Accessibility Modifications to Make in Your Boise Area Home

In your home, you’ll inevitably make modifications. You may want to paint the walls to match your aesthetic. You may have to install new pipes to avoid an accidental bursting. One modification that can improve your quality of life, no matter what happens, is an accessibility modification. These modifications make your house welcoming and usable for all, regardless of their ability level or age. 

In the Treasure Valley, Mr. Handyman offers a range of accessibility modifications, all of which can help you and your guests move and live freely in your home while keeping you safe.  

What Are Accessible Home Modifications?

Accessible home modifications refer to alterations made to a residence to enhance its usability for individuals with disabilities, mobility challenges, or those who wish to age in place comfortably. These changes can range from minor adjustments, such as installing a grab bar in the bathroom, to significant changes that involve restructuring or redesigning a home. The primary goal is to create a living environment that is safe, functional, and inclusive for all occupants, regardless of their physical abilities.

In the Treasure Valley area and around the nation, accessible home modifications are becoming increasingly popular for various reasons. For one, people who live in homes that require accessibility may not be able to afford to move to a house with these modifications already installed. Similarly, people in retirement may not be able to afford to move to a retirement community for the sake of their mobility. Instead, they may be interested in aging-in-place. 

Lastly, advocates for disability rights have spread awareness of accessibility modifications in private and public residences that may make a space less inclusive to everyone. As a result of this awareness, accessible home modifications have been a top trend among architects. 

When Should I Get Accessible Home Modifications?

Although accessible modifications can make any home more welcoming, they can be particularly advantageous in the following situations:

• If you are a senior with reduced mobility, balance issues, or other conditions that make it challenging to move around the home independently.
• If you’ve had a recent injury that makes it difficult to heal from a temporary or permanent health condition.
• If you have a disability that requires specific adjustments around the home.
• If you’re anticipating future circumstances when you may need mobility adjustments to the house. 

In addition, home accessibility renovations make your home safer, even if you aren’t in any of the situations listed above. 

Types of Home Modifications

As mentioned, home modifications can depend on the extent you’d like to renovate your home. Some may be simple, and others may involve renovating entire rooms to accommodate your needs.

Accessible Bedrooms

In your bedroom, several areas could cause mobility issues. It may be challenging to get out of bed, you may not be able to easily reach clothes in your closet, and reaching for the light switch can be dangerous if you use a wheelchair. The following changes can address these challenges: 

• Lowering shelves and closet rods: By lowering or adjusting the height of your shelves and closet rods, you can reach your clothes while seated or in a wheelchair. 
• Lowering thresholds: Lower or remove thresholds to eliminate tripping hazards as you enter your bedroom.
• Installing adjustable beds: Adjustable beds can be raised or lowered to help individuals with mobility issues get in and out of bed more easily. These beds provide optimal support and comfort. 
• Using lever-style door handles: Lever handles require less effort as you don’t have to twist your wrist. 

With these changes, you can rest easily at night or get ready in the morning.

Accessible Kitchens

Everyone deserves to make and enjoy a home-cooked meal, and the following modifications can help with that:

• Cabinet drawer and shelving modifications: Pull-out drawers and shelving can be much easier to access than traditional stacked shelving. In addition, a pull-down shelf can be better for accessing out-of-reach upper cabinets. 
• Adjustable-height countertops: Installing a lower countertop may be a more significant endeavor, but it allows you to access your counters from a wheelchair. 
• Altered oven ranges: Use oven ranges with front-mounted controls and side-opening doors. You can also install wall-mounted ovens at a reachable height for easy access. For your stovetop, consider an induction cooktop to avoid burn risks.
• Accessible kitchen sinks: Washing your dishes is essential, and a sink with a shallow basin and space underneath for wheelchair users makes this essential task easier. In addition, consider pull-out spray nozzles for enhanced functionality.

With these additions, you’ll be able to make and love every meal without getting frustrated with your kitchen's inaccessibility.

Accessible Bathrooms

Bathrooms can be one of the most dangerous areas of the home, regardless if you have a disability or you have limited mobility that increases your likelihood of falling. With the presence of water-proof surfaces and water, your floor and washing areas can quickly become hazardous. However, the following adjustments can prevent these kinds of accidents while also making your bathroom easy to use:

• Grab bars: Grab bars provide essential support and stability in the bathroom, reducing the risk of slips and falls. You can install them around the toilet, shower, and bathtub, where falls are more likely to occur. 
• Roll-in showers: A roll-in shower, also known as a curbless or zero-threshold shower, eliminates the barrier of a step or ledge, allowing for easy entry and exit. This type of shower is ideal for wheelchair users and individuals with limited mobility. 
• Walk-in bathtubs: Walk-in bathtubs have a low entry threshold and a watertight door, allowing users to enter and exit the tub safely. These tubs often have built-in seating and non-slip surfaces, making them safe and comfortable.
• Adjustable showerheads: An adjustable or handheld showerhead can be easy to use. These showerheads can be positioned at various heights and angles, making it easier for individuals to shower while seated or standing. 
• Raised toilet seats: A raised toilet seat increases the height of the toilet, making it easier for individuals to sit down and stand up. This modification benefits those with knee, hip, or back issues. Some raised seats come with built-in armrests for additional support.
• Non-slip flooring: Installing non-slip flooring in the bathroom helps prevent slips and falls, especially in wet areas. Materials like textured tiles, rubber flooring, or non-slip vinyl provide good traction and enhance safety.

With these renovations, you can recoup and rejuvenate in the bathroom without worry.

