One of the questions I get asked the most is “What do I have to do to make a bathroom accessible?” Well, the first thing to do is to make sure that the disabled person can enter the bathroom or any room. So let’s start with the door. Ideally, you want to use a 36″ door. I understand that when remodeling, it won’t always be possible to fit a door that size without too much ripping. However, try to use a door no shorter than 30″ if you can. Sometimes a pocket door is the answer. In a new construction, there will always be 36″ doors throughout the house. Then in a new construction, we need to consider the size of the room. In bathrooms other than the master, we sometimes go for the smaller ones instead of the smaller ones. the largest when it comes to the second or third bathroom.

A 6′-0″ x 8′-0″ bathroom is going to be tight, especially when space is needed for a wheelchair. You should be aware that a wheelchair requires a minimum of 48″ to turn and is a standard 60″. So if you consider this, then the minimum size bathroom becomes 8′-0″ x 10′-0″. In redevelopment it may not always be possible to expand the bathroom both in width and depth. The most critical dimension is the width or area in front of the sink and toilet, which should be 60″, so in these cases we need 8′-0″ perpendicular to these fixtures. Also with a person in a wheelchair, the height of the counter is important.

Therefore, as with kitchen countertops, use countertops that are 32″ maximum height and at the sink or anywhere else a person in a wheelchair must face a countertop in order to use the countertop area. or the sink, because knee room needs to be provided.toilet itself, consider two things: height and shape.The fixture should be about the height of a chair and should have an oval-shaped bowl.Now, we come to the tub and shower area of ​​the bathroom.In the master bathroom where you sometimes have a shower and a tub both need to be considered.Let’s start with the tub in the master bathroom where there is a separate shower.If the wheelchair user If you plan to use the tub, then a device to lift and lower the tub will be required by one person.Depending on the device to be used, some considerations may be needed during construction.As for the shower in the master bathroom, it will be you need It will include a wheelchair accessible shower along with a folding seat. These units take up no more space than a standard bathtub enclosure would. It should be installed around the bathtub and toilet areas, as well as in the shower area.

Additional reinforcement will need to be provided in these areas of the wall to support the grab bars. Toilet grab bars should be installed both behind the tank and on the opposite side of the counter or on both sides where the toilet encloses. Grab bars should be installed at a height just above the tank. While we are on the subject of an enclosed bathroom area, we need to make sure that the opening to the bathroom area, or door, is 36″ and opens out of the enclosed area. You should also allow room for 60″ of go around the area. If this isn’t practical, you may want to reconsider closing the toilet. Grab bars in a roll-in shower, as well as the folding seat, are usually installed by the manufacturer. For a custom shower enclosure, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for grab bar placement height. The seat, whether built-in or folding, must be the height of a chair.

For bathrooms other than the large master, you will need to replace the tub with a roll-in shower, or you will want to make accommodations to get the client up and down. Whichever you choose, the same rules regarding dimensions and fixtures apply here as with the master bath. Other things to consider here, as well as in other parts of the house, are door handles, water valve levers in the sink and tub, temperature control in the shower and tub, and lighting. Door handles throughout the home should be lever types, as they are easier for people with limited use of their hands to operate. The same goes for the levers on the sink and tub or shower controls for the same reason. Temperature control should be provided to prevent burns in those with no or decreased sensation. And lastly, you need to consider the height and location of switches and outlets.

The height must be in accordance with the ADA specifications and must take into account the person’s ability to reach them when deciding on the location of the outlets. Consider placing a GFI outlet, a Ground Fault Interrupter, on the front or side of the cabinet. Lighting isn’t something you would normally consider important when designing for accessibility, but for a person in a wheelchair who can’t reach the light switch, it’s very important. The switches, as I mentioned before, should be at an easily accessible height. We should also consider changing the bulbs in these appliances. Consider using fluorescent or LED bulbs for long life, as the disabled person will need help changing the bulbs. And sometimes, if we have to ask, all too often we don’t because we feel like we’re imposing on others, or we just can’t afford to have someone else do it. Well, I hope I have answered some of your questions about accessible bathroom design. If you have other questions, don’t hesitate to ask. Breathe the Peace and Love of God.