Help me design the perfect H/C accessible house!
 

All I wanted was a kitchen update. And so I spent weeks working with the kitchen redesign lady at Home Depot. DH approved of the changes and we chose some cabinets and countertops.

My house was built in 1929 and has lots of quirks. Turns out that I really could not rearrange like I wanted due to doorways and other unchangeable limitations. :mad:

Stay with me, please. This is not a spoiled pout, I promise!

My dear Dad, who lives 7 blocks from me in our little rural town, wants to gift me a building lot next to him so we can be neighbors! He is nearly 95 and is tired of dealing with the yard, etc.

So, IF we build a new house, what are some considerations we should keep in mind IF my MS were to ever put me in a wheelchair or make life physically challenging?

Ro, let's hope you never get there!!

That is smart planning on your part though. My house was built in 1928 and when I was looking last year, I had those same thoughts in the back of my mind. Hopefully we will never need a wheelchair and hopefully they will find a cure so we don't have to think that way.

I don't have any experience yet with HC accomodations you would need. I would say 1 floor, lowered countertops and wide doorways (got all that from watching the Extreme Home Show, my fav)!

Good luck!

Wow, A new home Twink.:)Not there yet myself(thank the lord:)), but
wanted to wish you luck. I bet SandyC will be along with some great
ideas for you>

:hug:

I love this stuff!!!!! After leaving the healthcare industry I made a career change and a couple of years working in a remodeling company prior to having to leave the workforce. H/C was my favorite! This is what I remember from those days (both book learned as well as from customers).

1. Take advantage of roll outs and drawers. It is much easier to get to the hidden places in the back of cabinets.

2. Consider buying a cooktop as opposed to a range. That way if you need to lower it, it is much easier. A wall oven can be lowered as well.

3. In the kitchen, put a section of countertop at a lower height. Right now it can be used as a desk and in the future it can be used as a work surface for cooking.

4. Plan on having most of your things in the base cabinets. I had one customer where we didn't put in any upper cabinets. She loved it as she was able to get to everything. There are tons of drawer organizers out there that can be used to organize the dishes so they don't move around in the drawers.

5. Try to incorporate a pedestal sink in the bathroom and look at other options for storage space.

6. Obviously a H/C accessible shower where you can just roll in. A bathtub in the guest bath that is designed so that you can get in and out of easily. Don't forget the grab bars. It is easier to install them while building than after the fact.

7. Wider door ways and minimize sharp turns.


Oh man, I could go on and on and this would be 1 huge post. LOL. But those are some quick ideas.

Wow, Tricia! You should write a book on this! Those are really good (and specific) suggestions.

Go ahead and include more ideas -- there's plenty of thread left!

Twink, hope you never need, wasn't there myself when DH re-did our kitchen, but he was really into space and our large kitchen allows my chair anywhere but between table and pantry closet, would love lowered sink and some counters, love having island, would like more accessible outlets and an on island. First floor bedroom, all on one level, bathroom with pull up bars be toilet (Both sides or at least on your good side. Door opening placed so shower spray not going in it and out, no door or curtain needed. If you "google" know one sit gave some info. on handicapped friendly building. My door to deck a bumpy ride, avoid that. Some builders more handicap savvy then others, look for them, work with the right people, buil,ld for worse case scenerion, but hope you never need it. DH talking electric door closer for me, but our house old, ramo out door onto deck makes it almost impossible for me to close and the peeing cats and flies love being in my house. Go into this really thinking and knowing. Do-overs tough. (It's easier to build than renovate).

Bathroom right off bedroom so we leave the large sliding door slid open into wall unless someone coming, Then we shut it and all looks neat. Bill built a ramp off deck so I can go to pool or to get in car. If needed one day, lifts for pool or bed available. I don't weigh much (105), DH strong but still, he's aging too and 105 of "dead" weight pretty heavy.

Bill put wood under the ceiling sheetrock so a lift or pull up grip and under tile in shower so grab bars or lifts can be screwed in securely

Thanks for your input, Kicker.

Just wondering, can your DH install a spring-type closer on your patio door to keep out the cats and bugs?

