Embarking on an accessible remodeling project for your bathroom not only ensures comfort and safety but also enhances the overall value and functionality of your home. Here’s an expert look into the top must-have features and trends to make a bathroom more accessible through universal design.
1. Incorporate Spacious Design for Maneuverability
Expansive floor space is not just a luxury; it’s a necessity for those using mobility aids. Universal design bathrooms should provide enough room for a full 360-degree turn of a wheelchair. This also refers to wider doorways of at least 36 inches for easy access and pocket doors that allow for more free space and are safer in emergencies.
2. Elevate Comfort with the Right Fixtures
To enhance accessibility, it’s crucial to select the correct height for bathroom fixtures. Chair-height toilets make it easier for individuals to stand and sit without excessive stress on the joints. When considering sinks, options like floating vanities pave the way for wheelchairs to slide underneath, thus providing access to the sink regardless of the user’s mobility status.
3. Ensure a Non-Slip Surface
Safety is paramount in a bathroom, and this includes having the right kind of flooring. Opt for materials and designs that are slip-resistant, such as textured tiles with ample grout lines, to prevent falls. When seeking a bathroom quote, consider the long-term benefits of these materials.
4. Embrace Assistive Technology and Grab Bars
Leverage the potential of technology with smart toilets and digital shower controls, which enhance autonomy for all users. Adding grab bars alongside toilets, showers, and bathtubs provides stable support, making these areas safer to navigate.
5. Take Lighting and Storage to the Next Level
Proper lighting can minimize accidents by clearly illuminating the space. Opt for a combination of ambient and task lighting to ensure safety and ease of use at any time of the day. As for storage, recessed niches within the shower area or near the vanity can prevent unnecessary reaching and bending, storing items at an accessible height.
6. Consider Accessibility in Design Aesthetics
A horizontal wall treatment not only adds visual appeal but can also aid in balance, which is especially helpful if someone experiences vertigo. Features like contrasting colors on walls and floors can help delineate spaces and promote ease of navigation for those with visual impairments.
7. Implement a Curbless Shower for Seamless Access
Replacing traditional shower thresholds with curbless designs is a smart move to eliminate potential trip hazards. The absence of a curb ensures smooth entry for those on foot or using a wheelchair, walker, or other mobility aids.
Let’s Start A Conversation!
If you’ve been searching for a “general contractor near me“, you can count on DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Northwest DC to do the job right. We understand that creating a bathroom that caters to all can be a transformative experience for your home. Our expertise in accessible remodeling means we can offer a comprehensive bathroom quote that encapsulates all these universal design features tailored to your specific needs. Call us at (202) 933-7196 or visit our contact page today!
