Tips for Finding an Accessible Home or Altering One to Meet Your Needs
Living with a disability can be challenging, but your home environment should be supportive and promote your independence. To some that may sound too good to be true, but finding an accessible home or modifying one to meet your needs is a practical goal. Here is how to make your dream home a reality.
Find an existing property
Market trends. There is good news in the housing market for people with disabilities. Thanks to a couple popular housing trends, there is an influx of accessible homes in recent years. Those trends are referred to as “universal design” and “visitability.”
Universal design. Universal design is based on the concept of creating a living environment that is universally accessible, regardless of age, ability, or size. The idea is the home will be comfortable and useful throughout life, whether for pushing a baby stroller or using a wheelchair. Homes based on universal design typically offer step-free entrances, one-story living areas, wide doorways, spacious hallways, roll-in showers, and adjustments such as lever-style knobs and kitchens with accessible work areas. If you elect to build a new home, be warned some universal design builders don’t include some of the specific details you might find desirable unless they are specifically instructed to do so.
Visitability. Visitability also offers an accessible environment to people with disabilities, and many of the features of universal design are employed to bring visitability to fruition. As HGTV explains, new homes are being built with the idea that people with mobility impairments can visit—or live in—the house comfortably. These properties typically offer ground-floor accessibility, including a zero-step entrance, wider doorways than in traditional construction, and a wheelchair-accessible bath or powder room on the ground floor.
Research the market. The first step is to get an idea of what’s available on the market. Talk to your realtor about your accessibility needs and they can help you get a sense of what is available and begin your search. There are also many sites that provide filters for accessible housing in your area, if you want to do some homework first. Think through what are “must haves” and what is “preferable” to help with your search. As you search, use the information you find to narrow your house-hunting criteria. List features important to you and note what is available in your price range. Being familiar with the market will help you communicate with your realtor and it will mean you’ll be able to make an informed decision when you find “the one.”
Modifying an existing property
Reasons for modifications. You might decide to modify an existing home for a number of reasons. Perhaps you already own a home you are mostly happy with, or it’s the most economical choice for you, or you found a near-perfect property close to your workplace. Whatever drives your decision, there are several aspects to consider when modifying an existing home.
Important features. You should carefully examine which features are going to be your first priority, especially if you need to make your modifications in stages. Your personal circumstances and the home itself will drive your decision-making. For instance, if the property doesn’t offer a step-free entrance, you may need to install a wheelchair ramp right away. If the property offers a great one-floor living space but the washer and dryer are in the basement, This Old House points out adding a laundry room to the master suite could be a priority. Some experts suggest adding nonslip flooring, particularly in bathrooms, or at least in bathtubs and shower areas. Another suggestion is to move electrical switches, outlets, and thermostats so they can be reached from a seated position if they are not already installed that way. Decide what you can live with temporarily and what you need changed right away to ensure your home is comfortable for you.
Independent and supportive. Your home environment should be comfortable and promote your independence. You can opt to purchase an accessible property or modify an existing one. Regardless of your decision, make sure your home is supporting you and providing a great quality of life.
Article provided by Medina at Accessiville.org.
