The Home Can Be A Dangerous Place How Handicap Bathroom Design Makes It Safer
Your home shouldn’t just be comfortable. It should be supporting you every step of the way.
What does this entail? The bathroom isn’t a bad place to start. Being able to comfortably slip into a bath, use the toilet or wash one’s hands can seem a benign aspect of everyday life, but it’s a feature many homes don’t encourage with lackluster design. People with physical disabilities, the elderly and the chronically ill have a lot to gain from improved handicap bathroom design, with improved freedom being the most obvious. If your home hasn’t been updated in a while or you’re having a family member move in, reaching out to a home remodel expert may be in your future.
You won’t have to search very hard to find a bathroom contractor that can help transform your home from the outside in. American homeowners are postulating their bathroom (as well as the kitchen and living room) as one of the most important areas of the home. According to a survey provided by the National Association Of Home Builders, bathroom remodeling is the most requested job in the country at nearly 80% of all renovations. More homes than ever before are prioritizing the function of handicap bathroom design to ensure the occupants are not just comfortable, but accommodated.
Considering the United States is seeing a rapidly aging population, the handicap bathroom design may very well become more common than previously thought. It’s thought one out of five people will be over the age of 65 in just the next three decades. Aging brings with it a host of difficulties, most notably reduced mobility, and a once comfortable home can easily transform into a health hazard. Bathroom renovations that prioritize handicaps need to take into account the day-to-day needs of the elderly and those with disabilities, eschewing a one-size-fits-all approach in favor of an individualized remodel.
Homeowners who want to renovate their bathroom will often favor certain areas over others. It’s estimated four out of five renovating homeowners will choose to replace major bathroom features such as their flooring, showers and sinks. A popular way to spice up a master bathroom design is to add a back splash panel in the shower. These can be uniform tiles, a new color or even an elaborate image spelled out in tiles. A HOUZZ Bathroom Trends study saw 30% of respondents choosing to expand their shower size by 50% or more. At the most simple? Some homeowners simply want to replace an old faucet or series of broken tiles.
How can bathroom design become more accommodating? It’s good to start small. A bathtub can be a place of serenity and relaxation…and it can also be incredibly dangerous if it isn’t outfitted with an easy-to-grip handle. People struggling with fatigue, dizziness or reduced mobility need these accessories to ensure they don’t slip and hurt themselves in the safety of their own home. This extends to other accessories, such as a textured shower mat, a sturdy towel rack or a small staircase by the tub. A recent study found 10% of brand new bathtubs and showers actively coming with a high-tech feature, ranging from acute temperature changes to self-opening doors.
Did you know over 70% of homeowners are renovating a bathroom that was last updated 15 years ago or more? It makes sense that handicap bathroom design isn’t just useful, it’s highly relevant. There’s a lot to benefit from when you reach out to a bathroom contractor and ask about their accessible models. Floors can be made less slippery, handles can be installed and doors can be designed in a way that don’t hurt sensitive wrists. No bathroom is above improvement and the next few years are going to usher in some of the most requests for home renovation yet.
How can your bathroom be improved this year? Ask a professional about their handicap bathroom design rates and find out.