Tips for Building an Accessible Home

Whether you use a wheelchair or care for someone who does, it is important to design a home with accessibility in mind. If you plan on living in your house for years to come, it is also important to keep in mind your future accessibility needs. Below we have important aspects to consider when either renovating or designing a new home.

1. Hire a Contractor
There are many factors to consider when looking to hire a contractor to work on your home. Check if they have insurance and a valid license, if your state requires one. Ask for examples of their previous work or for references so you know the quality of their designs. You can research contractors in your area on the Better Business Bureau website.

2. Widen Hallways and Door frames
When building or buying a new home, it is easy to make sure that hallways are wide enough to allow for easy movement and turning of a wheelchair, scooter, or walker. If you are making changes to your current home, even just measuring and widening door frames can solve many problems.

3. Remove Stairs
Stairs are not the only way to get up a hill or from one floor to another. Ramps are easy for people of all abilities to use and still looks very good in areas such as the front of the house. There are several kinds of lifts that can be installed in a staircase to ensure everyone can easily get from one floor to another.

4. Lower High Surfaces
Something that is often easy to change in homes are the height of counters, sinks, desks, and tables. It’s important to make sure that you and your guests can use these basic features of your home to be able to do everyday activities.

5. Update Appliances
Buying new appliances that sit at a lower height can make it much easier to do work around the house. Dishwashers, washers and dryers, sinks, and showers can all be replaced with ones that easily function at a height that’s right for you.

Whatever your reason for updating the level of accessibility, it is important to make sure you will always have full access to your home. Doing so will save you time and money when your needs change in the future, even if it’s several years in the future.

 

Home Accessibility Equipment

For more accessibility options, see our selection of home modifications at MobilityWorks @ Home:

Stair Lifts

Wheelchair Platform Lifts

Wheelchair Ramps

Residential Elevators

Patient Lifts and Ceiling Lifts