Buying a Wheelchair-Friendly Home? Here’s What You Should Look For
There are certain things you must consider when buying a wheelchair-friendly home. And, Here’s What You Should Look For!
28/11/2023
It is hard for a disabled person to find the
perfect home. For instance, wheelchair users
often face hurdles the most. It is mostly
because not all houses are built with this
specific accessibility in mind.
If
you’re looking for a wheelchair-friendly home,
this guide will make your search easier and more
efficient. Whether it’s wide doorways, ramps, or
accessible bathrooms, we’ll help you identify
the things that matter.
Let’s check out what you should look for if you are considering buying a wheelchair-friendly home.
1. Entrance Accessibility
The first thing we should consider when
buying a wheelchair-friendly home is the
entrance! Most of the houses lack wheelchair
accessibility at the entrance. So, it makes
finding one with features like wider doorways
and ramps crucial. Also, you can look for houses
with special features like zero-step entrances.
A wheelchair-friendly house should have
entrances with smooth access, offering safety
and ease. You want to look for houses with
gently sloped ramps instead of steep stairways.
Wider doorways are also important to avoid tight
squeezes or wheelchairs getting jammed on the
way in.
2. Accessible Bathrooms
Accessible bathrooms are a game-changer. So,
look for spacious layouts and wide doorways in
the bathrooms for smooth maneuvering. Roll-in
showers or walk-in tubs are also fantastic
additions, offering independence and comfort.
Customize with grab bars and place them
strategically around the bathroom to add that
extra layer of comfort and safety.
Also,
check if the sink is easily accessible, with
ample space underneath. A thoughtful bathroom
plan with these special features can help
enhance the lives of wheelchair users
significantly. Consider using professional
services like
HomeLift Mobility Solutions to
make any special customizations, making it
wheelchair-friendly.
3. Kitchen Adaptations
When searching for a wheelchair-friendly
house, don’t forget about the heart of the
house, the kitchen. Look for layouts with lower
countertops, allowing easy access for wheelchair
users. A kitchen with open spaces beneath the
sink and stove lets you work easily.
Consider adding cabinets with pull-out shelves
and easy-to-reach storage for everything at your
fingertips. Placing kitchen appliances at a
similar, even level can make for easy access.
These simple and minor adjustments in the
kitchen can make a big difference in creating an
inclusive and wheelchair-friendly living space.
4. Flooring
A wheelchair-friendly house needs
wheelchair-friendly flooring, which is quite
possibly the most important feature. Go for
houses with smooth and level surfaces like
hardwood or laminate floors, as these will make
rolling in a wheelchair so much easier. Carpets
can be tricky, so choose low-pile options that
allow smooth movement without causing
resistance. Avoid thresholds between rooms as
they will cause the wheels to get stuck and tip
it over.
Consider non-slip flooring in
areas like kitchens and bathrooms to improve
safety. Floors are one of the most important
features in a wheelchair-friendly home, so make
sure you’re eagle-eyed and observant when
checking houses out.
5. Floor Plan
Now, this is an aspect you need to be sure of
before you venture into the house. And a
single-story arrangement becomes ideal for
wheelchair users. An
accessible floor plan means
the structure has open and spacious layouts. You
want concept designs, including rooms with
turn-around space. Steep stairways and elevated
platforms are going to be issues for wheelchair
users, so you want a setup that is minimalistic
and easy.
A functional
wheelchair-friendly house will have a
comfortable living space with minimal obstacles,
easing mobility and making life more comfortable
for wheelchair users. More construction projects
prioritize these accessibility features, so good
days are ahead!
6. Outdoor Accessibility
When looking for a wheelchair-friendly house,
outdoor accessibility is key. A flat and
well-maintained yard will allow wheelchair users
to move smoothly and enjoy the outdoors without
sacrificing their comfort. If there are ramps,
see if they have sturdy handrails along them for
added support.
Also, if there are any
seating arrangements outside, you want to make
sure they can fit wheelchairs. While grassy
grounds are great, see if smooth stone pavements
will make the wheels roll easier and better.
Regular pavement can make wheelchair movement
difficult.
7. Furniture
If you’ve finalized the contracts on your
wheelchair-friendly home, it’s time to consider
the role furniture plays in your layout. The
strategic placement of furniture is crucial to
accommodate the wheelchair’s turning radius.
This makes a world of difference for wheelchair
users, making life much easier.
Wheelchair-friendly homes should have furniture
that doesn’t get in the way of easy moving. A
cluttered space is a no-no, as it leaves no room
for accessibility for wheelchair users. So,
furniture arrangement is vital to making a house
inclusive and accessible for wheelchair users.
Conclusion
We hope you found this piece informative enough for you to make your wheelchair-friendly house-hunting easy and effortless. We created this guide with just one thing in mind, to guide you toward finding the perfect accessible home that improves the quality of your life.