Buying a house is a huge decision, and just like when you’re looking for used handicap vans for sale, it’s not a decision that should be taken lightly. Plus, finding the perfect home can be a long and arduous process for most people, and when it comes to those in the disability communities, there are a few more aspects that must be taken into consideration when buying a home.
Here’s what you should consider if you are looking for a wheelchair-friendly home:
Houses Can Be Changed
There’s a reason why realtors always say “location, location, location.” It’s because a house can be modified, rebuilt and changed quite significantly, but your location cannot. Always make it a point to live where you want to, then make your house a better place to live.
It is unlikely that you will find a person in a wheelchair who has already made their house wheelchair-friendly, therefore you should always keep in mind that there are many ways in which you can make your home more handicap accessible.
Look for a Good Floor Plan
As with any house, you should always look at its “bones.” While modifications can be made, like adding a new wheelchair ramp, their costs can really add up. The more wheelchair-accessible the house is naturally, the better off you will be.
What do I mean by “naturally wheelchair-accessible?” Consider the following factors:
- How many floors does the house have: a single level ranch makes it easy for a person in a wheelchair to get around, especially when compared to a split-level or two-story home.
- Does it have an open concept: open concepts are all the rage among homebuyers these days, but they are also much better for people with disabilities, too. This is because they have more spacious rooms as well as fewer doorways, hallways and tight corridors that make it hard for wheelchair-users to get around.
- Wide doorways: try and find a house with doorways that are at least 32 inches wide or more. This will make it easy for wheelchairs to fit through.
Check the Kitchen and Bathrooms
Kitchen and bathroom layouts are important, too. When it comes to the kitchen, you want to look for lower countertops, if possible. It also helps to not have to many cabinets that are high above the countertops.
For bathrooms, you just want to make sure that you have enough room to fit your wheelchair inside, making it easier for you to transfer to the toilet or shower/bathtub.
What kind of improvements have you made to make your house more handicap accessible? Let us know in the comments below!