A disability accessible home is typically considered a home that any person, either fully ambulatory or in some way physically hampered, is capable of entering and using for either a short stay or a lifetime of living. With young men and women returning from various duty stations severely injured, many of our friends around Tampa have given a large amount of thought toward how it is possible to make their homes accessible to returning friends and family.
How can I modify my Tampa home to meet Americans with Disabilities Standards?
The primary goal in any Tampa home modification is to ensure that the architecture of the house does not lend itself to isolation of friends or family in wheelchairs. While we initially explained this in terms of returning injured veterans, it is important to understand that anyone could be in a wheelchair and this can be either temporary or a genetic disorder that lasts for the entire lifetime.
Your house needs to be accessible to wheelchairs, walkers and individuals who have trouble navigating due to the physical impairments that a stroke can signal. The house can easily be made accessible to all, and the only thing that is required is a few key changes to certain areas of the house.
Which areas need to be modified in the house?
- Rossi Construction, Inc. needs to make one entrance in the household completely step free.
- Entry doors, bathroom doors and all doors in between need to be at least 32” wide for passage.
- At least ½ bath must be accessible on the main floor of the Tampa home. We prefer to see a full bath.
If I make the change, do I benefit?
- Your home will be accessible to everyone from the date modifications are complete.
- If a family member develops a disability through age, illness or accident you are prepared.
- Your home will also be friendly to the elderly, particularly your parents as they age.
Can you explain a few of features to me?
- A ramp will most likely be one of the first things everyone thinks of and, in this case, you want the ramp to be installed on the door that will provide the most convenient overall household access.
- Expect a bathroom door that is hinged to swing outward, rather than inward, in order to allow the door to close when someone with a wheelchair enters the bathroom.
There is definitely more involved in the modification of a Tampa home to meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act, but this opens your eyes to the idea of making your house a “home” for everyone. Please call the Rossi Construction, Inc. team at 813.436.0177 to discuss making your Tampa home accessible to your friends and family with special needs.
