Renovating for Accessibility

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We all want our homes to be comfortable and to accommodate our changing needs as we age. An accessible home design offers independence and comfort for adults and children with disabilities as they go about their daily activities.

As a Certified Aging-in-Place (CAPS) contractor, Wel-Vant Construction Co. understands the needs of the older adult population and will design settings and surroundings that accommodate individuals requiring obstacle-free living environments. With our expert knowledge in "aging-in-place" design, we provide high-quality remodeling solutions while staying within the budget agreed upon by the customer and contractor.

Many new products are being designed with accessibility requirements being taken into account. This has resulted in a growing selection of high-quality, attractive, useful and well-thought-out products and designs that make everyday living with a disability much easier. Click here to see the CAPS projects gallery in our portfolio.

Accessible Bathrooms

The most dangerous room in the average home is the bathroom. It is a confined area with slippery surfaces, a catalyst for far too many ugly slips and falls.

Walk-in tubs

After: We replaced the existing bathtub and shower surround with a more beautiful and accessible design.

A walk-in tub allows ease of access for those unable to bathe in a regular tub, including persons with physical challenges, limited mobility or the elderly. An individual capable of using a walker will have no problem using a walk-in tub by themselves.

Every member of the family could benefit from the use of a walk-in therapy tub. Senior citizens are looking for progressive age related relief, while middle-agers are looking ahead for their future safety and independence, and the youth of today who are active sports enthusiasts are looking for what the therapeutic walk-in therapy tub will provide in bathing needs as well as providing therapeutic benefits.

Before: This home's tub and shower had obstacles to people with accessibility challenges.

Barrier-free showers

Accessible showers have no curb and are easier to get in and out of than conventional showers or bathtubs. People with mobility challenges can walk in directly or transfer into a barrier free shower or alternatively a wheelchair user can roll into a handicapped accessible shower stall.

An accessible shower stall with the shower floor at the same level with the bathroom floor allows both individuals with a physical disability as well as people with no disability to enjoy safe and comfortable bathrooms without sacrificing style. Having a shower with no floor-barriers creates a sleek, modern look to the room and can be just as appealing to those without disabilities.

Grab bars

Grab bars are empowering devices which provide a secure hand hold in the bath tub or shower, and offer individuals of all ages enhanced stability while standing or sitting. Falls are among the leading causes of injuries, hospitalizations and functional disabilities among seniors, and bathrooms are one of the most common locations for indoor falls.

Accessibility Throughout the Home

Changes to spaces throughout a home make a noticeable difference to the people who benefit from them.

Widening doorways

Wheelchairs need a minimum 32" door for a straight in approach. If the doorway is located in the typical hallway and requires turning a wheelchair, you'll need a 36" door. Doors can be widened for wheelchair and walker access. The existing door unit is removed, the light switch relocated, the framed opening widened, a new wider door unit installed and the finished flooring is repaired.

Ramps

Residential access ramps are traditionally constructed of wood but can be made of other materials such as concrete or molded plastic. They can even be made to blend in with a home landscaping design.

View Photos of Accessibility Renovations

Contact Us About Your Renovation Needs