4 Myths About Home Accessibility Busted

Are you debating whether to renovate your home to make it more accessible for the disabled? Perhaps, you are undecided because there are several myths around home accessibility that many believe to be true. You might have also heard a rumor or two regarding this.    

However, in this article, we are going to bust the common myths. With 90% of seniors saying that they wish to stay in their current home even in their old age, it is only logical to make your home more accessible. 

Moreover, in the US alone, 61 million adults live with some type of disability.

And if you are going to put up your home in the market down the line, making your home accessible and upgrading is only going to increase the value.

So, without further ado, let’s bust the myths about home accessibility:

1. Making your home accessible is costly

Many people think that making their homes accessible will cost them a fortune. Yes, no doubt you will be investing some good money into it. However, if you opt for creative and low-cost fixes, it is quite affordable.

For instance, it will cost you $50 to $800 to modify a tub or shower on average for people with motor disabilities.

If you don’t have the budget to replace a large vanity sink with new fixtures to make it accessible for the disabled, you can just remove all the base cabinets to allow the person to pull up to the sink with ease without the need for any fixtures.

You can also build half-walls instead of installing grab bars in a bathroom. 

Also, installing anti-skid tiles in the bathroom can cost you around $4,500 to $8,000 on average. But if you switch it for rubber flooring, even the best quality costs only $460 for a 100 sq. ft room. 

Rubber floors have anti-skid properties; they are durable, cost-effective, easy to maintain, and even look-wise, they are attractive with so many design options to choose from. Modern design buildings opt for rubber surfacing for all these reasons and more.    

2. Accessible homes need a bigger space.

This is far from the truth if you plan to remove things instead of adding them. For instance, instead of extending an exterior door to accommodate a wheelchair, you can consider swing-away hinges for your doors. It will give you a wider berth. 

Or, instead of remodeling your kitchen sink to make it accessible for people who use wheelchairs, you can simply remove the base cabinets to allow the disabled person to reach the sink and countertops.

There are also portable ramps that you can use instead of building them to ease entry into the rooms for a person who uses wheelchairs.

3. Homes with accessible features reduce the resale value

Homes with accessible features reduce the resale value is a myth. People don’t want to buy homes that don’t have accessible features; they are glad to see ones that do. After all, they have members of their family or friends with disabilities, and they know personally how important it is.

And with more exposure these days, more and more people are becoming aware of the importance of accessible homes. And since many homeowners wish to stay in their current home after they retire, they consider accessible features while remodeling or building their home even though they are a young family.

A universal design home will be easier to sell as the accessible features will add value to your home. It is especially true if the home is located in a locality where many seniors or disabled people reside. Accessible homes will also appeal to people of the 35-to-55 age group. 

And if you install rubber safety surfacing while remodeling your home, it will increase your home resale value as rubber surfacing is ADA-compliant.

4. Accessible upgrades will lower the aesthetic appeal

Many people seem to believe that making your house more accessible is going to lower the aesthetic appeal of the house. 

This is not true. You can design an accessible home and still maintain its aesthetic appeal. Since doorways need to be wide to accommodate wheelchairs in aesthetic homes, you can consider French doors. They are attractive. 

People with disabilities usually need good lighting. And you need to install the light switches in easy-to-access areas. Go for full-spectrum light bulbs, especially in rooms that don’t get enough sunlight. It will not only help them see things clearly but improve their mood. Plus, you get light bulbs and switches in attractive designs.

Wrap-up

Accessible homes are increasingly becoming popular. If you are having doubts about remodeling or building an accessible home because you have heard a rumor about them, you need to clear the myths right away. 

And most importantly, accessible homes will make your life more comfortable. Plus, contrary to popular belief, you can design an attractive, accessible home and put it up in the market if you wish in the future and reap the benefits.