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Making a house more handicap accessible typically involves targeted upgrades to doorways, bathrooms, kitchens, and flooring. Planning for these modifications during an upcoming remodeling project creates living spaces that are safer, easier to navigate, and more comfortable for everyone in the home. Reading through this quick guide can help you prepare for your consultation with a home remodeling contractor.
How Do You Make Doorways and Halls More Accessible?
Many houses have doorways that are too slim for people to easily fit through with a wheelchair or other bulky mobility device. Home remodeling contractors can widen entrances to rooms to make it possible for someone to access every space, even small closets. You may also choose to eliminate small steps and ledges between rooms.
What Are the Top Upgrades to Make in the Bathroom for Accessibility?
Roll-in or walk-in showers and tubs are preferable for people who need assistance with mobility. Depending on your bathroom’s size, it might also be necessary to widen the floor space to accommodate being able to move around with a wheelchair. You can also install grab bars to reduce the risk of falling.
Can You Raise or Lower Cabinets and Shelves?
Raising or lowering cabinets and shelves is a perfect option for making bathrooms and kitchens more accessible. You can also lower countertops to allow someone in a wheelchair to easily prepare meals. If someone in your home has mobility challenges, let your San Diego home renovation design expert know. They’ll be able to make recommendations for the height to provide good ergonomics.
Is New Flooring Important for Safety?
Many people find it difficult to move across carpet in a wheelchair. Or you may worry about someone tripping over a rug when you have hard flooring. Modern flooring options include materials that allow you to enjoy the best of both worlds. For instance, textured flooring is a nonskid option that could keep you or your loved one safer.
Wall-hung cabinets and sinks with open spaces beneath can increase the floor space for people who might need to turn around in their wheelchairs or move close to the counter to perform daily tasks.If you’re ready to make your home safer and more comfortable for you or a loved one, Forever Builders is here to help. Our experienced remodeling contractors specialize in accessibility upgrades that are thoughtfully designed to improve daily life without sacrificing style. From widening doorways to installing roll-in showers and adjusting cabinet heights, we handle every detail with care and precision. Contact Forever Builders today to schedule your Rancho Santa Fe remodel design consultation and take the first step toward a home that works for everyone who lives in it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will more lighting help with accessibility?
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Yes, increasing the lighting around your home can eliminate dark spots and shadows that make it harder for people with limited mobility to see steps and other hazards.
How wide should doorways be for people who use wheelchairs?
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Ideally, doorways should be 32 to 36 inches wide to accommodate most mobility devices, including wheelchairs.
What features in a kitchen should you make more accessible?
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The stove, oven, refrigerator, and sink should all be at the ideal height for a person with mobility challenges to prepare meals. Raising or lowering counters and storage spaces is another way to increase accessibility during a kitchen remodeling project.
How do you make bathrooms wheelchair friendly?
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Wall-hung cabinets and sinks with open spaces beneath can increase the floor space for people who might need to turn around in their wheelchairs or move close to the counter to perform daily tasks.