Remodeling a Small Bathroom for a Disabled Person

If you only have small bathrooms in your home, you may be forced into remodeling a small bathroom should someone become disabled in your home.

Making It All Fit
The largest challenge is making sure a wheelchair can fit into the bathroom. The door should be at minimum, 36” wide.

The Sink
The sink and mirror fixtures in your bathroom should be lowered to be sure a handicapped person is able to use them. There are no specific height requirements however, keep the user in mind when installing them.

The sink should also have open access so that a wheelchair can roll under the counter. Make sure the pipes are covered to prevent burns. You will also want to install lever knobs to allow the handicapped user to turn the water on and off easily.

The Toilet
The toilet will need to be 3 ½” higher than a normal toilet. It should also be an elongated style with adequate support to allow someone to hoist themselves up from a wheelchair without assistance, installing grip bars will help.

The Shower
The shower must be at least 36” by 36”. The person should be able to enter without assistance therefore it should have a curb that is less than ½” high.

There should also be grip bars to use for support, and possibly a fold down chair. Make sure the on and off valve is within easy reach, as well as a shower head on a rod that can be moved around will make this task easier.