Making a Home Accessible for Wheelchairs
For people who use wheelchairs, finding a suitable home can be difficult due to accessibility issues. Making a home wheelchair friendly requires special consideration of the design, layout and features of the house. Fortunately, there are a variety of small handicap house plans available that can provide a comfortable and accessible living space.
Types of Wheelchair Friendly House Plans
There are a wide range of wheelchair friendly house plans available, depending on the size and needs of the user. Some of the most common types of plans include:
- Single level homes: These plans are designed for one-story homes and feature wide hallways and open floor plans. They typically include wheelchair ramps or lifts, as well as other accessible features, such as wider doorways and accessible bathrooms.
- Multi-level homes: These plans are designed for two- or three-story homes and feature wide staircases and elevators for easy access to upper levels. They also typically include accessible bathrooms, wider doorways and other wheelchair friendly features.
- Adaptive reuse homes: These plans are designed for existing homes that need to be modified in order to be wheelchair friendly. The modifications can involve adding wheelchair ramps, widening doorways and installing accessible bathrooms.
Features of Wheelchair Friendly House Plans
When choosing a wheelchair friendly house plan, it is important to consider the features that will make the home accessible and comfortable. Some of the most common features include:
- Wide hallways: Hallways should be at least 36 inches wide to allow for easy access with a wheelchair.
- Wide doorways: Doorways should be at least 32 inches wide to allow for easy access.
- Ramps or lifts: Ramps or lifts should be provided for easy access to the home.
- Accessible bathrooms: Bathrooms should be designed with accessibility in mind, with features such as grab bars, adjustable shower heads and low-level faucets.
- Low counters: Counters should be low enough for a person in a wheelchair to access them easily.
- Comfortable furniture: Furniture should be comfortable and easily movable to accommodate a wheelchair.
Benefits of Wheelchair Friendly House Plans
Wheelchair friendly house plans can provide a comfortable and accessible living space for people who use wheelchairs. Some of the benefits of these plans include:
- Increased independence: With the right design and features, wheelchair users can access all areas of the home and live independently.
- Improved safety: With accessible features, wheelchair users are less likely to experience falls or other accidents.
- More comfortable living: With features such as wide doorways and low counters, wheelchair users can navigate the home more easily and comfortably.
Conclusion
Wheelchair friendly house plans can provide a comfortable and accessible living space for people who use wheelchairs. With the right design and features, wheelchair users can access all areas of the home and live independently. If you are looking for a wheelchair friendly house plan, there are a variety of small handicap house plans available that can provide a comfortable and accessible living space.
Related Posts