Twink - Another thing to keep in mind is how you use your space.

If you love to cook and do a lot of cooking find solutions that will assist you the best so that you can continue making those gourmet meals. A prep center with a small sink in it and a small under the counter refrig that is lower is more useful to those in a wheelchair as well as those of us who can't stand for long periods.

If you love to bake, think of solutions that will assist you with baking. Appliance lifts are great for this if you have a spare base cabinet to use.

A formal dining room that will rarely get used is a waste of space as well as a waste of energy (something us MSers need to conserve) to have to clean. A nice craft space, home office, exercise room, expanded living, etc. would be more useful and practical if you don't use the formal dining room.

If you like luxurious baths, put a tub in that will accommodate you. I did have a client that had a spinal cord injury and was paralyzed from the waist down. She wanted to take out her shower and put in a Jacuzzi garden tub. However, most of the ones she found had the faucets on the outside of the tub so that if she was trying to get in the faucet was in the way. We ended up putting a pony wall (1/2 wall) and running the plumbing through there so that she was able to access the faucets easily as well as get in the tub easily.

Home plans H/C access - just a few sites I found -
http://www.amazingplans.com/house-pl...use-plans.html
http://handicapped.coolhouseplans.com/
http://www.adaptiveaccess.com/home_changes.php

&
Smart Ideas Checklist { http://www.falconhomesinc.com/smartideas.php }

Here's my list!

1. 5 foot x 5 foot turn around space in the bathroom! Go ahead and make a roll in shower while your at it.

2. 48 inch hallways and 36 inch doors all around the house. Invest in pocket doors if you can. Use lever style handles rather than round.

3. Kitchen cabinets can be modified with pull out shelves. We don't have them because Jim has an elevated wheelchair but it's an option. Also, have at least one cabinet that can be rolled under in case you need to use a wheelchair.

4. Zero access entry doors. Low grade lot. Avoids the need for a ramp.

5. Two exits on each side of the house. I know this sounds silly but our house had no back entrance/exit. We took out a window and put in french doors and added a deck with a ramp.

6. Non-skid tile. Absolute necessity! Wood floors, carpet can catch and cause you to fall. Also, easier to clean up if using a wheelchair.

7. Lower door handles and light switches. You may not need them now but may later. Always prepare for the future I say!

8. At least one bedroom, preferably the master should be larger than all other bedrooms to accommodate a wheelchair if needed.

9. If you can afford it, security doors with access codes and/or remote.

10. Grab bars in the shower and toilet area. And finally, go ahead and get that whirlpool tub. We have a hot tub called the Solo and it is wonderful! Great for loosening the muscles! Of course we keep the water temp low like a swimming pool.

I can take pics of my house for you if needed.

Sandy, I really appreciate your input. When you have time, please post pics!

BTW, I had no idea the doorways needed to be 48"!

Was also wondering about the bathroom, so appreciate that too.

I learned a lot. Thanks!!

I'll chime in on the *wide* doorways... make 'em even wider than ADA minimum (we went with 50 inches), as I hate grazing my *knuckles* lol!

that meant we had to have the doors custom-made, but it's worth it.

grab bars, at least four in the bathroom, (two in the shower, and two by the toilet.)

a pedestal sink, oh yeah! that works perfectly... you can roll right up to it.

a roll-in shower is nice, and I designed mine with a corner bench seat.

I posted some pix of my bathroom a while back:

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/sh...athroom&page=3

from the bench, I can reach the shower handles, the detachable shower-head, AND the soap-dish, and shampoo rack.

and I put non-slip decal-stuff on the floor tiles for extra protection.

the front of my house has a wide entrance ramp... we used a ratio of 1:20, because we had lots of room, but the minimum is 1:12.

ours is concrete, and tiled (for beauty and easy-cleaning) and has sandpaper strips every eight inches.

The ADA mandates that the slope of any ramp must not be more than one inch of rise for every 12 inches of run. In other words, if you need to reach a platform that is 30 inches in height, you must build the ramp to be at least 30 feet long. Measure up from the ground to find how many inches the ramp must rise.

