The bathroom can be one of the most difficult rooms to maneuver in the entire house. This is a very important room, and everyone should be able to access it safely and with ease. Take a look at some of the things you should consider when designing a handicap-friendly bathroom.
Install Grab Bars
One of the easiest bathroom adjustments you can make is installing grab bars throughout the bathroom. Grab bars allow handicapped people to grab on and transfer themselves onto the toilet or into the shower on their own. Grab bars are relatively inexpensive to install and they can be placed virtually anywhere.
The only downside to installing grab bars is that they take up additional space inside of the bathroom, therefore making a small bathroom even smaller. If you have a medium or large-sized bathroom, this most likely won’t be an issue.
Lower and Clear out Sink Space
Another thing you should consider doing is lowering the sink to around 24 to 34 inches off the ground. The exact number should depend on the primary user of the bathroom. In addition to the sink’s level, there should be about 27 inches of clearance underneath the sink. This means foregoing a cabinet and opting for a wall-mounted sink.
Great Lighting
Something that people oftentimes overlook is the importance of great bathroom lighting. Great lighting in a bathroom is important for everyone’s safety, but especially for people who are handicapped. Make sure that the lights in your bathroom don’t cast any shadows or glares at any angle. The best option is to include as much natural sunlight as you can, but also install quality lights around the room for when it’s dark outside.
Widen Doorways
A small doorway is a nightmare for wheelchair users. A handicap-friendly bathroom should have a doorway that is 34 inches wide to ensure that wheelchair users can get through comfortably. Another way to widen a doorway is by making the door swing outward instead of inward. That way, there’s more space to maneuver through once inside of the bathroom.
Ready For Your New Handicap-Friendly Bathroom?
Bath Doctor is your number one resource for a quality bathroom remodel in MD. Our team of experts will work with you and your family to make any adjustments needed for your handicap-friendly bathroom. We pride ourselves in our respectful, detail-oriented process that makes the bathroom you desire into a reality. Contact us today to get started.