When mobility becomes a concern, thoughtful upgrades can help a home remain both functional and deeply personal.
We’re currently working on a home renovation that includes several of the upgrades discussed here. Once it’s complete, we’ll be sharing specific photos and results, but for now, this guide highlights the why behind each choice.
1. Converting a Closet into a Walk-In Shower
Traditional tub-shower combinations are often narrow, deep, and lined with slick surfaces. This setup requires a high step and good balance to use safely. For anyone noticing a decline in their mobility, that step becomes a daily source of strain, or worse, a fall risk.
Converting an underused closet into a walk-in shower is one of the smartest ways to introduce accessibility without the need for major structural changes.
Closets already offer enclosed space, and repurposing them opens up enough square footage to create a zero-threshold or low-threshold shower that doesn’t require stepping over anything to enter.
This kind of shower isn’t just for wheelchair users. It also benefits people who deal with joint pain, stiffness, vertigo, or unsteadiness. Picture a homeowner recovering from a knee replacement: being able to walk straight into a shower without having to climb over a tub wall is significant.
A well-designed walk-in shower also allows for a built-in bench, handheld shower head, and thoughtfully placed grab bars — features that can be tailored to the individual. For example, someone with arthritis might appreciate a bench where they can sit while washing their legs, eliminating the need to balance on one foot. And grab bars give homeowners something to steady themselves with day to day, especially on mornings when they’re feeling tired or off-balance.
By reclaiming closet space for this upgrade, homeowners don’t lose function—they gain independence and long-term usability, all within a footprint that keeps the rest of the bathroom layout intact.
2. Installing a Ramp for Easier Home Access
Even a single step at an entryway can be a major obstacle. A properly graded ramp ensures safe and independent access, especially during wet or icy weather. It also simplifies things for visitors with mobility needs.
3. Relocating the Washer and Dryer to the Main Level
For many homes, laundry is tucked into a basement or a side laundry room. When it’s a basement location, it’s a setup that quickly becomes impractical with mobility challenges. Bringing the washer and dryer into the main bathroom allows everything to happen on a single floor, greatly improving convenience without sacrificing function.
4. Replacing the Basement Door
A sturdy, well-sealed door helps with both accessibility and energy efficiency. Whether it’s easier operation or a better threshold transition, small upgrades here can add up—especially for homeowners with limited grip strength or balance concerns.
5. Upgrading to a Freestanding Soaking Tub
Freestanding tubs aren’t just visually striking—they’re also more spacious and comfortable for long soaks, which can provide relief from chronic pain or arthritis. Choosing a tub with easy-access features, such as lower sides or grab bar compatibility, enhances comfort and safety.
6. Installing New Gutters for Exterior Safety
While not always thought of in the context of accessibility, well-functioning gutters are critical to prevent slippery walkways and standing water near ramps or entryways. This helps reduce fall risk, especially for older adults or those with balance issues.
And while we were addressing these other points of discomfort for this homeowner, it made sense to tackle this as well.
