Needs change over time, and your home design should accommodate them. This is especially important when you’re planning your forever home. By having certain mobility features in place, you can maintain a certain level of autonomy and make day-to-day life simpler and more efficient. DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Orland Park, the trusted mobility remodeling company in the area, shares a checklist to help you create safer and more accessible living spaces.

Exterior

First things first: consider additions that make entering and leaving your home more manageable. 

1. Have a ramp installed for wheelchair access into your home. Make sure the ramp has guardrails on both sides.
2. Choose surfaces that have a rough texture to prevent slip-and-fall accidents.
3. Build porches that have a wider radius for easier maneuvering with a wheelchair.
4. Make the driveways, sidewalks and doorways wider. If you can, consider installing sliding doors because they take less effort to open and close.

Kitchen

Some design considerations can improve the mobility and safety in your kitchen. For instance:

1. Go for a universal kitchen design to ensure the kitchen layout is wide enough that people using walkers and wheelchairs can safely and smoothly navigate the space. Consult your remodeler about universal design during a virtual kitchen quote.
2. Choose kitchen sinks that are not as deep as standard options. 
3. Make sure there’s open space under the sink and cooktop for comfortable knee clearance.
4. Faucets should have extended handles and spouts so they’re easier to reach.
5. The cooktop and counters should be just high enough for a person sitting down. 
6. Get cabinets and appliances with oversized hardware to make them simpler to open.
7. Freezer and microwave drawers under the counters will also help.
8. Pick two-tiered kitchen islands to accommodate wheelchair users. 
9. Choose countertops with rounded edges to prevent injuries.

Bathroom

This is probably the space that needs mobility features the most. You can get started by:

1. Having grab bars, handheld showerheads and seats installed in the shower and bathtub.
2. Making sure the doorway is big enough for wheelchair access.
3. Choosing non-slip floors for easier and accident-free movement.
4. Placing light switches at a lower height.
5. Considering a barrier-free shower or walk-in tub.

Independence by Design™ by DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen

DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Orland Park always delivers when it comes to creating a safer and more accessible home. We make this possible through Independence by Design™, which allows for kitchen, bathroom and interior upgrades that cater to independence without sacrificing style and comfort. From grab bars and walk-in tubs to sturdy ramps and smooth-operating stairlift systems, we’ll create a safe indoor environment that can accomodate people of all ages and abilities.

Design Your Dream Home With DreamMaker

Looking up “premier home remodeler near me” online puts DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Orland Park at the top of the search results. With our safety and mobility solutions, we’ll help you enhance your quality of life in your forever home. We serve the areas in and around Orland Park, Frankfort, Palos Heights, Tinley Park and Homer Glen, IL. Call us today at (708) 320-3417 or fill out this contact form to schedule your consultation.