Is your bathroom accessible to all kinds of people? Will your bathroom still work for you and your family in the future? If you want to have a bathroom that can adapt to the many changes the future will bring, a universal bathroom layout might be the best choice for your home.
Most homeowners are surprised to discover that a universal bathroom design or layout exists. A universal layout simply means that your bathroom can accommodate the needs of all kinds of people, regardless of age, abilities, or size. Described as a “design for all” and “aging in place” layout, this style is highly popular among growing families and older couples.
If bathroom remodeling is on your agenda anytime soon, Atlanta, GA contractors have these tips for you to help integrate a universal aesthetic to your design.
Maximize Accessibility
The bathroom is the hardest working area in your home. Especially for families, the bathroom is used heavily and frequently. A bathroom’s high usage is the main reason why accessibility is the most important consideration in creating a universal layout.
There should be a full bath or at least a half-bath on the main level or first floor of the home so that it can be easily accessed by persons of all abilities. Entry points need to be wider and the use of 36-inch doors are recommended. Walk-in showers with no edge to step over at the floor level are also preferable for those with limited mobility.
In universal bathrooms, it is always better to allocate a bigger space. The bathroom must have at least five feet of open floor space for wheelchairs. With more space, you can also add needed safety features and storage space.
Incorporate Safety Measures
With its hard and slippery surfaces, the bathroom is easily the most dangerous room in a house. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that roughly 235,000 people over 15 years of age suffer from injuries that happen in the bathroom every year. To promote universality, your bathroom should have safety features for all users.
Sufficient overhead and task lighting will give users ample illumination for grooming and movement. You can choose slip-resistant tiles or increase the grout lines between tiles to lessen the risk of falls. Installation of grab bars—especially by the tub, shower, and toilet—can offer support and stability for users of all ages.
Add Ergonomic Features
Ergonomics is all about how people interact with their environment. Having ergonomic features in your bathroom ensures that people can use it efficiently and comfortably. Ergonomics is vital to the safe and independent bathroom use of young children and older adults.
You can opt for a wall-mounted vanity with space underneath for step stools or wheelchairs. Touchless sensor faucets or single-lever faucets provide straightforward usage. It’s also advisable to use a toilet with a height of 16 or 18 inches.
Work with an Expert
Turning a bathroom into a universally accessible and efficient area is a long-term investment. It can be a daunting task, but creating a universal layout is easier with the help of experienced bathroom remodeling contractors in Atlanta, GA. With the right design plan, you can have a bathroom that’s safe and convenient for everyone.
Sources:
The Most Dangerous Room in the House, NYTimes.com
9 Universal Design Tips to Future-Proof Your Bathroom, Forbes.com
5 Universal Design Ideas for Your Bathroom, ThisOldHouse.com