Wood can be very hazardous when wet or icy. Install sand grit strips to enhance traction. (Aluminum or concrete can be used instead wood to build a ramp.)

http://www.mobility-advisor.com/buil...hair-ramp.html

when I designed my wheelchair-friendly dream house, I opted for SMALL, and went with two large rooms.

I put the bed diagonally in the corner, which takes up a lot more room, BUT is a lot easier to make, and to get in and out of.

I put the window latches LOW, so I can close up the house myself when a storm comes... and the door handles are all the LEVER-type, so I can open them easily.

my next project is to put castors on the legs of my heavy furniture, so it can be moved for sweeping and floor-mopping.

:hug:

LOL - most my furniture is on wheels. It makes it so much easier when cleaning.

I agree Kay, small house with large rooms/large spaces.

Definitely go wide. Angling doors helps as well. It will eliminate sharp turns.

In my old place I had a U shaped kitchen, which had plenty of room for a wheelchair/scooter to move around in. However, I hated it as my balance was so horrible that the space was not functional at all. I now have a galley kitchen and love it. For me it works well as I can turn holding one countertop and then grab on to the countertop on the other side.

Twinks, I will take pics tomorrow and post them. The hallways should be 48 inches and doors 36 inches. But Kay is right about the knuckle scratches. The pocket doors are a great investment to add space that otherwise would be empty. A wheelchair can get through those really good. Doors come in the standard 36" but larger would be better. We decided on the standard for cost.

In th bathroom Jim has a counter that is tiled, no cabinets under it at all. He rolls right up to the sink. We installed a cabinet on the wall for keeping things in. Oh and when you tile the bathroom? Go ahead and install tile baseboard instead of wood. You wouldn't believe how much nicer that looks and avoids mold and knicks.

And if you must install a ramp, go with sanded gravel cement or Trex to build. The wood ones do get slippery here at my house.

Thanks, Sandy. I cut and pasted my house plans half the day.

You change one thing, and it leads to a dozen other adjustments. :confused:

I thought I was getting close to getting it figured out, but still working on the bathrooms, so thanks for you timely input.

I read somewhere that you should porcelain tile instead of ceramic? Something to do with the density, but I don't remember exactly why. Tile mouldings sound good -- wouldn't have thought of that.

Considering putting a cement ramp in the garage. My Dad is in pretty good shape now, but even he admits he's slowing down. He turns 95 in August and will move in the new house with us. The HC access. bathroom will be next to the master bedroom, but I'll share if necessary. Hope we never need these accommodations, but you never know.



Looking forward to seeing your pics. Thanks so much!

I have porcelain in the bathroom. From what I hear they are tougher and withstand more wear. I think I also heard something about moisture being less able to penetrate in porcelain? Not to mention they are more slip resistant than ceramic tile.

Here is what I found: ceramic versus porcelain tile

Kay, after looking at your pics, I'll bet you have the nicest house in all of Belize! Thanks so much for the tips. I am saving all the links to refer back to. Am even considering doing a bidet like yours.

Let me know if you think of anything else. :)

hi twinkie,

I was reading this last night for the first time and was reading the various ideas so I decided to play it on my cad.

I took SandyC's advice and have two exits on every side and the dimension if about 35' front(width) and 50' side (length)

that's not including the garage and the protruding front bedroom

there is a 3 quater wrap around porch and I've enclosed the porch from the master's br but can put a screen door there for the guests that way you can have the privacy when you want and have guests when you want

The layout can be turned side ways if the lot is wide vs. long because of the French doors.

both bathrooms have 5' diameter (that is international building code standard) for handicapped bathrooms

and the kitchen, dining, and living room is open space layout which you can add some arch ways or something

anyways, it was just something that I was playing with. If you want exact dimensions, please let me know and I can upload it.

I won't have a lot of time this coming week cause of my work(I design stuff. LOL) but anyways, just thought you might wanted to have some visual to play with.

