Property owners are often surprised at just how many apartments and homes fail to comply with handicap accessibility regulations. Widening doorways, installing ramps and mounting handrails in specific areas are all simple renovations that will provide greater accessibility to those who suffer from mobility impairments. Having a loved one or family member who suffers from a handicap or reduced mobility is never an issue to be taken lightly. Learning more about how to upgrade and renovate your household will ensure that a mobility impairment does not become a larger issues.

Simple Upgrades Provide Enhanced Mobility

There are many ways to create a more handicap-accessible property. Specific guidelines and regulations detailing door width and the placement of handrails may be helpful for property owners seeking to ensure their property does not pose additional obstacles for current or future tenants. For families seeking to address the needs of loved ones who suffer from a handicap, home renovations and household upgrades may differ depending on the nature of the mobility impairment in question.

Wider Doorways

Navigating a wheelchair through a standard doorway can be quite a challenge. Even expanding a doorway by a few inches may not be enough depending on its location and the size of the wheelchair. Doorways near tight corners and wider than average bariatric wheelchairs may require the widest doorway possible. Expanding the width of a door frame will allow those using a walker, wheelchair or other mobility-assistance device to get around more easily.

Installing Ramps

Even a few stairs can become a serious obstacle for those who are confined to a wheelchair. The addition of a ramp is another simple way to create a more handicap-accessible household or property. Always consult building regulations detailing the slope and incline of a ramp prior to installation. While ramps are typically a suitable option when there is relatively little elevation difference, a stair chair or lift may be required for multistory homes.

Handrails

Handrails reduce the need to provide assistance and care for those who suffer from an impairment or handicap. Wall-mounted handrails in bathrooms, bedrooms and other areas of the home may allow those who suffer from a handicap to enjoy a greater degree of freedom and independence. Unlike installing a ramp or widening a doorway, handrail installation can typically requires only basic household tools and may be performed by those who have limited skills and experience.

Seeking Professional Help and Installation Services

While the simplest ways to create a handicap-accessible household are relatively simple projects, professional assistance may still be needed. Having your home and property assessed by an experienced contractor or professional service provider can provide much needed insight on any areas or issues that may cause problems for the mobility impaired. Arranging for a contractor to handle the work needed to create a more handicap-accessible household offers a more convenient solution, one that will provide property owners with higher quality results.