Every home renovation completed is another step toward an accommodating home for all guests. However, some changes aren’t as effective for those with mobility problems. So let’s figure out the best home renovations to make a house handicap accessible.
Expand the Doorways
Many people with disabilities may struggle to get through doorways, specifically if they rely on a walker or wheelchair to guide them through the house.
So the first thing to do is expand the doorway, as this can open a room and allow visitors who use wheelchairs to get through entrances easier.
What To Avoid
Getting them might seem like a good idea, but swinging doors become safety hazards for visitors who move around in wheelchairs or with walkers.
For example, if someone in a wheelchair walks behind someone, the person walking through the door might accidentally harm the person in the wheelchair if they aren’t looking. Also, many individuals with mobility issues find swinging doors hard to open while navigating. Therefore, avoid using swinging doors.
The Cost: up to 1,000 dollars or more
Update the Guest Bathroom
Updating the guest bathroom to accommodate someone with a disability most likely requires the help of a professional contractor. A skilled builder can help design showers, sinks, and toilets that fit your guests’ needs.
The Best Features To Add
A step-in shower is a necessary feature you want to add for your family members or friends with mobility issues. Step-in showers eliminate the need to step over a wide-mouth tub to get in the shower. Also, add in a bench for more support.
The Cost: 8,000 dollars for a new installation and up to 3,000 dollars for a remodel
Get New Floors
You might not think twice about this, but the floor type you have can make it harder for wheelchairs and walkers to get around. Some types of flooring, such as carpeting, can create tripping problems for everyone if they bunch up enough.
How To Improve
It’s a good idea to go for cost-effective flooring, which looks appealing and accommodates everyone. So we recommend going with ceramic tile, hardwood floors, or vinyl.
The Cost: roughly between 1,500 and 4,500 dollars for an entire home
Add a Stair Lift
You might think a ramp is nice to add, but a stair lift works better. Normally, a senior might sit in the lift’s chair to climb stairways when their walking ability decreases. However, anyone with mobility issues or injuries can use this method.
A stair lift is easy to remove and install and makes an excellent investment for your home.
What To Know
An important thing to note when installing a stairlift is to keep it away from small children. Luckily, the seats can lock up after every use.
The Cost: depending on length and style, it can cost up to 15,000 dollars
We hope our brief list of home renovations to make a house handicap accessible inspires you to make improvements to help accommodate visitors’ needs to the best of your ability. Each project can transform and add value to your home.
