At Curtis Construction Services, we believe that bathrooms should be designed to cater to the unique needs of families, especially when it comes to accommodating elderly loved ones and individuals with mobility challenges.

Join us as we explore the benefits of remodeling your bathroom for accessibility, discuss its cost-effectiveness, shed light on the timeline, and offer insights into the changes and upgrades that can transform your bathroom into a safe and comfortable space.

Changes and Upgrades for an Accessible Bathroom

Many changes can be made to a bathroom to make it more accessible, and the right remodeling contractors know what these residential (or even commercial) upgrades might be. They’ll ensure your bathroom and shower areas are easily accessible for all with the following options:

Adding Walk-in or Roll-in Showers to Your Bathroom

Replacing a traditional bathtub with a walk-in shower eliminates the need to step over a high tub edge, reducing the risk of slips and falls. Meanwhile, roll-in showers provide easy access for wheelchair users.

When you add a walk-in shower, you’ll reap benefits such as:

Reduced risk of falls
Wheelchair accessibility
Added space
Custom features (built-in seating, adjustable showerheads)
…and more

Installing Grab Bars

Installing strategically placed grab bars near the toilet, shower, and bathtub can provide essential support and stability.

Introducing a Comfort-Height Toilet

A higher toilet seat can make it easier for individuals with mobility issues to sit down and stand up. Installing this type of seat makes using the toilet a far easier activity for those who have trouble making it all the way up and down from a regular toilet set.

Integrating Non-Slip Flooring

Choosing slip-resistant flooring materials ensures a safe and secure footing, even in wet conditions. The best options for non-slip flooring include textured ceramic or porcelain tiled floors. These tiles are designed with textured surfaces that provide excellent traction, reducing the risk of slipping. They also come in various colors and styles to suit your bathroom's aesthetics.

Other options available to you include:

Cork flooring
Vinyl flooring with non-slip backing
Rubber flooring
Stone or pebble tiles
Sheet vinyl with raised patterns
Textured linoleum
Epoxy flooring
Additional anti-slip coatings on floors

Widening Your Bathroom Doorways

Is it hard to get in and out of your bathroom? Expanding the doorway to the bathroom to accommodate a wheelchair or walker is a crucial modification for those with mobility issues.

Adding an Accessible Bathroom Sink

Installing a sink with knee clearance underneath allows individuals to use the sink while seated.

Installing Adjustable Showerheads

Handheld, adjustable showerheads provide flexibility for people with various needs and preferences.

Building Lower Bathroom Cabinetry and Storage

Consider installing lower cabinets and shelves for easy access, or opt for open storage solutions.

Considering Proper Bathroom Lighting

Well-planned lighting can improve visibility and reduce the risk of accidents. For example, motion-activated lights are a practical addition.

Adding a Zero-Threshold Entry for Washrooms

Eliminating any raised thresholds at the bathroom entrance ensures smooth transitions for mobility devices.

The Benefits of an Accessible Bathroom

Traditional bathrooms often pose risks, such as slippery floors and hard-to-reach fixtures. For those with mobility issues, this doesn’t make for a safe and welcoming bathroom experience.

An accessible bathroom reduces the chance of accidents, providing peace of mind for both you and your loved ones. Ultimately, the most significant benefit of remodeling your bathroom to accommodate elderly loved ones and individuals with mobility issues is enhanced safety. Other benefits include:

Maintaining Independence

An accessible bathroom empowers elderly family members to maintain their independence. They can confidently navigate the space, perform daily tasks without assistance, and maintain their dignity and self-sufficiency.

Added Comfort Through Renovations

A well-designed, accessible bathroom is more comfortable for everyone. Features like grab bars, roll-in showers, and raised toilet seats make daily routines more convenient and pleasant.

Bathrooms with Disability Access Add Value

While the primary goal of remodeling is to improve your family's quality of life, it's worth noting that an accessible bathroom can also enhance your home's resale value. Many homebuyers are seeking properties with accessibility features, making your investment worthwhile in the long run.

Is Bathroom Remodeling Cost-Effective?

One of the most common concerns clients have when considering bathroom remodeling for accessibility is the cost. However, viewing this as an investment rather than an expense is crucial.

The cost-effectiveness of such a project is evident in several ways:

Lowered Risk of Medical Expenses

By proactively remodeling your bathroom to accommodate elderly loved ones, you can prevent accidents and injuries that might result in significant medical bills. The cost of a bathroom remodel is often significantly lower than the expenses associated with a fall or other mishap.

Peace of Mind via Remodeling

Knowing that your loved ones are safe and comfortable in your home is priceless. The peace of mind that comes with an accessible bathroom is invaluable.

The Accessible Bathroom Remodeling Process

The timeline for remodeling an accessible bathroom can vary depending on the scope of the project and the specific changes and upgrades you wish to make. Typically, a bathroom remodel for accessibility can take anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months.

Here's a rough breakdown of the process:

Initial Consultation

The consultation stage is where professional remodeling contractors like us discuss your needs and preferences, assess the existing bathroom, and provide you with a detailed estimate. Once we've gathered all the necessary information, our team will work on designing the accessible bathroom and obtaining any required permits.

After that comes the following stages:

Design and planning
Demolition
Construction and installation
Finishing touches
Inspection and quality assurance

The entire process, from beginning to end, can take anywhere from six weeks to three months, but please keep in mind that these are rough estimates. The timeline can be influenced by factors such as:

The size of the bathroom
The availability of materials
Any unexpected issues that may arise during construction
…and more

Get Started on the Bathroom Remodeling

If you're ready to transform your bathroom into a more accessible space, we're here to guide you every step of the way. Contact us today for a consultation, and let’s embark on this journey together to create a bathroom that ensures comfort, safety, and peace of mind for your loved ones.