Bathrooms

The following bath remodeling ideas are to make the bathroom handicapped accessible and incorporate universal design which works for everyone. Ada bathroom requirements do not apply to residential construction but should be followed where bathroom space allows. A wheelchair accessible bathroom takes up significant floor space. A remodeling project of this magnitude may require moving existing walls to expand bathroom size.

General

Turn your water heater down to 120 degrees, or less to prevent

scalding or install an anti-scald device for your tub/shower and vanity sink.

Have a contractor install grab bars throughout the bathroom especially in the shower stall and bath tub and commode area. Grab bars come in a variety of colors and styles to match the decor in your bathroom. Companies manufacture fold-down grab bars that fold up and out of the way when not in use.

Have swing-clear hinges installed to improve door opening space by 1-1/2'', or a new 36'' wide door. Pocket doors are very helpful in saving space, are user friendly, and also come in 36'' wide. If a pocket door is not an option you can change the door swing direction to swing out rather than into the bathroom.

Have a new closet/storage area with shelving built for all your bathroom accessories.

Accessible design bathroom vanity

Have a new single handle or motion-activated ada faucet installed. Have a sitting area built with knee space clearance under counter.

Relocate medicine cabinets so all occupants can easily reach them.

Have an accessible vanity cabinet installed with clear knee space underneath for seated and/or wheelchair accessibility. Make sure the plumbing is protected 

with a scald guard to prevent burns. Vanity cabinets with drawers or pull-out shelves can be located to the side.

A slight downward tilt on vanity mirror increases visibility and usage for those in a seated position.

Provide clear area of 5' x 5' in front of vanity for walker or wheelchair access in the bathroom and for maneuvering space.

Accessible commode

Have a new 18'' high ADA commode installed. Raised toilet seats that are 3'' to 4'' thick are also available to raise seated area on handicap toilet.

Have grab bars installed - this is a good place for the fold-down grab bars for those with coordination and balance problems.

Bath tub

Have offset controls moved near the outside of tub/shower to eliminate reaching and bending.Have a shower wand installed on a sliding bar with adjustable height and a long hose for easier accessibility. It's recommended that a grab bar with adjustable height shower wand holder be used since some of the slide bars do not meet the ADA codes for weight bearing requirements.

Have a sliding transfer seat installed or use a bath bench in existing tub.

Have a walk in tub installed.

Bathtubs are dangerous to nearly everyone especially elderly and those with balance and coordination problems. The problem is mostly due to the wet slippery surface of bathtubs and the high step upon entering and exit. For handicap bathroom renovation the tub should be removed and replaced with a 0-step entry shower.

Accessible shower stall

Handicap shower stalls work great whether

users’ walk-in shower or roll-in shower because they are barrier free and the main feature of handicap bathroom design. Ada showers measure 5’ x 5’ for wheelchair maneuvering and a minimum of 36” x 60” is required.

Have a shower wand installed on a sliding bar with adjustable height and a long hose for easier accessibility. It's recommended that a grab bar with adjustable height shower wand holder be used since some of the slide bars do not meet the ADA codes for weight bearing requirements.

If you are having a new handicapped shower and/or wheelchair shower built consider incorporating a shower seat.

Water drainage is a big consideration and should be discussed with the contractor. A proper shower pan is required to prevent water leakage and a second drain in the center of floor is highly recommended.

Colored, textured ceramic tile with decorative accents can be used in coordination with colored grab bars for a nice looking design that is safe and usable for everyone.