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Making your home accessible to those with physical disabilities can be difficult, but it doesn’t have to be expensive. There are many affordable options to make your home more accessible for those with physical impairments. We’ll discuss five of the most affordable ways to make your home handicap accessible.
These five tips are simple to implement and won’t break the bank. Whether you’re living with a disability or you want to make your home accessible for visiting family members, friends, or tenants, these tips will help. Once you’ve implemented these changes, you’ll be able to enjoy your home without barriers.
Assessing Needs
Identifying Mobility Limitations
The first step in making your home handicap accessible is to assess the needs of the person or persons living there. The extent of modifications depends on their mobility limitations, such as if they are in a wheelchair or have difficulty with stairs. It’s critical to consider the level of mobility necessary for each room that must be modified, as the solutions may differ from one room to another.
Deciding What Accessibility Solutions Are Necessary
Once you identify the most critical mobility limitations, the next step is deciding what specific accessibility solutions are needed. If a wheelchair user is living in the home, you’ll likely need a ramp and widened doorways leading into every room and entrances into elevators or bathrooms. Kitchen countertops and cabinets should be low to the ground, and toilet seat risers can also be beneficial.
Install a Ramp
Evaluating Ramp Options
When it comes to installing a ramp, there are several options available depending on your budget, type of home, and how much space you have. For multi-level homes, consider arched or curved ramps that run along a path or a straight ramp leading from the driveway up to the main entrance of your home. Straight ramps are more cost-effective than curved ramps but may require more space for installation.
Ramp Construction
Constructing ramps yourself can be a more cost-effective solution than buying premade ramps or hiring someone else to do it for you. Simply draw out your plans and find basic materials at your local hardware store. Items such as treated lumber, plywood, and hardware appropriate for outdoor use should all suffice for building an effective ramp that meets local codes and regulations.
Widening Doorways
Identifying Doors To Be Widened
If a wheelchair user is using the doorways, ensure all doors are wide enough for them to comfortably pass through. Each door should have at least 32 inches of clearance for wheelchairs and other mobility devices. If it does not meet this requirement, you should widen it.
Widening Solutions
One way to save money when widening doorways is to use pocket doors instead of regular swing doors, as they don’t protrude into the room when open. These doors also take up less space while still being functional. Replacing existing door frames with wider frames and appropriate hinges is also an affordable way to widen doorways on a budget, especially if you already have tools.
Lowering Cabinets and Countertops
Identifying Areas To Be Adjusted
If a person in a wheelchair will need access to cabinets and countertops throughout their daily routine in the kitchen, you may need to lower these surfaces. Cabinets should be no higher than 34 inches from the floor, depending on your needs. The countertops should match this overall height so both surfaces are even in terms of accessibility for wheelchair users in your home.
Kitchen Solutions
You can use adjustable feet to lower your cabinets without spending too much money. You’ll want to purchase adjustable feet separately to ensure they fit your cabinets. These options are inexpensive overall.
Bathroom Modifications
Common Bathroom Modifications
Several modifications can make life much easier for added comfort when using the bathroom, including grab bars, toilet seat risers, anti-scald devices, slip-resistant flooring, and shower seats.
Solutions
Grab bars can be installed without having to demolish your tile walls. Use anchor screws drilled into the studs to secure this handrail. Raised toilet seats can also improve accessibility in your bathroom. These items provide extra height so those in wheelchairs can sit comfortably. Shower benches also help those who tire easily when showering by providing a sitting surface in your shower.
Making your home handicap accessible doesn’t have to be expensive or difficult. With some planning, creativity, and an understanding of what modifications are necessary, it’s possible to make your home safer and more comfortable for everyone. From assessing your needs to installing ramps, these affordable solutions can make it easier for those with physical impairments to access your home. With these simple tips, you can ensure your home meets the needs of everyone who enters and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with creating a safe and comfortable environment for all.
