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beatrice_wissmiller

Handicap accessible bathroom changes needed

7 years ago

Recent ranch purchase:


i am looking to make bathroom changes to current house plan that would allow a Handicap accessible roll in shower. The current Master bedriom is 13x19 with 2 closets that are side by side with Bi-Fold doors. The closet backs up to the master bath with shower only. The total sq footage is just over 300 sq ft. Very small.


I am weighing converting the family room, half bath, and laundry room into a master bed/bath. Just over 400 sq ft. Moving the family room to the master bedroom.


The rear of the house has three patio sliding doors in the master bedroom, living room, and family room. Would like to replace and update patio doors.



House was built in early 70’s and would like to make handicap accessible as Much as possible.


Comments (12)

  • 7 years ago

    I have a contractor and have consulted an architect. However, Houzz has offered many good suggestions in the past on projects. Before making major decisions, I want to look at several options for my project. You don’t have to chime in.

  • 7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago

    It would be better if you hired someone who is knowledgeable with codes for ADA bathrooms. They can design what you need.

    What you've posted isn't enough for someone to draw up plans for you. Please hire a contractor who can pull permits and do this for you.

  • 7 years ago

    Yes, I have. The 70’s ranch conversion and separating master bedroom/ bath to other side of house is the biggest hurdle I’m facing. Keeping all three sliders is my other obstacle.

  • 7 years ago

    I can't add to the design, but can give a tiny bit of advice. it would be worth checking if there is a tax deduction for those changes in your area before you start as well, and if so, what documentation you need. I missed out on 5 grand when I installed an accessible bathroom, because I didn't have adequate paperwork to show the price difference.

  • 7 years ago

    If you'd like some input into your ideas, you need to post a better plan. this one is too fuzzy and there are no room dimensions or walls, doors, windows. I know many good ideas have come from brainstorming projects. Post a better plan and you might get some feedback on the project.

  • PRO
    7 years ago

    In order to do what you want you need an architect, a good contractor and the help of ADA compliant rules. Your floor plan is too fuzzy to read and making a house wheelchair accessible is a huge undertaking since all doorways need changing the kitchen needs redoing. Like mentioned if you have the money anything is possible it is not just changing the shower

  • 7 years ago

    Slab or crawlspace?

  • PRO
    7 years ago

    Contact a reputable general contractor who has done this job previously. He'll have an architect if he needs one.

  • 7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago

    I highly recommend hiring a contractor that has a CAPS certificationhttps://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/info-2014/using-an-OT-or-CAPS.html. They can come out and assess your home and recommend ADA modifications to fit your needs. They also have resources and training to not only make it accessible and safe but also make it look nice and not institutional. It can be very overwhelming and costly to do some of these projects but with a knowledgeable professional that specializes in this kind of work it makes it so much easier and in the long run more cost efficient and headache free.

    We recently remodeled a 1980’s bathroom to make it accessible for me. Our contractor had a CAPS certification and was so helpful in walking us through the process and in the end gave us a bathroom that was both beautiful and safe for me.https://www.houzz.com/discussions/5639661/accessible-bathroom-remodel-for-a-1980s-bathroom

  • PRO
    7 years ago

    Beatrice, as a CAPS designer, I strongly recommend that you check out Mary Beth's link above to find one local to you. Changing people's kitchens and baths is what I do, and I'm also focused on adapting them to make them functional, as well as attractive. That's exactly what you need, in your location. You haven't responded to any of the posts, but I do hope you are reading them! Good luck!

  • 7 years ago

    This may not be relevant to your question, however, when my dad had a stroke that left him paralyzed one side, my mom removed the tub in her second (not master) bathroom and had a walk-in shower installed in its place. It worked perfectly for them.

    The original builder did the work for her. It had no effect on resale when the time came.