Accessible remodeling is the process of remodeling homes so these spaces can be safer for people with special needs, such as those with low vision. Since their needs are different from others, greater care and attention to detail must be given in their home design so that they can find comfort and improve their quality of life.
Continue reading as DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Hollywood lists some important areas to focus on when remodeling for people with vision loss.
Ensure Adequate Lighting
For people who have limited vision, sufficient lighting is crucial. Entrances, hallways, and stairways must be well-lit to ensure safety and easy access. However, glare due to excessive lights can cause discomfort to people with low vision. You can prevent this from happening through careful placement of windows and proper adjustment of lighting fixtures.
Make It Tactile
A great way to make homes accessible is to consider the tactile element when remodeling. Visually impaired people can use their other senses to navigate around the house. For example, you can consider having furniture with different textures in each room so that they can easily distinguish where they are.
Moreover, kitchens and other dangerous areas in the house need to be marked with tactile assistance systems to ensure safety. Rails should also be more prominent and extended past the stairs to give a better sense of where they exactly end.
Create Contrast
For people with low vision, contrast can be a great way to help them distinguish objects and areas in the house. Ideally, furniture, appliances, switches, and other fixtures should not be of the same color as the background of the room to prevent them from blending in. Edges of tables, countertops, or sinks should also be a different color so that they won’t bump over them.
For more specific advice about this, consult your home remodeler as they can guide you in creating contrast for better accessibility.
Prioritize Safety
Safety should be the foundation of every design decision. Grab bars should be installed in important areas such as kitchens, stairs, and bathrooms. For flooring, you should opt for simple and easy-to-clean materials. If you have carpets, cords or rugs, they should be taped down to prevent people from tripping or slipping on them. Since people with visual impairment or blindness heavily rely on walls to find their way around the house, keep your walls free of hanging decorations to better accommodate their needs.
Let’s Start a Conversation!
If you are looking for a contractor near me to provide superior remodeling solutions, DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Hollywood is ready to work with you. Schedule a consultation today by calling. (305) 925-5999 or completing our online form. We proudly serve clients in Miramar, Davie, Dania Beach, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, and the surrounding areas.