The hotub is located outside the master br porch. The laundry room is huge but gives an exit toward the piano shaped patio and for extra storage and animal space

the hallway is 48" like SandyC suggested as well as the doors are all 36" but I can increase it to 50" or more like Cayokay suggested.

well, I hope you didn't mind me drawing this out. I just was having some fun with the suggestions...

below is the link:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...-Modelcopy.jpg

If you want to look at it closely. Just right click over the image with your mouse and goto "save picture as"

and save it to your file so you can view it by making it bigger to see all the notations.

I have this on CAD file so if you somehow like this plan and want to, I can send it to you and you can take it to a local engineer or architect and have them do the elevations.

anyways, good luck with everything and if you need any help, please let me know. If I have the spare time, I'd be happy to help with the design.

*I do want to mention that if anyone would like to download it, that they have the permission from me to download it and use it however they'd like. I took the ideas from the inputs here anyways and had a lot of fun playing with it. Maybe I will play with it some more. So I forfeit the copy right of this particular plan as stated in this post. Besides, I am sure there are a lot of better designers out there than me anyways. LOL

I do want to mention that these dimensions are exact dimensions, they are drawn in vector, meaning that one foot IS one foot. I just didn't scale it and I can if you'd like.

The bed in the Master bedroom IS an actual size King Size Bed.

the other two beds are queen size beds.

all the toilets and the bidet(in the master bath) are actual sizes

the couches and furnitures are of course, actual size. LOL

even the trees and the shrubs are...class?? "ACTUAL SIZE"

OK, anyways...just thought I'd come in and point them out...

oh, those two funny looking things by the hotubs are lounge chairs.

and that is a handicapped modified van in the garage. ACTUAL SIZE!

LMAO....

Wow! That sketch is awesome. Can I save it for my next house? lol

Of course!

If you want to, I can modify it for you and I can also send it to you as a cad file so you can take it to any architect or engineer.

I design houses around where I live so I don't know the codes in other areas, but the basic plans are usually the same.

anything that I can help with, please let me know. :)

your Jim is very special and he is lucky to have you as well.

I have a certain disability myself so I can totally understand about wanting to design something to make everything MORE comfortable...my sweet wife and I designed and built our house a couple of years ago.

:hug:

Hey Twinks, here are my pics. Let me know if you want to see more.

Pocket door leading to master bedroom. Notice that the hallway narrows near the door? That is the original hallway. They were able to make it wider when they added the roll in bathroom. That bathroom used to be the living room. :D

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/i...n/100_0257.jpg

Full hallway to all bedrooms and accessible bathroom. Jim's bathroom is not in the master because the original builders built the bathroom to accommodate the son who was disabled.

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/i...n/100_0258.jpg

Roll in shower. BTW, next to the shower is a full bathtub.

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/i...n/100_0259.jpg

Bathroom counter:

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/i...n/100_0261.jpg

Kitchen. Please excuse the mess. We just got Subway takeout. lol

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/i...n/100_0262.jpg

Fold out extra counter space for Jim to roll under:

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/i...n/100_0263.jpg

Counter folded down for added space is needed:

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/i...n/100_0264.jpg

Back deck with french doors, master bedroom.

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/i...n/100_0266.jpg

Close up of back deck and ramp:

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/i...n/100_0267.jpg

it's beautiful, lovely, and cozy. :)

if you don't mind, I'd like to take some of those ideas as well for some of my disabled clients?

:)

Absolutely! Anything you need just let me know. I can also give you the link to the VA accessible design we used. It has all dimensions needed for an ADA accessible home. The PVA also has one. Just let me know!

If you click on this link, scroll to the bottom. You'll find links to doorways, kitchens, ramps, etc. This is the VA accessible design links. VA ADA Accessible Design

This is the PVA accessible design links. Click on the ADA Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities and you'll be given information on specs for accessibility. PVA ADA Accessible Design

Both of these links will also come in very handy if you ever need to design for a veteran.

Thanks Moi and Sandy! I appreciate your input!

The VA site is very helpful, as are your home pics, Sandy. Really helps to actually see what things look like.

Am in a rush right now, but will study them more when I return from my trip to the New Neuro. :hug: