Good home design isn’t always just about aesthetics — your home should be a place where everyone can enjoy the space comfortably and safely. Whether on behalf of yourself or a family member (for now, or for the future), there are plenty of ways to make your living space more accessible for everyone.
Brian McCourt is a contractor, design expert and co-host of HGTV Canada’s Backyard Builds.
Brian McCourt is a contractor, design expert and co-host of HGTV Canada’s Backyard Builds.
Renovations
18 Expert Tips on How to Make Your Home More Accessible
September 13, 2020
Good home design isn’t always just about aesthetics — your home should be a place where everyone can enjoy the space comfortably and safely. Whether on behalf of yourself or a family member (for now, or for the future), there are plenty of ways to make your living space more accessible for everyone.
Brian McCourt is a contractor, design expert and co-host of HGTV Canada’s Backyard Builds.
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Plan With Purpose
1/18Plan With Purpose
1/18Photo Credit: Getty Images
Whether you’re thinking about enhancing accessibility for yourself or for a family member, start by brainstorming a list of any accessibility issues in the home. Once you’ve identified the problem (or problems), you can come up with a plan to address each one. This will help you better stay on budget when making any adjustments while giving you a more realistic timeframe. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/blog/5-essential-steps-to-plan-for-a-successful-renovation-1905949/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">5 Essential Steps to Plan for a Successful Renovation</a>Renovations18 Expert Tips on How to Make Your Home More AccessiblePlan With Purpose
PHOTO 1 of 18READ LESS -Whether you’re thinking about enhancing accessibility for yourself or for a family member, start by brainstorming a list of any accessibility issues in the home. Once you’ve identified the problem (or problems), you can come up with a plan to address each one. This will help you better stay on budget when making any adjustments while giving you a more realistic timeframe. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/blog/5-essential-steps-to-plan-for-a-successful-renovation-1905949/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">5 Essential Steps to Plan for a Successful Renovation</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Ramp Things Up
2/18Ramp Things Up
2/18Photo Credit: Getty Images
When it comes to accessibility in the home, the first consideration is how safely, comfortably and easily the people who live there can get in and out. For wheelchairs, walkers and other mobility devices, stairs can be a big issue — so building a ramp might be the best option. Inside, installing a stairlift can make it easier for mobility-impaired people to access multiple stories. If you go with these routes, make sure you check and get any necessary permits.Renovations18 Expert Tips on How to Make Your Home More AccessibleRamp Things Up
PHOTO 2 of 18READ LESS -When it comes to accessibility in the home, the first consideration is how safely, comfortably and easily the people who live there can get in and out. For wheelchairs, walkers and other mobility devices, stairs can be a big issue — so building a ramp might be the best option. Inside, installing a stairlift can make it easier for mobility-impaired people to access multiple stories. If you go with these routes, make sure you check and get any necessary permits.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Widen the Gaps
3/18Widen the Gaps
3/18Photo Credit: Getty Images
Next, consider if doorways and hallways are wide enough for accessibility. This might require a renovation (you’ll likely need at least a 32-inch-wide doorway to provide space for a wheelchair, or a 34-to-36-inch wide doorway for most walker users to maneuver). However — if you only need a few inches of extra clearance — you can also try switching to offset hinges (also known as swing-clear hinges) for a more inexpensive upgrade. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/blog/common-renovating-costs-walls-doors-and-windows-27089/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Common Renovating Costs: Walls, Doors and Windows</a>Renovations18 Expert Tips on How to Make Your Home More AccessibleWiden the Gaps
PHOTO 3 of 18READ LESS -Next, consider if doorways and hallways are wide enough for accessibility. This might require a renovation (you’ll likely need at least a 32-inch-wide doorway to provide space for a wheelchair, or a 34-to-36-inch wide doorway for most walker users to maneuver). However — if you only need a few inches of extra clearance — you can also try switching to offset hinges (also known as swing-clear hinges) for a more inexpensive upgrade. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/blog/common-renovating-costs-walls-doors-and-windows-27089/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Common Renovating Costs: Walls, Doors and Windows</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Rearrange the Furniture
4/18Rearrange the Furniture
4/18Photo Credit: Getty Images
