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How to Improve Accessibility in Your Home

Written by Posted On Wednesday, 31 July 2019 07:05

Whether you’re looking to retire in your home, need to accommodate family members or want to make popular upgrades to your house, renovating for accessibility can make a significant impact. Our home is our space, and everyone should feel comfortable and safe navigating through their life.

We’ll cover a few key opportunities to improve accessibility in your home, ranging from simple changes to more comprehensive upgrades. Whatever you choose, you’ll end up with a space that works for your household and may even impress potential buyers down the road.

1. Bathroom Upgrades

 The bathroom can be one of the most harrowing rooms in the house for a person with mobility issues. You can make life a little easier by making a few simple bathroom upgrades. Not only will they increase safety, but they’ll also boost your resale value — home with accessible bathrooms recoup 70.6% of their investment in the renovation.

Homeowners can install grab bars in the shower and by the toilet, install a step-in shower and/or shower seat, and add a toilet riser, too. There are lots of opportunities to make the bathroom a more accessible place for your household and any guests.

2. Change the Flooring

Carpets can create tripping hazards and are challenging for people who use wheelchairs. Plus, they’re one of the least trendy flooring options out there, so what’s the loss? Consider switching from carpet to hardwood flooring, vinyl or other hard, smooth materials.

Again, this change has the added benefit of making your home more attractive to buyers. Flooring is so important for both the look and the functionality of your house, so make sure you pick materials that work best for everyone.

3. Install a Home Elevator

One way to increase mobility and add to the style of your house is to install a home elevator. These are excellent solutions for people who use wheelchairs or have trouble with stairs, reducing the risk of falling or limiting oneself to one floor. 

If you’re serious about renovating your home, working in a home elevator can allow you to comfortably age in your home without stress. Plus, there’s no need to sacrifice design, as professionals can customize elevators to match your home’s existing style.

4. Renovate the Kitchen

We spend a lot of time in our kitchens each day, making this room a priority for accessibility. Food prep can be made easier with a workspace measured to fit you or your family member’s comfort range, for example, potentially with the option to fold back into the wall when not in use.

Homeowners should certainly look into accessible ovens, sinks and other appliances, which is crucial to increasing accessibility for all inhabitants. But there are also a few things you can change just by organizing. Make sure heavy cookware and dishes are kept on shelves closer to the floor, keep plenty of floorspace open for navigating and arrange furniture so there is minimal movement required between tasks.

Improving Accessibility at Home

No matter the specific needs of your household, making accessibility upgrades can make your home more accommodating, better designed and more popular on the housing market. The next time you’re considering a home renovation, make sure to prioritize improvements that will allow you to age in place or welcome guests of all abilities.

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Holly Welles

Holly Welles is a real estate writer with her thumb on the pulse of industry trends. She runs her own residential real estate blog, The Estate Update, where she shares advice for renters and homeowners alike.

www.theestateupdate.com

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