Creating a bathroom that can be accessed by anyone is important. Not only does this ensure code compliance, it ensures the safety and comfort of the people who use the restroom. But don’t assume an accessible home bathroom is just for old or mobility-challenged individuals. It’s also for younger people who are thinking ahead to aging in place within their home for the rest of their lives.
As we age, the chances that we will be injured or experience a major health crisis sometime in the future increase. Or, perhaps you anticipate having an elderly parent move in with you as they become unable to care for themselves. These are all good reasons to consider accessibility when designing your new bathroom. Be sure to partner with a Boston bathroom remodeler that understands these concerns and can implement them in the design.
Where to Begin
It can help to speak with an occupational therapist (OT) who can come into the home and help you determine accessibility needs. This consultation can determine where to place grab bars, how the shower should function, and what type of tub would be best. The changes you make will depend on the extent of your remodel, the size of the bathroom, and the needs of the individuals using it.
Required Dimensions: Accessible Bathrooms
When it comes to commercial bathrooms, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) outlines requirements that must be followed to be considered compliant. While ADA compliance isn’t required for homes, many designers and contractors follow these guidelines to create accessible or universal designs in residential settings.
ADA requirements for a bathroom include:
- Room to maneuver: There must be a 60-inch diameter unobstructed clear space for a wheelchair to rotate.
- Entry door: The door has to be wide enough for wheelchair entry and exit (a minimum of 42 inches wide, no more than ½ inch-high threshold).
- Toilet: This space must be at least 15 inches from the bowl’s center to the wall. Toilet height must be a minimum of 17 inches from flooring to the seat area (not including the seat).
- Grab bars: They must be installed 42 inches high on the side and 36 inches high on the back wall. The ADA doesn’t specify placement of grab bars for showers or tubs, so placement is left up to the home or business owner. This will be specific to the person’s needs, mobility issues, height, preferences, and more.
- Clearance space: The bathroom must have a 60-inch diameter open space to allow a wheelchair to turn or an aide to provide assistance without coming into contact with obstructions.
Key Elements
From easy-to-use faucets to handheld shower nozzles, there are a few key elements of accessible bathrooms to keep in mind.
- Unobtrusive entry doors: Bathroom doors should swing out and not into the bathroom. This maximizes access and prevents detracting from the 60-inch diameter open space requirement.
- Secure grab bars: Grab bars should be installed into wall studs or some other type of secure material.
- Easy-to-use faucets: Lever handles rather than knobs should be used so they can be more easily turned on with one hand.
- Wide shower entry: The shower entry should be at least 36 inches wide, but this can vary by wheelchair size.
- Handheld shower: This attachment should be on asliding arm that is fully adjustable.
- Proper lighting: Recessed bathroom lights are recommended, as are overhead lights or wall sconces beside the mirror. In the shower, place waterproof recessed lights that turn on automatically when someone steps in, and off when they step out.
- Seating: Shower seats should be attached to the wall that can be folded when not in use.
Contact AD Construction
If you have a home bathroom remodeling project on your mind, partner with our Boston contractors to ensure it has all the right accessibility features. Please call AD Construction at 877-345-BUILD for your free quote and consultation on bathroom remodeling today.
