Making your bathroom more accessible is an important factor to consider when remodeling. Not every resident’s home will need to be wheelchair accessible daily, but planning for the future or guests is an important part of taking initiative. There are instances where wheelchair accessibilities are in higher demanded in private, home bathrooms, but regardless of the current need, it should be kept in mind. Here are the top five bathroom renovations to consider.

Layout

The layout of your bathroom is important; adequate spacing for the wheelchair to maneuver and fixtures mounted at proper heights are essential. For example, a bathroom that does not allow for the wheelchair to access all the bathroom’s features would be strongly inconvenient and possibly unusable.

While standard regulations are required in public bathrooms by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), residential properties are not required to follow the same guidelines. It would be important to note, however, that the ADA requires at least a five-foot turning radius for wheelchair accessibility. Bathrooms aiming to accommodate wheelchairs should have a door width of at least 32 inches.

The toilet should be placed between two grab bars approximately 34-38 inches above the ground for easy access. A toilet seat should sit only 17-19 inches off the ground. Wheelchair accessible sinks should be approximately 29 inches off the ground with adequate clearance underneath (preferably, the sink would be mounted to the wall). The sink top should be no more than 34 inches in height, and the faucet and knobs should be in reach. These measurements would best allow access to any necessary amenities in the bathroom.

Shower Access

Handicap accessible showers should be curbless, contain a shower bench and a grab bar, and have a removable, handheld showerhead. Curbless, open concept showers and free-standing, mounted sinks have recently been growing in popularity, so your bathroom can still hold aesthetic charm while being accommodating.

A handheld showerhead will enable any individual to bathe with ease. Additionally, a shower bench and grab bar will allow the proper tools needed to safely maneuver.

Flooring

Flooring both inside and outside of the shower needs to be slip-resistant and durable. Slippery tile floors, especially when wet, are safety hazards and can cause any individual to stumble or fall. There is a plethora of non-slip tiles and hardwood flooring options that would prevent such an event while still leaving your bathroom looking beautifully immaculate.

Making sure your home is best prepared for accommodating everyone’s needs is a thoughtful way to make lasting impressions. Whether guests or residents of the home desire such accessibility, you can always be prepared.

Contact the professionals at Clear Choice Bath today to learn more about our bathroom renovations. Contact us today by calling (515) 989-9115 or request a free bathroom renovation quote today.