Changing, remodeling or making additions to your home to accommodate people with disabilities can be done in a variety of different ways. If you are building a new home, you can ensure that it be single-level without door jambs to impede a wheelchair. If you are remodeling aspects of an existing home, you may need to do reconstruction or creative planning to make the changes. Disability accommodations can range in cost depending on the complexity of the changes. If you need to accommodate a wheelchair then you may choose to add ramps, stair lifts or an elevator. There are many ways to change your home or business to accommodate for disabilities including turning written signs into Braille or adding alerts to things like clocks and computers.
Disability Accommodation Cost Guides
Select your Disability Accommodation project
Build a Disability Ramp
(312 projects)
Average National Cost:
$1,543
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Remodel for Disability Accommodation
(147 projects)
Average National Cost:
$6,231
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Install an Elevator or Chairlift
(41 projects)
Average National Cost:
$5,955
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Repair an Elevator or Stair Lift
(27 projects)
Average National Cost:
$244
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Repair a Wheelchair Ramp
(12 projects)
Average National Cost:
$662
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Doorways
In older homes, doorways are not wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair, or the door jamb makes it impossible for a wheelchair to enter without outside assistance. In an existing home, you may need to widen doorways. Reconstruction of the doorway and hanging a door that is no longer going to fit a standard sized doorway will be expensive. If you're building a home from scratch, you can design the door to fit wheelchairs.Stairs and Elevators
In multi-level homes, stairs will always be an issue for wheelchairs, but they can be fitted with stair lifts. These lifts take a chair up a flight of stairs by using an electronic track . In most cases the lift is fitted with a chair so there would need to be one waiting at the top and bottom of the stairs for the person to use. A stair lift is reasonably economic, as most staircases can be fitted with these types of stair lifts. For a larger price and more major remodeling, some homes can have elevators installed. An elevator will require a major remodel of the layout of your home.Kitchen
For disabled people to reach things in base cabinets without problem, it's recommended there be spaces of 40 inches in between each, except in U-shaped kitchens, which should have 60 inches in between each. It's better if the cabinet faces can be removed. To adapt shelf cabinets, you can take a 30-inch section put on brackets so they can be adjusted to reach people of different heights. The same can be done with a counter. The bottom shelf of the pantry should be lowered to 48 inches above the floor.You can also install U-shaped handles, lazy-susans, pull-out trays for storage, holders, two feet of heat-resistant countertop, and buy small electrical appliances.
Bathroom
These usually have too narrow doors and no grab bars. Think about installing grab bars next to the toilet and in the bathtub so someone can up and down more easily. If the sink stands alone, install an L-bracket so it doesn't fall when leaned on for support. Put down a bath mat to avoid slipping and think about installing a hand-held shower head. You may also need to buy an elevated toilet seat, since usual toilet seats are too low to the ground to sit on.Share your cost experience
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