Remodeling an existing house presents many design challenges. Modern living requires different functions and spaces than a house built 50, 20, or even 10 years ago. Designing homes and remodels that consider long-term livability has become a greater priority in residential design as we embrace an aging baby-boomer population.

Whether you’re looking to age in place in your current home, to accommodate aging family members, or simply to consider resale value and appeal to a broad market, issues of wheelchair access and accessible design are critical. Even if you don’t require accessible spaces today, you can design spaces that are functional, comfortable, and flexible enough to accommodate any accessibility needs that arise in the future.

Recently, I was charged with redesigning the existing full bath in the Fine Homebuilding Project House to create a more accessible master suite. This 1950s ranch has a floor plan common to many homes of a similar style and vintage. By looking at the problems with the existing bath and the solutions in the new bath, you’ll easily be able to recognize the flaws and opportunities in your own projects.

Identify problems with the existing bathroom

The existing bathroom has several problems. A narrow doorway leads to a claustrophobic space only 3-1⁄2 ft. wide at its widest point. All the services—the toilet, the tub, and the sink—would be extremely difficult to access if the user had limited mobility or were confined to a wheelchair. Adding grab bars to improve the functionality of this bath would be a hit-or-miss proposition because the blocking is missing from the appropriate locations. Also, despite the need for it, the bathroom doesn’t contain any storage for toiletries or towels.

A A bathtub is difficult and dangerous to navigate into and out of if mobility is limited.

B A narrow doorway inhibits easy access into and out of the bathroom, especially if a thick threshold is in place.

C A narrow floor plan prevents wheelchair-bound users from being able to turn around.

D A toilet in a narrow nook without grab bars is difficult to access from a seated position.

E A linen closet is outside the bathroom, but storage should be integrated into the bath space.

F The hallway is too narrow to navigate easily in a wheelchair and is unnecessary in the new mastersuite plan.

Create an accessible plan with integrated solutions

The first step in designing flexible spaces is determining which design elements need to be included initially and which can be installed later if they are needed. For example, building a bathroom with access to a 5-ft. clear turnaround area that improves wheelchair maneuverability should be incorporated initially, because it would be difficult and expensive to make accommodations for such a space later. Below are the elements that make this new bathroom accessible while still maintaining a comfortable, style-appropriate aesthetic.

A Doorways have a minimum 32-in. clear width to accommodate wheelchairs.

B Swinging doors with levers, not knobs, are used instead of pocket doors because they’re less challenging to open from a seated position.

C Hallways and passageways are 48 in. wide to improve access.

D A 5-ft. clear turnaround circle integrated into the floor plan of the bath is best. If this isn’t possible, create a turnaround circle just outside the bathroom, as shown at right.

E A removable shower screen/partition provides better access to the shower if necessary in the future.

F Blocking for a future fold-down seat is integrated into the shower wall adjacent to the shower controls. Typical seat height is 18 in. above the floor.

Design an elevation that can adapt to change

The psychological influence a home can have on its residents is profound. Having a fully accessible bathroom before it is needed can be a looming reminder of aging and the loss of mobility. Well-designed spaces can create more positive responses, however. Like all properly designed accessible spaces, this bathroom is meant to be adaptable to change. For example, a vanity that is in tune with the modern style of the bath is built so that its middle cabinet can be removed, allowing easier wheelchair access to the sink. Until that need is necessary, the vanity reads as a contemporary cabinet fit for any home.

A Vanity provides plentiful storage that can be used from both seated and standing positions.

B Vanity is built so that the middle cabinet is removable to allow for knee space below the sink.

C Shower valves, light switches, and thermostat controls should be from 38 in. to 48 in. above the floor.

D There is less than a 1⁄2-in. transition between the bathroom floor and the shower floor to enable roll-in access.

E Blocking is integrated into the walls so that grab bars can be installed around the toilet and shower in the future. Typical grab-bar height is from 33 in. to 36 in.

F A linen cabinet integrates additional storage opportunities in the bath where none had existed previously.

G Two light fixtures mounted at eye level provide adequate illumination at the vanity.

Drawings: Duncan McPherson