Handicap Accessibility (ADA Compliancy)
Handicap Accessibility (ADA Compliancy)
Living independently permits people to remain dynamic and depend less on others. Making your home accessible with simple home modifications can improve your way of life and the capability to live in your own home. Because mobility and independence have a major impact on our quality of life, finding a contractor familiar with handicap accessible home construction is a must.
Bay Shore Construction, Inc. understands and can accommodate the needs of individuals and families in preparing their home to meet changes in health or mobility caused by aging, accidents, or health issues. Bay Shore Construction, Inc. can convert your existing home into one that meets your special needs and/or in compliance with the ADA.
Since everyone’s situation is unique, we take the time to come to your home to evaluate your needs.
Some example modifications include:
Accessible Bathrooms
By modifying your bathroom for wheelchair accessibility you can avoid injuries. The bathroom door entryway can be modified from a standard 24” design to one that is 32-36” wide. This will allow access for wheelchairs and/or walkers.
Bathtubs pose another serious risk for individuals with disabilities. If renovating the bathroom isn’t an option bathtub and shower grab bars can be installed to provide needed support for maneuvering around the bathroom. A walk in bath tub can provide an easy alternative for people with mobility issues. A water tight door is built into a tub to provide easy access into an out of the bathing area. Another alternative is a walk in showers can provide access to those in a wheelchair while also providing access to those who have trouble navigating over the bathtub walls. This option can allow for more customization and versatility.
The toilet is another consideration in designing a bathroom for people with mobility issues. Grab bars provide added stability while either sitting or standing. When people think of grab bars they automatically think of the stainless steel models popular in commercial bathrooms. Grab bars are no longer regulated to stainless steel but come in array of finishes that can match most décor. Either single or dual grab bars can be installed on either side of the toilet to provide the necessary stability.
A wall mounted sink can accessibility to a bathroom by adding additional free space underneath the sink to allow access with a wheelchair or a bench. Installing a single handle or even an electronic or hands free faucet can ease the burden of those with dexterity issue.
Accessible Kitchens
The kitchen is one of the most used rooms in a house but for those with mobility issues. Making changes to an existing kitchen to one that is handicapped accessible kitchen will make the kitchen a safer and easier for the entire family.
Due to the nature of the kitchen a non-slip finish is the first step in making the kitchen safer. Replacing the kitchen faucet with a single lever style will make using the sink easier for people with hand and wrist limitations. A scald-guard valve can prevent burns for scalding water too.
Standard height counters can be an issue for people in wheelchairs. Deciding which base cabinets can be removed can allow access to different areas of the kitchen such as the sink. Pull out draws make all items easier to access and lift. Electric receptacles and switches can be relocated to provide easier access. Having a unobstructed work area from the sink to the stove will allow people to slide heavy pots and pans.
Appliances are another consideration when modifying a home for accessibility. Lowering the location of the microwave to one that is lower can make access by a wheelchair easier and kids. Cooktops and ranges need to have the controls on the front or on the top front. Raising the dishwasher up off of the floor allows for access to the bottom rack.
Other considerations for making your home handicap accessible
Making is home accessible doesn’t stop with just the kitchen and bathroom areas. There are many ways that improvements throughout the house can make significant. Hallways, closets, bedrooms, and entryways all can be modified to accommodate any disability. Whether it is handrails or wheelchair ramps you can make your home safer for you and your family.
Contact us so that we can assist you in transitioning you home to one that will sustain your independence.