Don’t forget: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/photos/no-reno-home-upgrades-1938904/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">not all home upgrades involve renovating</a>. One of the simplest ways to enhance accessibility is to assess the furniture layout in your home. Rearrange furniture so that there’s enough space and a clear path for all to move comfortably through the room. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/living-rooms/photos/tips-for-arranging-furniture-living-room-1934046/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">20 Tips for Arranging Furniture in Your Living Room</a>Renovations18 Expert Tips on How to Make Your Home More AccessibleRearrange the Furniture
PHOTO 4 of 18READ LESS -Don’t forget: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/photos/no-reno-home-upgrades-1938904/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">not all home upgrades involve renovating</a>. One of the simplest ways to enhance accessibility is to assess the furniture layout in your home. Rearrange furniture so that there’s enough space and a clear path for all to move comfortably through the room. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/living-rooms/photos/tips-for-arranging-furniture-living-room-1934046/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">20 Tips for Arranging Furniture in Your Living Room</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Clear the Floors
5/18Clear the Floors
5/18Photo Credit: Getty Images
While you’re at it, take a moment to look down at your floors. Eliminate any obvious tripping hazards and consider the type of flooring you have. You can make it easier for mobility devices like wheelchairs or walkers to move freely by swapping plush carpeting for harder flooring surfaces like tile, durable hardwood (such as maple) or laminate. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/blog/common-renovating-costs-flooring-27087/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Common Renovating Costs: Flooring</a>Renovations18 Expert Tips on How to Make Your Home More AccessibleClear the Floors
PHOTO 5 of 18READ LESS -While you’re at it, take a moment to look down at your floors. Eliminate any obvious tripping hazards and consider the type of flooring you have. You can make it easier for mobility devices like wheelchairs or walkers to move freely by swapping plush carpeting for harder flooring surfaces like tile, durable hardwood (such as maple) or laminate. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/blog/common-renovating-costs-flooring-27087/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Common Renovating Costs: Flooring</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Swap the Knobs
6/18Swap the Knobs
6/18Photo Credit: Getty Images
Dexterity issues are a common but often overlooked accessibility issue, particularly as we age. Round doorknobs can be hard to grasp, so a simple solution is to swap them for level-style handles that are easier to use. It’s a simple, inexpensive <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/diy/photos/home-improvement-projects-diy-1910792/#currentSlide=8" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">DIY project </a>that can make a big difference. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/photos/how-to-fix-leaky-faucet-home-nuisances-1917918/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">How to Fix a Leaky Faucet (And 10 More Quick Home Repairs)</a>Renovations18 Expert Tips on How to Make Your Home More AccessibleSwap the Knobs
PHOTO 6 of 18READ LESS -Dexterity issues are a common but often overlooked accessibility issue, particularly as we age. Round doorknobs can be hard to grasp, so a simple solution is to swap them for level-style handles that are easier to use. It’s a simple, inexpensive <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/diy/photos/home-improvement-projects-diy-1910792/#currentSlide=8" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">DIY project </a>that can make a big difference. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/photos/how-to-fix-leaky-faucet-home-nuisances-1917918/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">How to Fix a Leaky Faucet (And 10 More Quick Home Repairs)</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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The Right Light Height
7/18The Right Light Height
7/18Photo Credit: Unsplash
Another way to make your home more wheelchair accessible is to consider things like lighting from different perspectives. Glare from higher-placed lights that angle down can be uncomfortable for people moving through your home from a vantage point that’s closer to the ground. To make sure <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/tags/lighting/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">lighting</a> works for people at all heights, try adjusting the height and placement of indoor lighting, or invest in reduced-glare fixtures.Renovations18 Expert Tips on How to Make Your Home More AccessibleThe Right Light Height
