Currently, I am researching how to renovate an older home to become wheel chair accessible. I am looking for ways to renovate the home without completely tearing it apart. Attached is the current house plan. It is a one floor home with three bedrooms and one bathroom. The owner wants to put in a front porch which means a ramp will have to be installed from the sidewalk and lead to a lift at the side of the front porch. She would also like to add an exterior door to the back of her house. I am also looking for retailers that sell equipment needed to create and accessible home. Any ideas, comments or questions will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Assuming that you are going to add a back door, and that it is level ground at the back, and there is a lane access, why not put the wheel chair access through the back. That way you can save money by not having to buy lifts and you can keep the character of the front of the house.
ReplyDeleteGreat suggestions, I never thought of that before. I will definitely take that into consideration.
ReplyDeleteYes, typically the lift or ramp is placed in the backyard on older homes because there is more room and it does not conflict with the look of the house. There appears to be a spot between the bathroom and bedroom where a new entry could be incorporated. It would help if you image was larger, but it looks like the bathroom and kitchen will need some work.
ReplyDeleteYou should definitely check out the Fair Housing Act Design Manual: http://www.huduser.org/portal/publications/destech/fairhousing.html . Chapter 7 deals with kitchens and bathrooms.
This increased level of adaptability is required in the U.S., but not in Canada. Perhaps you could address the question in your research of weather or not this should be required in Canada?
Thanks Dale, I will check that out. Hopefully the site will have some links to Canadian guidelines if any.
ReplyDeleteEmily,
ReplyDeleteI think you may have seen this website before, but i came across it and thought i would send it your way. www.adaptiveaccess.com/home_changes.php
I hope it helps you out!