Adaptable and Accessible Homes

Accessible bathroom

At Woodridge Custom Builders we have contracting experience with home modifications.  In our experience, home modifications include two elements:  Adaptability and Accessibility.  A home is constructed or modified for specific users of the home that may use a power wheel chair or mobility scooter.  Home modifications may be necessary for a variety of reasons, including the changing needs of an elderly person that needs grab bars, handrails, or more space for the use of a walker. 

Adaptability is the concept where a home is constructed so modifications can be made easily in the future.  Future changes are actually considered during construction of a home or modification.  For example, during standard construction lower kitchen cabinets usually sit on the kitchen floor and tile or vinyl is laid on the floor after the lower cabinets have been installed. In the future if lower cabinets must be removed or even the kick plate removed, new vinyl or tile must be installed where the cabinets once sat.  However, when constructing an adaptable home, the vinyl or tile is laid on the floor prior to lower cabinet installation and walls are reinforced to support wall-mounted lower cabinets if necessary.  In the future if lower kitchen cabinets must be replaced with wall-mounted lower cabinets for wheelchair users, major modifications are not necessary, the wall will support the cabinets and the floor tile or vinyl is already in place.

A second example of adaptability is the concept where common bathroom modifications such as the installation of grab bars, sinks, counters, can be raised or lowered for the heights of different people.  Adjustable brackets on kitchen and bathroom counters and sinks allow for this adjustability.  As one homeowner moves out, and another moves in, these changes can be made easily and more economically than if not initially installed.

Accessibility is the concept many of us are familiar with in offices, banks and other public places where specific restrooms are larger and equipped for use by wheelchair users.  Accessibility is the concept where kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, and doors are designed or modified for anyone that must use a mobility device such as power wheelchair or mobility scooter and needs wider spaces to move about.  It’s lower cabinets, the use of ramps, wider hallways and doorways, larger landings, lever door handles, grab bars, walk-in showers, accessible appliances, accessible sinks, and any feature that allows the elderly or disabled to perform daily living tasks without difficulty or limitations.

At Woodridge Custom Builders LLC, we can assist customers to modify an existing home, or assist with the design and construction of a fully adaptable home.  Modifications can be done in most homes and the number of modifications necessary determines the costs.  The cost of a fully adaptable home is not much more than construction of a standard custom home, however, it offers terrific advantages if modifications are necessary.