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Universal Design & Accessible Design Bathroom, Kitchen & Exterior Home Modification Remodeling for Independent Living

Benefits of Using Universal & Accessible Design Home Modifications for remodeling a bathroom, kitchen or entrance of a home in Columbus Ohio

Making a home work for people of all abilities is what universal and accessible design remodeling is about. The final result of the remodel process will create a space that allows for independent living, maximum function and style. Here’s a partial list of benefits you can realize when investing in home modifications and specialized renovations:

Accessible shower with roll under sink and decorative grab bars

Accessible curbless shower, roll under sink, decorative grab bars

Universal design kitchen

No step level entrance for a home

Improve function and usable space – If it’s difficult for a friend, relative, or family member to use a room (because the doors are too small, a tub is dangerous to step over, steps are hard to maneuver etc.) making modifications can open up the entire home for their enjoyment.
Increased safety – Thoughtful design can reduce the risks of falling and injury in a bath, kitchen, entrance or anywhere inside or outside the house.
Add style & improve home values - Outdated kitchens and baths can be an eyesore and reduce future market value. A stylish, safe renovation can make the space easier to use, fun, relaxing and enjoyable.
Allow for independent living & reduced care giver costs – With ever rising health care costs the ability for an aging parent or someone with a disability to stay in their home through accessible and universal design remodeling can save money (eliminate elder care, home selling and moving costs) and improve their ability to enjoy life.
Work with a trusted company with specialized training in accessible and universal design – The goal for a remodeling company is to understand your needs and to remodel or modify your space to fit the needs. Our age in place universal accessible design training helps us achieve this goal. Our approach to customer service has also won our businesses numerous service awards.

8 Frequently Asked Questions about Universal, Adaptable and Handicap Disability Accessible Bath, Kitchen Home Modification Remodeling

Question 1 – The bathroom is a dangerous place for my aging parents. How can we remodel the bath and make it safer and stylish? Style and safety are not mutually exclusive. Check out these products and design options to make an extraordinary bath.

Barrier free level entry shower wet room

Glass block shower with a decorative grab bar and corner seat

Glass block shower, decorative grab bar, corner seat, low curb

Safety transfer tub with double bowl roll under sinks

Walk in tub for safety and luxury

No threshold acrylic shower with shower bench seat

Rising wall bathtub for ease of entry and exit

Rising wall bathtub for ease of entry & exit

Additional bathroom remodeling design ideas – Consider pull out shelves, setting the electrical outlets higher and light switches lower, illuminated switches, anti-scald shower valves, and non-slip floor coverings.

Question 2 – How can I design a kitchen with universal and accessible ideas? What features should be included? Sound kitchen remodeling design will make a universal kitchen easy to use for people of all abilities (from grandchildren to grandparents). Some features to consider:

C style drawer pulls and improved lighting

Roll under sink, different counter heights

Remote control range hood for universal design

Remote control range hood with roll under cooktop

Smooth cooktop with roll out stool makes it easy to move hot items off the stove

Kitchen pull out storage for universal design

Kitchen pull out storage for easy access

High tow kicks underneath cabinets, microwave set lower

High toe kicks underneath cabinets, microwave set lower

Additional kitchen remodeling design ideas - Consider wider alleyways, pull out countertops & shelves, pull down shelves, setting electrical outlets higher (18” from floor) and light switches lower (48” from floor) and adding more task lighting.

Question 3 – I don’t need an accessible space today but I’d like to plan for the future. What modifications should I do now? With proper planning now you can save significant remodeling costs down the road. Consider these ideas:

Plywood behind bathroom walls for future support bars and rails

Plywood behind bathroom walls for future support grab bars

Low threshold front door and lever handle

Easy to operate light switches set above the floor

Easy to operate light switches set 48" above the floor

Additional design tips – Widen doorways to 36”, create one zero step entrance.

Question 4 – What is the difference between universal and accessible design remodeling projects?

Universal design is focused on meeting the needs of people of all abilities (whether they are young, old, big, small etc.) without specialized design. It can be thought of as “invisible design” – when done well most people don’t “see” it but it is easier to enjoy and use.
Accessible design – When a space is modified for the specific needs of a person(s) with some type of disability (mobility, vision, mental, sight, hearing etc.) that is accessible design. This type of design is often required for someone who has a degenerative or chronic health condition or may have been injured in a traumatic event.

Question 5 – I have a small bathroom and need a fully accessible design. Is this possible? Yes – using the right products and planning you can have accessibility in a small bath. The project photos below (courtesy of Equal Access Homes) has these products and features:

“Lifetime vanity” – 2 drawer mobility cart glides out (with pull out cabinets)
Curved shower rod and curtain (separating the shower from the toilet area)
Hand held and rain shower heads
Comfort chair height toilet for easy transfers
Recessed in wall soap and shampoo niches (set at different heights for all shower users)
Level entry floor (using a structural glass reinforced plastic base) and wet room design.

Small accessible handicap bathroom& wet room

Custom accessible lifetime vanity with pull out cabinets

Custom accessible "lifetime vanity" with glide out cabinets, support bar, roll under sink

Curbless shower base made of glass reinforced plastic

Question 6 – It’s difficult for my Dad in a wheelchair to get into our home and enjoy our deck? What solutions are possible? For those who are disabled or have special needs consider a handicap front entrance or garage ramp, no step level entrance, or chair lift.

Barrier free zero step front entry

Ramp inside garage

Outdoor deck and ramp combination

Additional Design Idea – If possible – try to use a level front entry vs. a ramp. Although it’s more expensive it looks nice and does not detract from the home’s curb appeal.

Question 7– We own a multi-level home and it’s difficult for my husband to get up the stairs? What solutions do you have? Depending on mobility needs and budget there are several solutions.

Residential elevator

Stair Lift

Vertical platform lift

Question 8 – How can your company help with a universal or handicap accessible home modification remodeling project?

Take the time to get to know your needs – We’ll learn how you want to use your space and present potential solutions in an easy to understand manner.
Specialized training – Our company has invested in training in age in place, universal design, handicap accessible and independent living spaces.
33 years experience as a remodeling and renovation contractor.
Coordinate with everyone who needs to be involved in the process (homeowners, caregivers, adult children etc.)

If you need help with a universal or accessible design home modification or remodeling project in Columbus call for a free consultation or email Columbus Design and Remodeling.