ADA Residential Bathroom Requirements For Home Builders
Many ADA residential bathroom requirements home buyers want a bathroom they can comfortably use for the rest of their lives. This may be due to aging or disability, but it can also be a concern for parents living with them, or those looking to add an in-law suite to their house. For those reasons, ada residential bathroom requirements are important for home builders to take into account.
ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) standards require restrooms in public spaces to be accessible for people with disabilities. The same accessibility features can be implemented in residential bathrooms, making them more attractive for a broad range of potential homebuyers.
ADA Residential Bathroom Requirements: Making Homes Accessible
One of the most important elements is the layout, which allows enough space for wheelchairs to enter and maneuver within the room. This includes doorways, sinks and toilets.
Other key requirements are a clear space for grab bars, located at 33 to 36 inches from the floor, with one beside and another behind the toilet. The faucets must be easy to operate, too – no tight gripping or twisting, and the force required to turn them should be no more than 5 pounds. This can be easily accomplished with lever-style handles or touchless/smart technology.
While ADA compliance might increase upfront construction costs, it can help you build homes that appeal to a broader audience and sell them faster. Plus, with a few simple tweaks, you can make your ADA-compliant bathrooms look stylish rather than hospital-like. Just remember to consult a professional if you’re building a commercial project to ensure that you’re meeting all requirements.