Enhancing Home Accessibility – A Guide to Remodeling for All Ages & Abilities

According to a study by the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University (JCHS), 6.8 million households report having difficulties navigating or using their homes.

This translates to approximately 5% of all households and is most commonly an issue in older households and for people with disabilities. These difficulties were primarily reported when entering the home, in the kitchen, and in the bathroom.

Most homes lack basic accessibility features, including no-step entries, widened doorways, and grab bars. This creates a need for aging and ability-focused remodeling for many people whose homes don’t currently meet their needs. In the world of home remodeling, considering homeowners’ abilities before, during, and after the design process is essential.

For this month’s blog, we interviewed one of our designers at Blackdog, who has extensive experience creating designs for people with different needs and abilities.

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Remodeling for Height

While many homeowners struggling with the accessibility of their homes are older or have a disability, this is not always the case. A typical example of this in residential remodeling is people who are significantly above or below average height.

For example, a standard kitchen cabinet height, especially for overhead cabinets, would not be convenient for someone five feet tall or less.

A famous example of this is 6 foot 2 inch tall, avid cook Julia Child. She was significantly taller than the average person, her kitchen was designed to fit her needs. Most people don’t think of this as an option, but it’s not entirely uncommon.

At BlackDog, we have completed several projects over the years where slight adjustments to the height of kitchen cabinetry made a significant difference in the homeowners’ daily lives.

Aging-In-Place Remodeling

Aging-in-place remodeling refers to remodeling for homeowners who remodel their homes to accommodate changing needs as they age. This can look different for everybody. However, some changes are helpful to consider for most homeowners looking into this kind of remodel.

One of our designers stated that “‘aging issues’ are frequently mobility issues, where bathing and using the toilet are some of the most common.” Two kinds of changes are useful for mobility issues:

• Small and thoughtful additions – This includes installing tall, padded seals in the toilet, foldable shower chairs, and handrails.
• Large extensive changes – This includes anything from installing stair lifts for homes with multiple stories to adding a bathroom to the ground floor.

Expert Tip: If you have a straight run of stairs, companies will sell and install used stair lifts. Stairlifts also do not cause damage to the stairs, whether they are installed on a straight or curved run of stairs.

Ability-Focused Remodeling

Remodeling for homeowners with disabilities looks different for everybody. It is highly personal, and when it comes to making things accessible, it heavily depends on the given disability.

Doing this kind of remodel isn’t just about widening doorways; it’s looking around and asking, “What else do we need to do?” The designer interviewed had one example that spoke to the considerations that go into any given ability-focused remodel.

“Five years ago, I did a bed and bathroom remodel for a gentleman with ALS, which required incorporating a lot of digital technology. The homeowner was mobile at the time, but he would not be soon, which we had to consider during the project’s design phase.

There is a specific type of hospital bed that keeps air moving through it that has to have what is called a ‘hospital outlet’ for the bed to plug into. That keeps the bed itself from getting accidentally unplugged. It’s things like that which are the reasons you as the designer really have to do your research (Designer, Blackdog Builders).”

Before beginning a design, it’s essential to assess the space with the homeowner’s specific needs, and “It’s important to be aware and listen.” You want to look for anything that could be a tripping hazard or anything small that could be easily moved.

How To Remodel Your Home For Accessibility

For example, if mobility is an issue, then maybe be conscious when considering the placement of a rug with fringed edges. Be on the lookout for things that have easy solutions, like adding a bench and a hand shower in the bathroom.

When designing a space for somebody with a caregiver, It isn’t just about the person with the disability but also about what can help the caregiver.” For example, in a past project, the homeowner had a physical disability that severely impacted mobility. The designer was able to find a bidet with a remote that could be used by the man’s wife from outside of the bathroom, which allowed him more privacy and independence.

When discussing how a designer should approach such projects, our designer emphasized the importance of thorough research, stating, “Just about every mobility challenge that exists has a website. There is so much information out there, and I recommend that any designer who starts a project like this just dive in and do the research.”

One example of an important feature that wouldn’t be considered in the typical remodel is a temperature-controlled shower knob. Numbness is a common symptom of many conditions. Unfortunately, people with reduced or no feeling don’t always know if they are being burned, making this kind of addition very important.

It’s perfectly acceptable for a homeowner or designer to lack prior experience in a particular project type. However, it’s crucial to consider all aspects to avoid potentially dangerous mistakes.

One approach is to ask questions without hesitation. Since customers are well aware of their daily struggles, it’s best not to shy away from discussing potentially embarrassing issues. As the designer noted, “If we’re making these spaces to be the most useful for someone, we have to talk about the embarrassing things.”

Enhance Your Home Accessibility With Blackdog Design/Build/Remodel

Enhancing home accessibility is not just about making physical changes to a space; it’s about understanding and addressing the unique needs of individuals with varying abilities. Whether it’s customizing cabinet heights, adding grab bars and shower seating, or incorporating advanced technology, thoughtful and inclusive remodeling can greatly improve quality of life.

It’s essential to approach these and any projects with an open mind, a willingness to learn, and a readiness to ask questions. Ultimately, the goal is to create living spaces that cater to the specific needs of individuals, promoting independence, dignity, and an enhanced quality of life for everyone.

Don’t hesitate to contact a reputable remodeling company that specializes in accessibility solutions. Our expertise and guidance can ensure that your home becomes a safe, comfortable, and inclusive environment tailored to your unique requirements. Embrace the opportunity to transform your living space into a sanctuary that empowers you and your loved ones, fostering a sense of freedom and overall well-being.

Unlock a world of possibilities and independence –Schedule a consultation with our remodelers today.