Standards and Guidelines

Of course, the very things that separate accessible homes from traditional ones are the additional provisions and features that satisfy the needs of wheelchair users; after all, staircases, small bathrooms and doorways, high cupboards, and more simply won’t do for the mobility-challenged. Thankfully, there are guidelines in place that govern such parameters, and there’s no better place to start when you’re building an accessible home.

In the United States, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates the standards that are ideal for accessible housing. This entails the building of ramps instead of stairs, as well as installing wider entryways and hallways to accommodate wheelchairs and other such mobility equipment. Bathrooms must also be large enough for the same reasons, and must be reinforced with grab bars, approved toilets, lowered sinks, and non-slip flooring, at the most basic level. In the kitchen, work surfaces and cabinets must also be low enough for wheelchair access, while fixtures (like faucets) must be ADA-approved for easy operation.

Keep in mind that lenders can be pretty stringent when it comes to new construction, so make sure your credit history is in order. You are building your dream home, so you want to make sure financing isn’t an issue.

Your Choice of Contractor

No doubt, the many requirements of a fully accessible home for seniors can seem overwhelming. For this reason, it’s important to engage the help of a reputable architect who is already familiar with the process. Moreover, choosing an architect also entails doing your homework and, as HouseLogic notes, asking the right questions to properly assess their experience and qualifications, as well as to ensure that they’re a good fit for your requirements.

To help you get started, seek out home builders and architects. You can ask for references and look through reviews. Knowing what past customers say about their workmanship is a great way to find out if they’re trustworthy enough to work with. Furthermore, it’s also important to interview several candidates to see if you’re on the same page in terms of project scope and timeline. Clear communication is key throughout the building process, so be sure to establish and maintain effective and respectable lines of communication open from start to finish.

Of course, seeking the help of professionals extends beyond building the house itself. If you need to clear parts of your landscaping to make the property more accessible, then an expert can help with that as well. For example, if a tree prevents you from creating an accessible ramp to your home, call in a tree removal professional that can handle this task professionally and carefully. Online sites can help provide you with customer ratings to guide your decision.

Assistive Technology

Now, possibly one of the best things about building your own accessible home is having the flexibility to add the features that you really want and need. Modern technology has made leaps and bounds in assistive technology, and in many ways, you and your accessible home can definitely benefit from all it has to offer.

Assistive technology actually encompasses a wide range of uses. For the home, the best ones can refer to cleaning aides like a vacuum and/or floor mopping robots. Smart home assistants like the ones offered by Google and Amazon are also great for those with limited use of their arms as they can be programmed to perform a variety of tasks through voice commands. There are even power chairs that can help you go between levels in lieu of ramps or elevators.

Needless to say, it’s wise to explore your options. Not only does it take you closer to the future, but it will undoubtedly make your life at home a great deal easier, too, in more ways than one. It will only get better, too, as tech innovations continue moving forward.

Managing the Move

When it comes time to actually move into your dream home, don’t try to do everything at once! Instead of relying on friends to help you move, do yourself a favor and invest in professional movers. You can check ratings and reviews online, and request a quote in advance. Additionally, don’t think you have to do everything at once. Especially throughout the course of the move, it might be easier to place a lot of excess belongings in storage.

Building your own senior-centric accessible home isn’t just a viable option; in many ways, it may actually be the best one for you. Start by taking stock of your needs and doing the due diligence to make them all come to fruition. Your dream home is well within reach!

McIlwain Mobility Solutions offers stairlifts, ramps, home modifications, and mobility products designed with your comfort and independence in mind. To learn more about the products and services we provide, please call 866-428-1897.