Elements of an Ideal Floor Plan for Your Forever Home

Creating the ideal floor plan for an accessible home remodeling demands careful consideration of various elements within the living spaces. While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, the best floor plan for your forever home should address specific factors related to mobility, the flow between key home areas and ease of daily living. In this article, DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of St. Louis Park explores the elements of an ideal floor plan for an accessible home.

Single-Level Living

A key aspect of creating a safe and comfortable home is minimizing the need to traverse stairs. A single-level living space ensures that your living room, bedroom, kitchen, bathroom and other essential parts of your home are on the same level. This design choice reduces the risk of falls and simplifies daily navigation.

Open Layout

An open floor plan is instrumental in promoting ease of movement throughout the home. Wide doorways and spacious rooms enhance maneuverability, especially when utilizing mobility aids like wheelchairs or walkers. By eliminating unnecessary partitions and obstacles, residents can move seamlessly between rooms.

Wider Hallways and Doorways

Hallways should be wide enough to accommodate mobility devices comfortably. Ideally, they should have a minimum width of 36 inches. Doorways should be at least 32 inches wide to ensure unobstructed passage. These dimensions are essential for individuals who rely on wheelchairs or walkers.

Accessible Bathroom

The bathroom is a critical area in any home. Make sure the bathroom quote you receive takes into account the specific features you need — for example, a roll-in shower, grab bars and a comfort-height toilet. Non-slip flooring and strategically placed shelving or niches for toiletries are also worth adding since they enhance safety and convenience.

Kitchen Accessibility

The kitchen should be user-friendly and accessible. A general contractor near me can add lower counters, pull-out shelving and easily reachable appliances to facilitate meal preparation. There should also be adequate space for wheelchair or walker users to maneuver comfortably. Additionally, appliances should have clear, easy-to-read controls.

Natural Flow

Arrange spaces in a logical order, ensuring that essential areas like the bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and living room are easily accessible from one another. This minimizes unnecessary movements and reduces fatigue.

Let’s Start a Conversation!

While the journey to accessible remodeling might seem daunting, DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of St. Louis Park can ensure your needs for your forever home will be met through our Independence by Design™ services. Call us at (952) 522-3008 or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation with our design experts. We serve clients in Minneapolis, St. Louis Park, Robbinsdale, Stillwater, Afton, Sunfish Lake and surrounding communities.

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