Disability Accommodation Cost Guides

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.
Ramps
Adding ramps to provide wheelchair access can be as simple as securing a piece of plywood over steps to pouring a cement ramp. Before you attempt the simpler and cheaper version, find out what city codes, if any, apply to disability ramps outside your home or building. If your front steps are steep, you may need to build a ramp that switches back and forth from right to left to make the slope more gradual.  Continue Reading
  • Build a Disability Ramp Costs
    Most homeowners spent between:
    $860 - $2,505
    Average cost:
    $1,683
    Low cost:
    $400
     
    High cost:
    $4,000
  • Remodel for Disability Accommodation Costs
    Most homeowners spent between:
    $1,537 - $9,159
    Average cost:
    $5,328
    Low cost:
    $200
     
    High cost:
    $20,000
  • Install an Elevator or Chairlift Costs
    Most homeowners spent between:
    $2,890 - $6,653
    Average cost:
    $4,721
    Low cost:
    $1,800
     
    High cost:
    $12,000

Select your Disability Accommodation project

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

Help others plan and budget for their projects

elizabeth bulisco More than 1 year ago
they will be coming to my house aug nd so I cannpt rate yu yet
Valerie Sherrill More than 1 year ago
Need laminate installedbon.closet,have material,will need crown molding 
project around August 10
Valerie Sherrill More than 1 year ago
need new toliet installed...new toliet is.here
around August 10
Karen Myled More than 1 year ago
Need grab bars in bathroom additional rails on stairs carpet on stairs
Renee Lee More than 1 year ago
I need 5 grab bars in bathroom.  I will get the bars.  I need them put in next week. Thanks
Esther Grace More than 1 year ago
I wish you'd add something about adding a first floor bathroom.

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