PHOTO 7 of 18READ LESS -Another way to make your home more wheelchair accessible is to consider things like lighting from different perspectives. Glare from higher-placed lights that angle down can be uncomfortable for people moving through your home from a vantage point that’s closer to the ground. To make sure <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/tags/lighting/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">lighting</a> works for people at all heights, try adjusting the height and placement of indoor lighting, or invest in reduced-glare fixtures.Photo Credit: Unsplash
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Switch Sizes
8/18Switch Sizes
8/18Photo Credit: Unsplash
The size and style of light switches can make a big difference for people who struggle with fine motor skills or limited dexterity in their fingers. Choose lamps and light fixtures with larger buttons that are easier to switch on and off, and place light switches in an accessible height. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/decorating/photos/lighting-trends-transform-a-room-1917503/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The 8 Coolest Lighting Trends That Will Transform Any Room</a>Renovations18 Expert Tips on How to Make Your Home More AccessibleSwitch Sizes
PHOTO 8 of 18READ LESS -The size and style of light switches can make a big difference for people who struggle with fine motor skills or limited dexterity in their fingers. Choose lamps and light fixtures with larger buttons that are easier to switch on and off, and place light switches in an accessible height. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/decorating/photos/lighting-trends-transform-a-room-1917503/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The 8 Coolest Lighting Trends That Will Transform Any Room</a>Photo Credit: Unsplash
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Try Voice Activation
9/18Try Voice Activation
9/18Photo Credit: Getty Images
When dexterity is an issue, you might also consider taking manual switches completely out of the equation. Smart home technology systems are more and more common (and affordable) these days, and voice-activated systems to control lights, temperature, <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shopping/photos/home-gadgets-save-time-money-1905764/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">home security</a> and even music can be a big win for everyone. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/real-estate/photos/smart-home-upgrades-1919446/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">6 Smart Home Upgrades to Make Your Home Stand Out and Sell Fast</a>Renovations18 Expert Tips on How to Make Your Home More AccessibleTry Voice Activation
PHOTO 9 of 18READ LESS -When dexterity is an issue, you might also consider taking manual switches completely out of the equation. Smart home technology systems are more and more common (and affordable) these days, and voice-activated systems to control lights, temperature, <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shopping/photos/home-gadgets-save-time-money-1905764/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">home security</a> and even music can be a big win for everyone. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/real-estate/photos/smart-home-upgrades-1919446/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">6 Smart Home Upgrades to Make Your Home Stand Out and Sell Fast</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Add Space Under the Vanity
10/18Add Space Under the Vanity
10/18Photo Credit: Getty Images
Make your <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/dining-rooms/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">bathroom</a> sink more wheelchair-accessible by swapping a traditional vanity with lower storage for one that’s open under the sink. This allows a person in a wheelchair to more easily wash their hands and use the vanity (make sure the mirror is low enough so that people can see it from all heights).Renovations18 Expert Tips on How to Make Your Home More AccessibleAdd Space Under the Vanity
PHOTO 10 of 18READ LESS -Make your <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/dining-rooms/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">bathroom</a> sink more wheelchair-accessible by swapping a traditional vanity with lower storage for one that’s open under the sink. This allows a person in a wheelchair to more easily wash their hands and use the vanity (make sure the mirror is low enough so that people can see it from all heights).Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Add Stability Features
11/18Add Stability Features
11/18Photo Credit: Getty Images
Stability is another common accessibility issue in the bathroom. Enhance the safety of your bathroom by installing grab bars in the shower and beside the toilet. Securing a bench or seat in the shower can also make bathing easier and safer.Renovations18 Expert Tips on How to Make Your Home More AccessibleAdd Stability Features
PHOTO 11 of 18READ LESS -Stability is another common accessibility issue in the bathroom. Enhance the safety of your bathroom by installing grab bars in the shower and beside the toilet. Securing a bench or seat in the shower can also make bathing easier and safer.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Try a Step-In Shower
12/18Try a Step-In Shower
12/18Photo Credit: Getty Images
