Disability Remodeling Costs

Adapting your home because of a disability is easier than ever, but it is still a significant undertaking, whether indoors or out. All disability remodeling projects are different, and it can be challenging to get or make a rough estimate of costs. As an example, disability remodeling may be as straightforward as installing a ramp to allow for access into the home. On the other hand, it may involve a room by room approach, including the widening of doors, specialized fixtures, and more.

Keep in mind that a disability remodel can also be an excellent way to prepare for future needs, such as choosing to remain at home during your golden years or if a family member has a condition that might lead to disability, such as multiple sclerosis. The ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act has made it easier than ever to know just how to approach a remodel to accommodate a disability, and it is their guidelines that should be followed whenever any upgrades are done.

For example, they offer such data as appropriate counter heights for inhabitants who use wheelchairs, best methods for installing grab bars, and details for making a home more accessible through ramps and lifts.

Clearly, the average costs can be prohibitive, but most contractors are aware of this and are often willing to work on a room by room basis or create long-term plans for making the entire house suitable to a disabled resident’s needs.

Disability remodeling: whole house.

Other considerations and costs

• Typically, any disability remodeling comes with the need for proper permits, and may even need to comply fully with ADA regulations and guidelines.
• Many remodels of this kind also include a full array of smart devices, including motion-sensing lights that ensure safety at all times. Smart bulbs cost around $20 and can work as a retrofit if the budget cannot accommodate switching fixtures. Many homeowners also opt to install intercoms to increase safety and enable better communication, and this runs for $100-$225 installed. Smart doorbells, smartphone-enabled security, and other options are also popular add-ons.
• Oversized closets are also a common add-on and come in at the cost of roughly $500-$600.

Check out our guide if you need a loan for your home improvement project.

DIY considerations

• Some smaller tasks can be done on a DIY basis, such as the grab bar installations, improving thresholds with special rubber mats, ensuring clear travel paths throughout the home, and even eliminating hinged doors on closets and some rooms. However, the actual disability remodel is meant to be done by experts to ensure safety and ADA compliance.

References

• Craftsman Estimator Costbook, complete series year 2019.
• Latest prices found on Home Depot and other vendor Web sites.
• Literature review of DIY Web sites.