• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5
• 6
• 7
• 8
• 9
• 10

After you retire, have you every thought about selling your home in the city and moving to the “peace and solitude” of your weekend retreat? If so, you may be planning to remodel or update your property to provide the “comforts of home” and create a gathering place for all generations of your family to foster fond memories. 

In doing so, this is a great opportunity to incorporate basic design concepts and “fine tuning” to address any mobility or aging issues that you or your guests may experience in the future.

Start by designating one entrance as a primary, future accessible entrance.  If you have a stoop or deck, construct the level landing at the door so it is the same height as the threshold. The size of this platform should be a minimum 5 feet by 5 feet; that would allow future installation of a ramp off of it if needed. Remember to provide the same minimum 5 feet by 5 feet of clearance on the interior side of the door as well, so as to have ample floor space on both sides of the door to enter and exit your home comfortably. A “covered” entry is preferred so the entrance is protected from rain and snow, if you are in a colder climate.

Eliminate the need to rely on steps when planning the interior. Having one bedroom and bathroom on the same level as the kitchen and living area is ideal. These rooms should be located on the same level as the accessible entrance.  You may also want to consider incorporating the beginnings of an accessible “egress route” (disguised as a deck off the bedroom, onto which a ramp can be easily attached in the future).

Doors that are relocated or replaced should be widened to allow installation of a 36-inch door, or you might consider installation of French doors, which can create an even wider opening when both doors are open.

Before installing drywall or wall tile in bathrooms, reinforce all walls surrounding the toilet, bathtub, and/or shower to provide a proper surface for future installation of grab bars. The preferred method would be to install marine-grade plywood over the wall studs, extending the full height and width of walls surrounding these fixtures. This will allow great flexibility down the road if grab bars are needed.

If you are considering replacing the toilet, install one with a taller seat surface.  All of the major plumbing manufacturers offer a residential model that provides a higher toilet seat, but it still looks like a standard residential toilet.

When reconfiguring bathroom and kitchen areas, provide a minimum 30”x48” clear floor space centered in front of toilets, sinks, tub/shower, and appliances.  Often times, when creating an accessible bathroom or kitchen, open knee space below counters is desired for seated use at a vanity, sink, cook-top and work area. If you would rather wait on this access feature, at least install the floor material under cabinets so you don’t have to replace the flooring later when modifying cabinetry. Installing a sink and countertop over a base cabinet, which could be removed at a later date, is another option. Providing a large mirror that extends to the backsplash can be done now with little additional expense, allowing use while standing or sitting.

Avoid luxury sized whirlpool tubs, as they are more difficult to get into and out of. A standard bathtub is easier and, if needed, can accommodate a bench seat and hand-held shower sprayer at the point in time when getting into the tub becomes difficult and reach ranges are limited. Installation of a shower unit without a “curb” is the most flexible solution unless major remodeling is to take place, but we suggest installing them into a bathroom with tile floor instead of vinyl flooring. Avoid shower units with doors as they are typically too narrow to get into easily if you have any mobility restrictions. Instead, use a weighted shower curtain at the entrance and install the curtain rod a few inches inside the shower to ensure that the curtain drips inside the shower.

If ordering new kitchen cabinets, incorporate pull-out shelves in base cabinets, and attempt to incorporate a pantry. Pull-out cutting boards are useful, as they can provide an accessible work surface in the event you need to sit while preparing a meal; providing open knee space below one section of counter serves the same purpose. Select “D” shaped cabinet pulls for cabinet doors and drawers, as they are easier to use in the event you lose some of your grasping ability (e.g., arthritis).

Any new faucet or door hardware should allow lever operation; these are easier to operate, especially if you have limited strength or dexterity. 

Firm floor surfaces such as laminate, low-pile carpet, tile and hardwood are easier to maneuver over and are more durable. The transition from one floor surface to another should be neutral with no abrupt rise. This will eliminate potential tripping issues.

These tips should give you a starting point in assessing your remodeling options. During this planning stage, visit a variety of manufacturer showrooms to see the assortment of options open to you that will make your cabin “home sweet home.”  

Jane A. Hampton, CID, CAPS is the President and Founder of Accessibility Design, a Minneapolis, MN based home access design, consultation, and project management company (est.1992). As a Certified Interior Designer and Certified Aging in Place Specialist, Jane Hampton was one of the early pioneers in developing the specialty niche of home access and defining what it is today. She and her company have captured the essence of Universal Design, Aging in Place, and Home Access and have helped thousands enhance their lives by refining residential access and independent living. She is looked to as an expert in the field, as well as an educator on both a regional and national level.  

For more information regarding Jane Hampton and her company Accessibility Design, please visit http://www.accessibilitydesign.com/