-When someone in the family becomes disabled it’s often necessary to remodel the bathroom so that room is easier to use. Frank Cueva, owner of Central Pacific Construction, bathroom remodeling experts in Paso Robles said, “The best way to start is to have a list of how the bathroom needs to change so that it’s easier to enter and exit, bathe, and all the other things we need to do in a bathroom.”
Fortunately, bathrooms in private homes don’t have to strictly follow American with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements, but using those requirements as guidelines is very useful. A private residence must be ADA compliant if a portion of the residence is used for certain kinds of business.
The remodeling points to examine include:
- Widening the door
- Adding grab bars
- Creating more floor space
- Adding a shower or bathtub that is easy to get into and out of
- Replacing the toilet
The degree of remodeling and changing any of these items depends on the nature of the disability and the person’s preferences. Remodeling for wheelchair access and transfer has different needs than remodeling for someone who is still relatively able to get around under his or her own power or aging in place at home.
- The door needs to be widened for wheelchair or walker access. The bathroom door should be at least 32-inches wide with a clearance of at least 36-inches. Shower doors also need to follow the same measurement.
- Grab bars help people stabilize themselves while sitting down or standing up. Grab bars also give someone with balance concerns something to hold on to for extra support. Some of the best places to install grab bars are in the shower, near the shower door for entering and exiting and near the toilet. They need to be positioned 33-36 inches from the floor so they are easy to reach and solidly installed. The length varies according to use, although ADA compliance requires specific lengths for specific locations.
- Wheelchairs require more floor space to navigate. The ADA requires a 30-inch by 48-inch access to the sink and also requires the center line of the toilet be between 16 and 18 inches from the side wall.
- Add a shower or bathtub that is easy to get in and out. Showers can have curbless floors for wheelchair access or so there is nothing to trip over. Consider a walk-in bathtub. Add seating for the shower.
- Replacing the toilet may not be necessary because riser seats can be installed to bring the seat to an easy height for transferring to and from a wheelchair. It’s also easier for some with arthritis or balance issues to have a higher seat.
Other considerations when planning the accessible bathroom include:
- A bathroom for use during the remodel
- Remodeling cabinets and shelves for easier access
- Making sure that frequently traveled paths throughout the house are smooth and obstacle free
- An idea about what you want the final bathroom to look like
Prepare a list of questions for the Paso Robles bathroom remodeling contractor. Central Pacific Construction has been in the remodeling and construction business since 1997 and can answer your questions.
Central Pacific Construction is a Paso Robles remodeling leader for bathrooms, kitchens, other rooms or sections of homes and businesses. The company’s 20 years of experience in all aspects of construction and satisfied clients has earned the Better Business Bureau A+ rating.
Central Pacific Construction
3200 Riverside Ave Ste 120
Paso Robles, CA 93446
(805) 471-4749
