How Can You Make Your Bathroom More Accessible During A Remodel?

Have you ever considered how bathroom renovation can open up your space for everyone? Whether for older members of the family, mobility-impaired individuals or to make it easier for use, accessibility in the bathroom is a great idea. In this blog post, a bathroom remodeling in Dover DE, to convert your bathroom into an accessible space. By the time you're finished, you'll know just what to do to create a functional, fashionable, and accessible bathroom.

Open Up The Doorway With A Bathroom Remodeling In Dover DE

First things first, let's talk about the entry point. Is your bathroom door big enough to fit a wheelchair or a walker? Regular doors might not be wide enough, so opening them up to at least 32 inches can be a game-changer. This modification guarantees that everyone, no matter what mobility device they use, can easily get in. It's not only convenient but an essential move toward making a place accessible.

Install Grab Bars

Safety is paramount in any bathroom, but particularly in an accessible one. Having grab bars installed around the toilet, shower, and bathtub areas gives everyone stability and support, especially those who have mobility issues. Make sure these bars are properly anchored to bear weight and usage. They are available in different styles and finishes that can match your bathroom's décor—functionality and style!

Choose a Walk-in Shower

Classic bathtubs may be a major obstacle to accessibility. Moving to a walk-in shower eliminates obstacles—literally. Choose a model with a low threshold to allow easy entrance and exit. Having a built-in seat and adjustable showerhead will help with usability. So, choosing a bathroom remodeling in Dover DE, not only makes the shower safer but also introduces a sense of comfort for everyone.

Select Slip-resistant Flooring

When redesigning, selecting appropriate flooring is essential in minimizing slips and falls. Slip-resistant flooring material such as textured porcelain or ceramic tiles has traction even when wet and is a must for any accessible bathroom. This option not only assures safety but also maintains the aesthetic appeal of your room.

Modify Sink and Vanity Heights

Lastly, rethink your sink and vanity heights. They can be usable by an individual who uses a wheelchair. Opt for a floating vanity that has space underneath for wheelchair clearance. With this modification, the sink becomes usable for all, and the addition of lever-handled faucets can assist the person with less hand strength. It's about making every aspect of the bathroom simple and functional to use.

Install a Raised Toilet Seat

For others, the mere act of sitting down and rising from the toilet can be daunting. A raised toilet seat eases the effort and enhances convenience. With seats that offer to add two to six inches in height, choosing bathroom remodeling in Dover DE that will meet your unique needs can prove to be life-changing. Furthermore, some seats have built-in grab bars for extra security and stability. This small adjustment can greatly improve the comfort and independence of any individual with mobility concerns.

Improve Lighting for Better Vision

Task Lighting: Install bright, focused lights above the sink and shower stations.

Night Lights: Add soft, automatic night lights for safety during nighttime visits.

Adequate lighting in a bathroom is essential, particularly for individuals with compromised vision. Bright, strategically placed lights avoid accidents by allowing users to easily see wet floors, grab bars, and other safety features. Task lighting near the mirror and sink space, in combination with ambient lighting, can remove shadows and minimize glare. Use motion-sensor lights that turn on and off automatically and increase both safety and energy efficiency.

Simplify Storage Access

Accessibility is not just about room and fittings; it's also about usability. As you remodel your bathroom, reconsider the location and design of where and how you keep things in order to avoid bending and stretching that may be challenging for some. Use lower storage options, like drawers and open shelves, to provide simple access to towels, toiletries, and other items. Choose pulls and handles that are easy to grasp to make opening and closing cabinets easy.

Adapt Bathtub for Simple Access

Step-through Inserts: Retain the existing bathtub and turn it into a walk-in tub without replacement.

Door-equipped Tubs: Opt for bathtubs with doors to simplify entry and exit.

In case a total replacement for a walk-in shower is not affordable, adapt your current bathtub to ensure it is simpler to access. Step-through inserts can be retrofitted in your existing tub, providing a navigable opening that obviates the need to climb over the edge. Bathtubs with built-in doors offer a convenient access alternative that balances safety with the healing advantages of a bath. Such adaptations enable individuals to remain independent while experiencing the luxury of a warm soak safely.

Throughout this blog, we've covered essential steps to ensure your bathroom remodeling project makes your space accessible and comfortable for everyone. From widening doorways to choosing the right fixtures, each element plays a pivotal role in creating a functional and inviting bathroom. Remember, an accessible bathroom remodeling in Dover DE, caters to immediate family needs and increases your home's appeal to potential buyers. By applying these changes, your bathroom shall be safe, fashionable, and accessible to everybody.