A Special Company to do Special-Needs Construction / Bathrooms

July 21, 2012 - PRLog -- The rights of the disabled or physically challenged are protected by federal, state and local laws. State and local governments have the authority to adopt their own building codes, but must meet or exceed those contained in the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Although legislation mandating rights and opportunities is an important first step in giving handicapped people mobility and access, these laws apply mostly to public spaces and commercial facilities.

With residential single family dwellings, you need the expertise of a knowledgeable regional contractor to help guide the building or modification process, and to ensure compliance with all of the local building codes.

Each person’s needs are different; depending on the particular handicap, and individual circumstance. A youngster may or may not have full use of his or her arms, while a returning warrior hero who suffered a lower-body disability while serving overseas could have tremendous upper body strength. Elderly persons may use a walker, cane or wheelchair. A person may have visual impairment. Each situation is unique.

It comes down to designing and constructing barrier-free doorways, rooms and modifications throughout the home to ensure the quality of life and dignity that all individuals deserve.

The construction professionals at Shells Only Complete Home Improvements are experts in all of the phases, builds and modifications necessary to accommodate special-needs individuals, both adults and children. Design and construction requirements are very precise; Shells Only uses no subcontractors so specifications are followed to the letter. Many of these home modifications are also useful for any elderly people who wish to “age in place” and take advantage of the new Universal Design practices.

Here are the areas residential builders must pay particular attention to. Entrances, exteriors and ramps were covered previously. This will be a look at INTEROR issues; specifically, the BATHROOM. Of course, this is an overview, each of these areas will be covered in full by your Shells Only professional. Your builder will verify prior to construction all of the current required codes.

Bathrooms

* Doorways. Should be 36” wide (32” is generally the minimum width needed for a wheelchair to get through.)  If you can’t change the size of the opening, consider the use of offset hinges to increase the clearance.

* Grab Bars. The grab bar/hand rail must be fully anchored, with a bar diameter of between 1-1/4” to 1-½”. It must be installed between 34” and 38” off the ground. There must be a separation of at least 1-½” between the bar and the surface to which it is anchored. Reinforcements behind walls may be necessary.

* Clear Floor Space. A space with minimum dimension of at least 30” x 48” must be provided to accommodate a single wheelchair. Sometimes that space can be provided under fixtures, as long as there is enough room to allow legs to move freely while sitting in a wheelchair.

* Rotating Space. A single wheelchair must be able to rotate freely within a bathroom. At least 60” in diameter is required to complete a 180 degree turn.

* Sinks and Countertops. A handicap sink must extend at least 17” from the back wall and have a clearance of at least 29” from the bottom of the apron to the finished floor. The maximum height for a sink(top) or sink installed in a countertop is 34”.

* Toilets. Handicap toilets must have sufficient space to accommodate the wheelchair to the sides of the toilet or in front of it. Horizontal grab bars must be installed behind the toilet and in the nearest wall or partition. Toilet seat heights must be between 17” to 19” above the finished floor. The lever for flush control must be placed on the open side of the toilet with the clearest floor space and mounted no higher than 44” above the finished floor. Often there  may be need for a raised toilet seat.

* Walk-in Bathtubs and Roll-in Showers. Floorplan and budget permitting, these popular options greatly enhance the quality of life.

Some of the special-needs items and accessories feature fold-away designs. Light switches, electrical outlets and thermostats must be in accessible areas. Mirrors that angle downwards allow everyone to use the bathroom safely.

The bottom line: Freedom comes from not having to rely upon others for your care.

* Sources: www.ADA.gov; www.AgeInPlace.com; http://www.ShellsOnly.com