5 Bathroom Ideas on How to Increase Its Accessibility

Having a bathroom renovation is one matter, and remodeling it for accessibility is another. When it comes to this process, you must not only consider striking a balance between functionality and aesthetics. On top of these two is accessibility, which needs to be your priority.

Keep in mind that accessible bathroom remodeling isn't merely confined to the elderly or people with disabilities. It is also for homeowners with children and those households requiring easy access and ample space.

If you don't know how to proceed with renovating your bathroom, fret not. We've got a rundown of five ideas to make your bathroom as accessible as possible:

1. Create ample space and proper clearance

If you want a bathroom with easy entrance, it all boils down to having ample space. If you have enough space, be sure to clear the pathway, doorway, and shower openings. Doing this can accommodate wheelchairs for persons with disabilities and eliminate barriers that can harm your elderly. If you don't have enough space, it's best to invest in smart fixtures and strategically install them in the bathroom. Ultimately, employ the minimalist approach to create space.

2. Have proper fixture placement

As mentioned, the key to accessibility is to have proper placement of fixtures. In doing so, be sure to check the bathroom guidelines for people with disabilities. For instance, the Americans with Disabilities Act requires a five-foot turning radius for a wheelchair, which means that you have to allow space and position your fixtures properly. Whether it's your toilet, shower, tub, sink, or cabinetry, be sure to sit down with your contractor and see where you can best place them.

3. Install low open shelving

When it comes to storage, it's best to opt for low open shelving over high, deep cabinets. This is because you will want to make sure that your family members who are in need of help won't have a hard time reaching for essential items such as towels, toilet paper, toothbrush, or even medications. What's great about open shelving is that the items are conspicuous and easily accessed. At the same time, be sure to install them at a certain height that's easy to reach.

4. Consider slip-resistant flooring

Keep in mind that the flooring is a crucial aspect of ensuring openness and fostering the utmost safety. For the most part, your bathroom flooring consists of tiles, which is why you should pick textured flooring that can significantly prevent trips, slips, and falls. Whether you opt for small or larger tiles with lots of grout in between, having a little texture can create the needed friction to prevent people from slipping or tripping over.

5. Have easy maintenance surfaces

Bathroom surfaces must be easily and quickly cleaned and maintained. Whether it is your countertops, sinks, shelves, and even walls or floors, be sure that they don't easily get dirty or worn out over time. If you leave your elderly parents to live alone and they frequently use the bathroom while you're away, you don't want them to stress over the cleaning and maintenance.

Conclusion

At this point, you now have a bigger idea of how to make your bathroom instantly accessible and safe without compromising aesthetics and functionality. As discussed above, be sure to create ample space and proper clearance, have proper fixture placement, install low open shelving, and have easy maintenance surfaces. Likewise, be sure to factor in your space, personal preference, household needs, and overall budget. With all these in mind, you'll have easily accessible and safe bathrooms for you and your family!

We build and design beautiful living spaces that always meet our clients’ needs. If you are looking for professional bathroom remodeling services in Irvine, CA, we are the ones to call! On top of that, we even offer kitchen designs, bathroom renovations, closet remodels, or flooring services – get in touch with us today for a free estimate!