You’re ready to convert your bathroom into an ADA-compliant one.
Perhaps you own a business and you’ve received notice that some of your bathrooms need to be remodeled to be in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Maybe you’re planning to sell your home and you want to make some ADA-compliant improvements before putting it on the market.
Or perhaps your spouse or loved ones need a safer bathroom to move around in after an accident or sudden life change.
Whatever your reasons for wanting to remodel your bathroom to meet ADA standards, there are a few things you’ll need to keep in mind. In this post, we’ll give you an overview of what changes you’ll need to make and some ideas for how to make them in a way that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional.
The Basics of an ADA-Compliant Bathroom
There are a few basic principles that all ADA-compliant bathrooms must adhere to.
- First, all doors must be at least 32 inches wide.
- Second, there must be enough space inside the bathroom for a wheelchair to turn around.
- Third, all fixtures must be accessible to someone in a wheelchair. This means that sinks, toilets, and showers should all be lowered and have grab bars installed next to them.
- Fourth, all toilets must have an accessible flush lever.
- And lastly, there should be adequate lighting so that people with low vision can see well.
When you look at the parameters like this, transforming your current bathroom into an ADA-compliant one may not seem so overwhelming!
5 Ideas for Making your Bathroom More Accessible without Sacrificing Style
Now that we’ve covered the basics of what needs to be done in order to make your bathroom compliant with ADA standards, let’s talk about how you can do it in a way that still looks good!
1. Consider light: One thing you’ll want to consider is using lighter colors and/or reflective surfaces. This will help maximize the amount of light in the room and make it easier for people with low vision to see.
2. Go energy-efficient: Another option is installing energy-efficient LED lighting, which will not only help save on your electricity bill but also provide more light than traditional bulbs.
3. Use fixtures with function and style: When it comes to fixtures, there are now many different options available that are both stylish and functional. For example, there are toilets with raised seats and grab bars built into them.
4. Create accessibility: For easy-to-reach areas, there are vanities with lower countertops and open shelving underneath for easy accessibility.
5. Implement shower accessibility: Finally, there are showerheads with longer hoses so that they can be used while seated or standing.
With so many different options available, there’s no reason why your bathroom can’t be both stylish and accessible!
Making your bathroom compliant with ADA standards doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. With a little bit of planning and some creative thinking, you can make all the necessary changes without sacrificing style or functionality.
For help converting your bathroom to an ADA-compliant one in San Diego, American Bathroom Remodelers is here to help. Contact us today for a free quote!