Multi-level homes can be great for young, growing families, but inevitably as we age, our mobility begins to decline. ADA remodeling has benefits beyond allowing you to age in place. It can serve as a huge selling point, allowing the elderly or those with disabilities to use your home to the fullest extent. It also allows you to more easily host guests of all abilities, providing them with easier access to everything your home has to offer.
Often when we think of ADA remodeling, we think of the smaller tasks — widening doorways, installing hand rails, and adding ramp entrances. However, plumbing work can sometimes be overlooked when remodeling your home. If you’re looking to create a bathroom that is ADA compliant (or you just want to see if yours is), we’ve provided a few tips to help you get started.
Sinks should be installed no higher than 34 inches and should be mounted on the wall. To remain ADA compliant, you should have 27 inches of knee space and clear floor space under the sink to allow those in wheelchairs the ability to navigate easily.
Toilets can sometimes be tricky when it comes to ADA compliancy. As a rule of thumb, toilets should be 17-19 inches high and the center line of your toilet should be between 16 and 18 inches away from the side of the wall.
Roll-in showers are a great addition to an ADA compliant bathroom. If installing, ensure that the shower curb does not exceed half an inch, that the shower is at least 3 ft by 3ft, and that there is seating along the entirety of the rear edge of the shower. Handrails and grab bars should also be installed to help avoid slips and falls. When updating your shower, you’ll need to pay special attention to the shower head. Install one with a 60-inch hose that allows for both fixed and handheld use.
If all these requirements are met, it’s time to check the American with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines. This guide shows some of the more in-depth requirements to ensure your bathroom is safe, inclusive, and easy to navigate.
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