Bathtubs can be beautiful, but there are plenty of reasons why showers might be a better choice when you’re doing a bathroom reno — especially when you consider accessibility (both now and in the future). Tubs can be difficult to step in and out of and, in some situations, this can be dangerous. Adding textured tile can further enhance shower safety by making the shower floor less slippery. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/bathrooms/photos/modern-shower-ideas-bathroom-masterpiece-1909355/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Modern Shower Ideas That Will Turn Your Bathroom Into a Masterpiece</a>Renovations18 Expert Tips on How to Make Your Home More AccessibleTry a Step-In Shower
PHOTO 12 of 18READ LESS -Bathtubs can be beautiful, but there are plenty of reasons why showers might be a better choice when you’re doing a bathroom reno — especially when you consider accessibility (both now and in the future). Tubs can be difficult to step in and out of and, in some situations, this can be dangerous. Adding textured tile can further enhance shower safety by making the shower floor less slippery. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/bathrooms/photos/modern-shower-ideas-bathroom-masterpiece-1909355/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Modern Shower Ideas That Will Turn Your Bathroom Into a Masterpiece</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Adjust Appliances
13/18Adjust Appliances
13/18Photo Credit: Getty Images
In the kitchen, it’s important that appliances are positioned so that they’re accessible to reach and safe to use. If you’re renovating your kitchen for accessibility, make sure that appliances are installed at lower-than-standard height. Select appliances with controls at the front so that they can be easily reached (especially the cooktop — so people lower to the ground don’t have to potentially reach across hot burners to turn them on or off!). <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/photos/where-to-take-used-appliances-cabinets-by-province-1935990/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Where to Take Your Used Appliances and Cabinets, by Province</a>Renovations18 Expert Tips on How to Make Your Home More AccessibleAdjust Appliances
PHOTO 13 of 18READ LESS -In the kitchen, it’s important that appliances are positioned so that they’re accessible to reach and safe to use. If you’re renovating your kitchen for accessibility, make sure that appliances are installed at lower-than-standard height. Select appliances with controls at the front so that they can be easily reached (especially the cooktop — so people lower to the ground don’t have to potentially reach across hot burners to turn them on or off!). <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/photos/where-to-take-used-appliances-cabinets-by-province-1935990/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Where to Take Your Used Appliances and Cabinets, by Province</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Consider the Cabinets
14/18Consider the Cabinets
14/18Photo Credit: Getty Images
Not being able to reach what you need can be a big accessibility issue in kitchens. Consider lowering the height of kitchen cabinets so that they’re easier to access, and/or swapping traditional cabinet hardware for looped pulls (which are easier to use when dexterity is an issue) or touch-release cabinet doors. Height-adjustable cabinets are another option: these electric-powered cabinets can be raised or lowered via button so that they’re accessible to people at different heights. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/paint/photos/transform-kitchen-cabinets-1930363/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">10 Ways to Totally Transform Your Kitchen Cabinets Without Replacing Them</a>Renovations18 Expert Tips on How to Make Your Home More AccessibleConsider the Cabinets
PHOTO 14 of 18READ LESS -Not being able to reach what you need can be a big accessibility issue in kitchens. Consider lowering the height of kitchen cabinets so that they’re easier to access, and/or swapping traditional cabinet hardware for looped pulls (which are easier to use when dexterity is an issue) or touch-release cabinet doors. Height-adjustable cabinets are another option: these electric-powered cabinets can be raised or lowered via button so that they’re accessible to people at different heights. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/paint/photos/transform-kitchen-cabinets-1930363/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">10 Ways to Totally Transform Your Kitchen Cabinets Without Replacing Them</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Space Under the Sink
15/18Space Under the Sink
15/18Photo Credit: Getty Images
Renovating the <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">kitchen</a> sink so that there’s space below for a wheelchair is a major accessibility upgrade. There should be clearance for a person’s knees (both height and depth), and the drain should be placed at the back so that it doesn’t block anyone from full under-sink access. If a person in a wheelchair will be using the sink, you should also make sure that the water heater is set so that the maximum heat is low (so that legs won’t accidentally get burned).Renovations18 Expert Tips on How to Make Your Home More AccessibleSpace Under the Sink
