Remodeling for a disability is quite different from what you might be used to. Whether you are helping someone out or remodeling for yourself, there are a few key areas that need further attention. Anu changes made are to make your home much easier to navigate and to make it a place you feel comfortable living in. It can be challenging, and specialist help is needed. But from adjusting the kitchen to getting the lighting right, here are some suggestions for accessibility.
Where to Begin in the Home
There are some parts of the home that need some extra attention, mainly the most functional rooms. Good places to consider first are the bathroom and kitchen. There are safety aspects around designing accessible rooms for the disabled, and specialist contractors like Expo Home Improvement are experts in adjustments. These include disabled-friendly home improvements like walk-in bathtubs, wheelchair-accessible and roll-in showers, and full-room conversions.
Making Accessible Kitchen Adjustments
The kitchen is the most used room in a typical American family home. Yet when houses are built, the needs of a disabled person are rarely considered. Kitchen counters are installed at a standardized height, electrical outlets are often very low, and appliances can be placed in awkward positions. Because of this, kitchens are often not accessible to people with mobility issues, so working with an adjustments contractor can help make it more accessible for you.
Accessibility Remodeling for a Disability
It typically costs a lot of money to remodel a home, and a disabled person spends between $5,000 and $9,000 per project on average. This has to account for renovations in general and specialist accommodations such as adjustments to standardized fittings. Among these are adaptations to accommodate low mobility, wheelchairs, and widening of doors and halls. This is true for wheelchair users and for people with degenerative conditions such as cerebral palsy.
The Importance of Lighting
Lighting is a big topic these days because it can add a lot of ambient value to a room and home. Layered lighting, for example, can enhance the feel and aesthetic of a space. Yet, there is a more functional reason for good lighting when it comes to disability modifications. More than mood, lighting will help you get around without injury. Lowering switch heights can help you reach from a wheelchair. But smart home installations can also provide easy voice-controlled access.
A More Efficient Bedroom
The bedroom is where you can relax and enjoy some privacy, and we spend more time there than ever before, thanks to conveniences like streaming TV. But as a disabled person, there needs to be more accessibility in your bedroom to make getting in and out of bed easier. When renovating the bedroom, consider facilities such as hoists and lifts, an integrated elevator, and an en-suite bathroom. Other considerations include colors, cable management, and flooring.
Summary
It makes sense to begin with the kitchen when remodeling for a disability. Further adaptations should be made, such as door widening for wheelchair access. And functional rooms like the bathroom and bedroom must be changed with accessibility and ease of use in mind.
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