With an increasing number of homeowners looking to make their spaces comfortable for people of all ages and abilities, accessibility has become a key ingredient in good home design. Bathrooms, in particular, can be made more accessible with certain design considerations, in addition to obvious features like grab bars. In today’s post, bathroom remodeling company DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Southeast Florida takes a look at these accessibility and universal design must-haves for bathrooms.
Accessible Entryway
Let’s start with the first thing that one encounters when going to the bathroom — the entryway. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), accessible doors must meet the following requirements:
- Width. Bathroom doors must have a width of at least 32 inches when the door is opened at 90 degrees.
- Maneuvering Clearance. There must be a clearance of at least 30 by 48 inches in front of the bathroom door to allow for maneuvering.
- Threshold. The door threshold should be no higher than 0.5 inches for exterior doors, and 0.25 inches for interior doors.
- Hardware. Door hardware, including locking mechanisms, should be operable with a closed fist, or with minimal effort — that is, it shouldn’t require tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist.
Storage With Recessed Niches
Recessed storage niches are not only an elegant type of bathroom storage: it also helps minimize hazards in the bathroom by keeping everyday items within easy reach. Positioned strategically in showers and near toilets, these niches can store toiletries and essentials without the risk of becoming obstacles. Existing cabinet doors can be removed to create open shelving, eliminating the need for cabinet resurfacing or a complete rebuild.
Curbless Shower
Standard bathroom designs typically involve some kind of threshold in the shower or bathing area, which can be difficult for wheelchair users or for those who have limited use of their legs. A curbless shower solves this problem by eliminating the threshold altogether, the transition being marked by a frameless shower door or similarly unobtrusive partition.
Independence by Design
DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen’s Independence by Design™ is a process that focuses on creating spaces that promote independence and functionality for all its occupants. To achieve this, our design professionals work with clients in creating a plan that’s informed by the latter’s style, taste and accessibility requirements.
Let’s Start a Conversation!
DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Southeast Florida offers a wide range of professional remodeling services, including bathroom and kitchen remodeling. To get started with a no-obligation consultation, call us at (772) 200-2625 or (561) 935-3915, or contact us online! We serve homeowners in Jupiter, FL, as well as the surrounding communities.