PHOTO 15 of 18READ LESS -Renovating the <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">kitchen</a> sink so that there’s space below for a wheelchair is a major accessibility upgrade. There should be clearance for a person’s knees (both height and depth), and the drain should be placed at the back so that it doesn’t block anyone from full under-sink access. If a person in a wheelchair will be using the sink, you should also make sure that the water heater is set so that the maximum heat is low (so that legs won’t accidentally get burned).Photo Credit: Getty Images
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A Seat at the Table
16/18A Seat at the Table
16/18Photo Credit: Getty Images
Make sure kitchen and <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/dining-rooms/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">dining room</a> tables are high enough to comfortably accommodate wheelchairs or mobility devices that need clearance underneath. If you have a table that you love but that’s a bit too short, you can easily add lifts or extensions to the table legs for a little boost. Another option is to swap out the table legs for longer ones for more height. Whichever method you choose, don’t forget to consider slightly higher chairs (or adding lifts to existing chairs) so that everyone’s at the same level.Renovations18 Expert Tips on How to Make Your Home More AccessibleA Seat at the Table
PHOTO 16 of 18READ LESS -Make sure kitchen and <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/dining-rooms/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">dining room</a> tables are high enough to comfortably accommodate wheelchairs or mobility devices that need clearance underneath. If you have a table that you love but that’s a bit too short, you can easily add lifts or extensions to the table legs for a little boost. Another option is to swap out the table legs for longer ones for more height. Whichever method you choose, don’t forget to consider slightly higher chairs (or adding lifts to existing chairs) so that everyone’s at the same level.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Create Easier Closet Organization
17/18Create Easier Closet Organization
17/18Photo Credit: Getty Images
High hanging closet rods can make it difficult for people using wheelchairs or mobility aids to reach what they need. Try installing a lower rod to put commonly used items within reach and add a pull-down rod for the top rod. This let you keep dresses and longer items higher, but still makes them reachable. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/blog/7-genius-ways-to-double-your-closet-space-1896847/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">7 Genius Ways to Double Your Closet Space</a>Renovations18 Expert Tips on How to Make Your Home More AccessibleCreate Easier Closet Organization
PHOTO 17 of 18READ LESS -High hanging closet rods can make it difficult for people using wheelchairs or mobility aids to reach what they need. Try installing a lower rod to put commonly used items within reach and add a pull-down rod for the top rod. This let you keep dresses and longer items higher, but still makes them reachable. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/blog/7-genius-ways-to-double-your-closet-space-1896847/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">7 Genius Ways to Double Your Closet Space</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Add Outdoor Lights
18/18Add Outdoor Lights
18/18Photo Credit: Getty Images
I’m a big fan of <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/outdoors/photos/low-cost-ways-backyard-permanent-staycation-1938419/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">making the most of your outdoor spaces</a> — and that includes making them safe and easy-to-enjoy for everyone. One easy way to enhance accessibility in your outdoor space is to install motion-activated lights. That way, no one is left in the dark once the sun sets. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/outdoors/photos/timeless-backyard-ideas-trends-1940222/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">15 Timeless Backyard Ideas and Trends to Make You Fall Back in Love With Your Yard</a>Renovations18 Expert Tips on How to Make Your Home More AccessibleAdd Outdoor Lights
PHOTO 18 of 18READ LESS -I’m a big fan of <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/outdoors/photos/low-cost-ways-backyard-permanent-staycation-1938419/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">making the most of your outdoor spaces</a> — and that includes making them safe and easy-to-enjoy for everyone. One easy way to enhance accessibility in your outdoor space is to install motion-activated lights. That way, no one is left in the dark once the sun sets. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/outdoors/photos/timeless-backyard-ideas-trends-1940222/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">15 Timeless Backyard Ideas and Trends to Make You Fall Back in Love With Your Yard</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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