In old age, people do not care for their safety to preserve their independence. That is why bathroom injuries are quite common. To avoid such injuries, handicap bathroom remodeling is quite a safe practice. They are designed to cater to any kind of mobility issues with all the safety features.
If you are concerned about the safety and comfort of your loved ones, you must think about a handicap bathroom remodel. Despite any age or physical disability, this is the most practical choice. This type of remodeling provides peace of mind to everyone at home and quality of life is improved.
In this blog post, we will discuss the key specifications of handicapped bathroom remodeling as well as the estimated cost for it. Let’s get started!
Rising Trend Of Handicap Bathroom Remodel
In recent years, there has been a major shift towards handicap bathroom remodel. This is because people are now more aware of disability rights and are committed to making their bathrooms a user-friendly space. Apart from safety features, accessible bathroom designs are more aesthetically pleasing. Thus, these designs increase the value of a house as well.
Specifications and Design Strategies for Handicap Bathroom Remodel
Though you can go for a lot of modifications in your bathroom improvement project, always keep in mind that the following specifications and strategies must be followed:
Wider Doorways
In bathroom remodel for handicap, the width of doorways is very important. It should be spacious enough to accommodate wheelchairs. For a straight entry, the minimum width of a doorway should be at least 32”. Whereas for an aside entry, then the door should be 36” wide.
Furthermore, make sure that the bathroom door should open outwards if it is located in a tight space. Also, your bathroom handle should not require a lot of force and should be easy to use. Therefore, it is better to opt for levers as compared to knobs as they are more easy to handle.
Grab Bars
Grab bars are very important for support and stability. They should be installed tightly to bear the weight of a person. Typically, ideal places for grab bars are doors, sinks, toilets, and bathtubs. These grab bars can be life-saving in emergency conditions.
Showers
Choosing a good shower plays a major role in adding safety to your bathroom. It is recommended to choose a walk-in or roll-in shower that has no curbs. For a walk-in shower, the dimensions should be 5’ wide by 3’ deep. This is the minimum space required to accommodate wheelchairs.
In handicapped bathroom designs, hand-held shower sprays are suitable for elderly people. But their hoses should be at least 60” long so that they can be grabbed from a seating position as well. Moreover, always place a handheld shower spray unit on the wall close to the shower seat.
Also, the shower valve must be pressure-balanced.
Bath Tubs
Most of the bathroom injuries are because of bathtubs. So, be conscious while selecting them for disabled bathroom design. It is recommended to choose a walk-in bathtub which includes doors that open to the floor. There should be grab bars along every side of the bathtub. Also, a low built-in bench is preferred to make a bathtub more comfortable.
Sink
Your bathroom sink should cater to all your needs by providing maximum safety. In bathroom remodel for disabled, sinks must be under the following points:
- For wheelchair users, your built-in vanity must have a 29” knee clearance.
- The height of the sink should not be greater than 34” so that people in seated positions can use it easily.
- In handicap bathroom renovation, sink faucets should be installed on the side of the sink and it should be easily operated.
- Plus, you should hang the bathroom mirror in a low position so that a seated person can also use it.
Toilet
A toilet should be quite easy to use. When you select a toilet for the bathroom, remember the following key considerations:
- Wall-mounted toilets are always preferable because of safety issues. Remember that its seat should not be higher than 17” from the floor.
- It is very necessary to install grab bars on each side of the toilet.
- During a disabled bathroom renovation, make sure that the toilet is spacious enough to park the wheelchairs of users.
Good Lighting
Well-lit bathrooms have lower chances of any hazard. So, try to have maximum natural light in your bathrooms. For artificial lights, make sure that all the switches are easily accessible from the seating position as well. While accessible bathroom remodeling, you can go for smart lighting options that operate on voice control.
Non-slip Flooring
Flooring material in bathrooms for disabled should be chosen very carefully. To prevent slipping hazards, you must go for textured tiles, non-slip vinyl flooring, or slatted wood trays.
Emergency Call System
There should be an emergency call system installed in the accessible bathrooms for disabled with easy reach.
Bath Mats
There should not be bath mats as they can cause tipping issues when a person is in a wheelchair.
Cost Estimate Of Handicap Bathroom Remodel
The cost of this model depends on various factors like the extent of modification, materials used, labor cost in your area, and many other factors. According to an estimate, the cost can range between $6000 to $36000. To get an accurate estimate, you must consult a professional.
Conclusion
Investing in a handicap bathroom remodel means you are investing in your safety and pleasure. Everyone has a right to live a challenge-free life in his own home. Apart from promoting independence and preventing accidents, handicap bathroom remodels are a great way to turn your space into something extraordinary.