5 Things to Include in Accessible Home Design

When you have a physical disability, house hunting is even more challenging.   The lack of accessibility in houses makes disabled people feel uncomfortable and unsafe.

It can also be challenging for seniors to remain in their homes as they age. Living in an environment that is more accessible could be a safer option for them.

Good news!   It is possible to adapt existing homes so that they are more accessible.   The use of home modifications can assist people with disabilities in staying in their homes for a longer period of time by making it easier for them to carry out their daily activities. If you’ve thought about making changes to your home, you know there are quite a few details to consider. A number of modifications are available, including handicapped parking spaces and ADA wheelchair entrances, as well as roll-in bathtubs.

Remodeling a home should take into account five primary areas when making it more accessible.

  1. Hardwood flooring

In addition to being aesthetically pleasing, hardwood floors have several other benefits as well. It’s easy to refinish them if they get scratched. These floors are also less slippery than tile floors. Lastly, hardwood floors are easier to navigate with a wheelchair, crutches, or walker. A less expensive alternative to hardwood flooring is vinyl plank flooring, which is also water-resistant. If you’re really interested in carpet, choose a low pile and thinner padding.

  1. A spacious layout

The narrow doorways and small, closed-off rooms of old homes make them difficult to live in. People with disabilities can move around more easily in newer homes because their floor plans are more open. Open floor plans can also improve communication between people with hearing loss. Another way to make a house appear more open and spacious is to reroute the wiring, remove non-load-bearing walls, and install seamless flooring. In addition to lowering counters and vanities, doors must be widened for wheelchair access.

5 Things to Include in Accessible Home Design Accessible Bathroom_Handicap Bathrooms remodeling

  1. Bathtubs and showers

Bathrooms are the most dangerous room in the house for people with disabilities.

Bathtubs and showers can be barriers for people who use wheelchairs or have physical disabilities. Hence, roll-in showers are a great option for accessible homes. It is possible to construct a roll-in shower in many different ways so that it looks appealing and stylish.

  1. Entry steps

To make the house accessible, it is necessary to remove the steps at the entryway. This makes it easier for wheelchair users as well as people who are challenged by stairs to access the house. In some cases, removing entry barriers can be challenging and may necessitate the use of ramps to be able to do so. When building accessibility ramps, it is always a good idea to include handrails.

  1. Garage

Your garage must have a minimum vertical clearance of 9 feet above the finished floor for a lifted-top, wheelchair-accessible van to access it.

When you are looking to modify your home to make it more accessible to people with disabilities, our home modification experts are here to help you every step of the way. Feel free to contact us today if you need help getting started!

For more information about other accessible modifications for your home, contact We Build It for a free estimate. We can be reached at 1.702.720.8888. Located in Las Vegas, NV, and serving the entire region, we are one of the most reputable and experienced general contractors.