed. An accessible bathroom requires that a sink be attached directly to the wall, allowing the front of a wheelchair can pass under it. The depth must not be too great so that a person will have to strain to reach the faucet. A handsfree automatic faucet may be the easiest option.

The best way to redesign a bathroom for accessibility is to work with a company that has specialized experience in this type of remodeling. They can identify exactly what needs to be done in your home’s bathroom and provide you with a customized quote.