Making Your Home More Handicap-Accessible

 

Many people don’t think about it until they are in a situation where they have to, but converting your home to be more handicap-accessible is a great remodeling project to tackle. Maybe you have a specific person in mind and you’d like to make your home safer and more comfortable for them to spend time in. There are several things you can do to increase comfort in your home for people with disabilities. Here are just a few ideas to get you started.

1. Install a Ramp Outside

Sometimes just getting from the front sidewalk into the house can be the most difficult part for someone who cannot walk. Ramps for wheelchair-bound individuals must be at least 36 inches wide to make sure it can accommodate their chair as they enter the home.

2. Install Handrails

Stairs can be difficult for many people with disabilities, even if they are not in a wheelchair. Install durable aluminum handrails alongside staircases, both inside and outside, to give friends or family members support when climbing stairs.

3. Use the Ground Floor

Now is the time to make sure the ground floor bathroom is in good shape, even if you use the one on the second story more often. If most of your rooms are on the second floor, you may want to consider building a guest bedroom and a bathroom on the ground floor to accommodate guests with disabilities.

4. Get Rid of the Rugs

Throw rugs may look nice, but their ability to shift makes them less than ideal for people in wheelchairs. Thick carpeting can also be difficult to maneuver in. Maybe it’s time to rip up the carpeting and go for a nice hardwood floor.