For people with disabilities, accessibility is essential. It not only provides a sense of independence but also allows them to live a more comfortable life.
However, accessibility is often overlooked when it comes to home design and renovations. Fortunately, with the right renovation strategy, you can transform your home for accessibility.
This article covers the essential renovation tips to help you transform your home for accessibility.
Consider the Entrance
The entrance is the first point of contact for anyone entering the house. Therefore, it’s crucial to ensure that it’s accessible to everyone. One way to ensure accessibility is by installing a ramp.
A ramp provides a smooth slope for wheelchairs, walkers, and other mobility devices. Ensure that the entrance door is wide enough for a wheelchair.
The standard width for a wheelchair is 32 inches. Therefore, ensure that the door width is at least thirty-six inches to allow for easy maneuvering.
Install Grab Bars and Handrails
Grab bars and handrails are essential safety features that provide support and stability for people with disabilities. They are particularly important in areas such as the bathroom and stairs.
To help people enter and exit the toilet, shower, and bathtub safely, grab bars should be installed nearby in the bathroom. In the stairway, handrails should be installed on both sides to provide support when going up and down the stairs.
Consider Flooring
Accessibility can be greatly impacted by the type of flooring you select. For example, carpeting may be difficult for wheelchairs to maneuver on.
Therefore, hardwood floors or other smooth surfaces may be more accessible. Ensure that the floor is level and free of any bumps or uneven surfaces that may pose a tripping hazard.
Consider the Bathroom
The bathroom is one of the essential areas of the house that requires accessibility. One way to ensure accessibility is by installing a walk-in shower.
A walk-in shower provides easy access for people with mobility issues. Ensure that the shower has a bench or seat for added comfort and safety.
Installing a raised toilet seat and a hand-held showerhead are also important features to consider.
Consider the Kitchen
The kitchen is another crucial area of the house that requires accessibility. One way to ensure accessibility is by installing countertops at varying heights to accommodate people of different heights and abilities.
Consider installing pull-out shelves and drawers that can be easily accessed from a seated position. A side-by-side refrigerator and freezer unit can also be more accessible than a traditional top-and-bottom unit.
Ensure that the sink has a lever-operated faucet and is shallow enough to allow for easy reach.
Widen Doorways
The standard doorway width is thirty inches, which may not be wide enough for wheelchairs and other mobility devices. Therefore, consider widening doorways to at least 36 inches to allow for easy maneuvering.
Wider doorways also provide a more open feel to the house and can make it easier for people with disabilities to move around.
Consider Lighting
Good lighting is essential for accessibility. It not only makes it easier to move around but also enhances safety. Ensure that the lighting is bright enough and that light switches are easy to reach.
Consider installing motion sensor lights in areas such as hallways and stairways to provide added safety and convenience.
Consider Smart Home Technology
When renovating your home for accessibility, consider incorporating smart home technology to make your life easier and more comfortable.
Devices such as voice-activated assistants, smart thermostats, and automated lighting systems can make it easier for people with disabilities to control their environment. Smart locks and video doorbells can provide added security and convenience.
Final Thoughts
Transforming your home for accessibility requires careful planning and consideration. The tips discussed in this article provide an excellent starting point for creating an accessible home.
Remember that accessibility is not just about meeting minimum standards but rather about creating a safe, comfortable, and functional space for everyone. With the right renovation strategy, you can transform your home into an accessible haven that meets your unique needs.
Are you in need of NDIS home modifications to improve accessibility and safety in your living space? TekTown Projects is here to help! As a fully licensed builder and NDIS service provider, we specialise in providing accessible home modifications, construction, and repairs, as well as handyman services.
Our team helps you create a living space that meets your needs and enables you to live your life to the fullest. Contact us today to learn more!