Everyone deserves a space where they can live comfortably. Not every structure is built to accommodate the accessibility requirements of all people, but just about any setting can be transformed to be safe and accessible for as many people as possible. Our Gainesville bathroom remodeling experts at Quality DesignWorks use universal design principles for bathroom remodel projects and new bathroom builds to ensure every person (regardless of age, size, or ability) can safely and comfortably use spaces in their home.
For the bathroom, this means constructing a space that’s designed to meet the specific needs of our clients while embracing universal design for the benefit of their households and needs. Here, we discuss the top bathroom remodeling ideas that will make your bathroom more accessible. Contact us today to learn more about how you can achieve an accessible bathroom and book a showroom appointment for the ultimate inspiration!
Expand Your Bathroom’s Dimensions
When thinking about accessible bathroom renovations, you will first need to select a layout design that makes the bathroom easily accessible and enjoyable for you and whoever else may be using it. One of the best ways to increase accessibility in bathrooms concerns accessible bathroom dimensions. According to the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), turning spaces in bathrooms should be 60 inches or 1525 millimeters in diameter. Around the toilet, there should be a space with a minimum width of 60 inches, measured from the sidewall, and a minimum 56-inch space from the back wall.
Install The Fixtures Strategically
When creating a beautiful and accessible bathroom layout, you’ll want to be strategic in your placement of fixtures. To allow a wheelchair or another mobility device to come up to the sink without obstruction, choose a sink design that has nothing directly under the sink or one that slants. You could also select a pedestal sink. We recommend choosing a long, single handle on the sink faucet for ease of use and a tilted mirror at the perfect height for your needs. For the toilet, choose a taller or comfort-height toilet to increase bathroom accessibility.
Choose Smart Shower Builds
One critical area of the bathroom that shouldn’t be overlooked during your bathroom renovation for more accessibility is the shower. The shower should be built without a lip, curb, or any obstruction that must be walked over in order to enter or exit the shower stall. Choose a flat and wide shower entry for easier access and safety. Ideally, the recommended dimensions of the shower should be about 36 inches wide and 60 inches deep in order to accommodate a wheelchair and an additional person. The entry should be at least 36 inches wide and flat without a curb to promote ease of use and prevent potential injury.
Add Slip-Resistant Surfaces
Slip-resistant flooring is a beneficial bathroom idea for just about any bathroom, whether or not accessibility is a top goal. Textured flooring options are available in an array of materials and colors and can increase grip on the bathroom floor, thereby reducing the chance of trips, slips, and falls for better safety. In order to improve accessibility and safety, you should consider textured, grippy flooring for the main bathroom floor as well as the flooring in the shower. In the shower, you should also consider installing a grip bar for added safety.
Maximize Lighting
Lighting is an important component of accessibility in all bathrooms. But for homeowners who want to increase the accessibility of their bathroom space, the right combination of lighting is critical to ensuring safety and visibility for everyday tasks, from applying skincare products to locating items in storage fixtures and even identifying possible hazards to safety, like pools of water on the floor or fallen objects that cause obstruction to movement. Including ambient lighting to illuminate the overall room and task lighting at key areas, like the shower and mirror, can help increase accessibility and enjoyment.
