Disability Services Customize Convenience with Chic-ness

The word "handicapped" is a simple lie; nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, the only way disabled persons can become handicapped is if their surrounding environments create certain limitations. Especially in residential homes, people in wheelchairs are usually only inhibited by the barriers around them: small entryways, cramped hallways, and other roadblocks. So if you have a disability, you'll definitely want to invest in some renovations in order to make your house into a handicap accessible home.

Disability Services
Though you can do a lot of remodeling on your own, the best way to customize a home to fit your personal needs is with a professional disability service. These experts can give some unique insight and advice about new innovations on the market. Though convenience in the house is crucial, the biggest problem that comes with a handicap accessible home is its clinical look. Whether it's for future resale purposes or simply maintaining a conventional appearance, you don't want your house to look like a hospital. So how do you gain accessibility while still maintaining a traditional design? With the help of a disability service contractor, you'll find many ways to gain a practical floor plan and yet preserve a standardized style.

Whole House Planning
When it comes to persons with a disability, the entire house will have to conform to their needs. This means some serious renovations, both big and small, inside and out. But this doesn't mean your handicap accessible home can't still have a stylish appearance.
Doorways: The biggest problem with most houses is the entryways. Normally, they're about 24" wide, but to accommodate a wheelchair they'll need to be widened to at least 34-36". With a qualified disability service provider, widening a door frame can take less than a day. And it's the most popular renovation so there's not much you can do about it. But if you invest in some swing-away hinges (special products that allow a door to completely open away from the frame), you'll gain a couple of extra inches, allowing you to possibly make the new doorway a bit smaller.
Ramps: You have to have them, but who says they can't have some style. Wood is always a popular way to go since it looks more like a deck. But wood also requires maintenance, so a concrete or metal ramp may work better. Yet even these can be livened up: you need traction, so why not lay down interesting rubber grips or attractive carpets.
Flooring: Speaking of carpet, it's best to remove any thick piled flooring to allow a smoother glide. And even hardwood or tile can be slick and dangerous to wheelchairs. So invest in some low-pile carpet. Or if you do install linoleum, buy some with interesting textures or unique grains for a distinct look.
Windows: No more double-hung windows for your house—they're impossible to open while sitting down. But casement windows are a great investment since they're operated by an easy-to-reach crank.

Handicap Kitchen Design
When it comes to handicap kitchen design, the biggest barrier is counter height. Instead of the standard height of 36", you may have to lower the counters to 28". And when it comes to counter depth, 16" is the most advantageous length for those confined to wheelchairs. But that doesn't mean you can't still invest in granite, marble, or other high-end materials. And instead of storing all your plates, cups, and bowls in the overhead cupboards, buy some trendy new roll-out shelves for the lower cabinets. Tip: Always buy a range that has the controls located on the front—they're easy to use and reduce fire hazards by eliminating the need to reach over hot burners.

Handicap Bathroom Design
There are a few essentials you'll need to acquire in order to have a fully-functional handicap bathroom design.
First, you'll need plenty of space. You may need to relocate some installations to gain more maneuverability. But while you're making the room more accessible, you're also adding value to your home: everyone loves a big bathroom.
Next, you'll need to do something about the fixtures. When it comes to your tub or shower, invest in a transfer seat and handgrips to reduce the risk of falling or slipping. You may even want to remove your tub and invest in a roll-in shower. This is a labor-intensive project and it's not cheap, but having a shower with no floor-barriers creates a sleek, modern look to the room and is just as appealing to those without disabilities.
Then, instead of having a vanity, install a pedestal sink with a single-lever faucet: these fixtures are not only easier to use but trendy to boot.
And finally, it's a good idea to raise your toilet: though this may be a very noticeable renovation, it's absolutely necessary. Plus, you'll want to install more hand-grips nearby; but grips often come in many sizes and styles in order to fit your own personal tastes.