Handicap Ramps

One popular home accessibility modification you can make if you use a wheelchair or an assistive device is a handicap ramp. With it, you can quickly enter and exit your home independently, without fear of falling. 

In addition, you can install a handrail, which not only provides a barrier that keeps ramp occupants from falling over the ramp curb but can also assist them when entering or exiting the home. 

Door and Hallway Widening

You can also consider widening your hallways and doorways in all of your bedrooms. Standard doorways and hallways often lack the necessary width, making navigation challenging and potentially hazardous. Expanding these spaces to at least 32 inches reduces the risk of accidents and gives you more independence when navigating your home.

In addition, entering and exiting through small doors is not only uncomfortable if you have a disability or mobility concerns, but it can be dangerous. Installing wider doors can give you the space you need to enter a new room without worrying about falling, tripping, or getting trapped because of your door. 

Flooring

Your floor can make the most significant difference in an accessible space. For one, carpet and damaged floor may cause difficulties for people using a wheelchair or another assistive device. Slippery floors, on the other hand, can be unsafe and increase your risk of falling. Therefore, it’s vital to hire professionals who can repair your existing floor and make it safer or install new flooring that can make it easy to navigate. 

When replacing your flooring, look for durable, non-slip materials. Mr. Handyman's professionals can also help install this flooring in every room so you won’t notice a difference between different materials.

Smart Technology 

Mr. Handyman professionals can do more than replace and install different housing features to improve accessibility. They can also integrate technology into your home to make life easier. Consider installing smart home technology like: 

• Smart lighting: With smart lighting, you can control lighting in your entire house with voice commands, smartphone apps, or through a pre-established automated schedule. You can also install motion-detecting lighting that automatically illuminates when you enter a room, so you won’t have to reach for a switch.
• Automated door locks: Similarly, you can lock and unlock your doors with smart locks with a smartphone app. With it, you won’t have to worry about using a key, which can be difficult if your health condition impedes your hand dexterity. 
• Smart thermostats: These devices allow you to control the temperature of your home through a mobile app. You can adjust the temperature and set up schedules for when you’d like it to be colder or hotter based on your lifestyle preferences. 
• Security systems: You can also install smart security systems that include video doorbells, security cameras, motion detectors, and more. These systems often connect through a mobile app. You can also speak to others by ringing your doorbell through the app, so you don’t have to go through the hassle of opening the door. 

Although these devices can improve the safety of your home, they also add a level of convenience that’s advantageous for anyone, regardless of their ability level.

Mr. Handyman Accessibility Installation Services

Mr. Handyman is more than capable and happy to help you with some of the aforementioned accessibility modifications. With our help, you can make your home safer and easier to navigate for the following reasons.

Exemplary Customer Service

Our commitment to customer service will make the remodeling process much more manageable. Feel free to ask questions at any step — whether you’re first contacting customer service or if one of our Mr. Handyman professionals is installing the finishing touches for your accessibility modifications. Ultimately, you’ll leave every interaction feeling positive and confident in our work. 

Commitment to Quality

We also prioritize quality in every remodeling or installation project we do. We only install the finest materials, and all of our professionals have a jack-of-all-trades approach to their work, so they can spot various necessary adjustments as you strive to make your house more accessible. We can also promise quality by working with you directly and guiding you through the process in case you’re unsure of what questions to ask. To learn more about our work, look at the other examples on our website! 

Local Knowledge and Expertise

Mr. Handyman is heavily involved in the Treasure Valley, and our employees have decades of collective experience installing accessibility modifications. As a result, we can provide tailored recommendations based on your home and our past work with other Treasure Valley residents.

Call Mr. Handyman Today!

If you want your home to be safer and more welcoming, call Mr. Handyman today! You can also fill out our contact form. In no time, we’ll schedule a consultation to serve you better. 

FAQs About Accessible Home Modifications

What Are Accessibility Modifications?

Accessibility modifications are changes made to a home to make it more accessible and safer for individuals with disabilities, older adults, or those with mobility challenges. These modifications can include structural changes, the addition of assistive devices, and other alterations to improve ease of access and usability.

Why Should I Consider Making Accessibility Modifications to My Home in Boise and around the Treasure Valley? 

Making accessibility modifications ensures your home is safe and comfortable for all residents, including those with disabilities or mobility issues. It can also increase the value of your home and make it more attractive to a broader range of potential buyers.

What Are Some Common Accessibility Modifications for Bathrooms?

Common modifications include installing grab bars, walk-in tubs, roll-in showers, raised toilet seats, and non-slip flooring. These changes help prevent falls and make the bathroom more usable for individuals with mobility issues.

Are There Financial Assistance Programs for Accessibility Modifications in Boise?

Various federal, state, and local programs offer financial assistance for accessibility modifications. Programs like Medicaid waivers, the VA Home Improvement and Structural Alterations (HISA) grant, and local non-profit organizations may provide funding or low-interest loans.

How Can I Ensure My Modifications Meet ADA Standards?

We are an Age Safe Certified company here at Mr. Handyman and can ensure that we have been trained in ADA standards, but to ensure your modifications meet ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) standards, consult a professional experienced in ADA compliance. We can guide you through the requirements and help you design and implement modifications that meet these standards.

What Are Cost-Effective Modifications to Improve Accessibility?

Simple, cost-effective modifications include installing grab bars, replacing door knobs with lever handles, adding portable ramps, and using non-slip mats in bathrooms and kitchens. These changes can significantly improve accessibility without significant renovations.