For many of us, the kitchen is not just a place for cooking and eating but a space where memories are made. However, for individuals using wheelchairs, it can pose a significant challenge without the right modifications. DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of St. Louis Park, a trustworthy choice when searching “general contractor near me” online, understands the unique needs that come with designing wheelchair-accessible kitchens. This blog post aims to enlighten homeowners on key considerations for making kitchens user-friendly, functional, and accessible to everyone, emphasizing the significance of consulting experienced remodelers in both kitchen and accessible/mobility remodeling.
Understanding Wheelchair Accessible Design
Wheelchair-accessible kitchen cabinets are pivotal in creating a kitchen space that is convenient and approachable for wheelchair users. A traditional kitchen setup, with its standard height countertops and high-placed cabinets, makes accessibility difficult. Therefore, adapting your kitchen according to ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) guidelines not only enhances functionality but ensures inclusivity.
Custom Cabinet Solutions for Accessibility
- Lowered Countertops and Sink Access. Lowering countertops and sinks to an appropriate height facilitates ease of use for individuals in wheelchairs. For example, sinks should ideally be mounted no higher than 34 inches from the floor, ensuring both the cabinet and countertop heights are considered to maintain accessibility. The space below the sink must also be clear to allow easy navigation and usage.
- Customizable Cabinet Options. Options like pull-out shelves, glide-around shelving, and Lazy Susans transform hard-to-reach areas into accessible spaces. Pull-out shelves bring the entire contents of a cabinet towards you, eliminating the need for stretching or straining to reach back. Glide-around shelves enhance corner cabinets’ efficiency, combining pull-out functionality with a rotating platform for easy access.
- Technological Advances in Cabinets. Automated cabinets present a high-tech solution in accessible remodeling by adjusting the height of the cabinet with the simple push of a button. While it may be an investment, the convenience and ease of access it offers can be invaluable for daily kitchen tasks.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Fixtures
Adapting a kitchen to be wheelchair friendly doesn’t stop at cabinets. It’s crucial to consider other elements like the height and accessibility of microwaves, ovens, and dishwashers. Lever-type handles and touch-release doors enhance usability, reducing the need for fine motor skills typically required for knobs or pulls.
Why Expertise Matters
Opting for a remodeler who has a deep understanding of both kitchen renovations and accessibility needs, like DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of St. Louis Park, ensures that every aspect of your kitchen transformation is carefully considered. Their expertise ensures that your kitchen is not only accessible but also aligns with your aesthetic preferences and the overall functionality of your home.
Let’s Start a Conversation!
Transforming your kitchen into a space that is welcoming and accessible for wheelchair users calls for thoughtful planning and professional guidance. From customizable cabinet options and fixture selections to the strategic placement of appliances, every detail counts. Our commitment to excellence and understanding of mobility challenges ensures that your kitchen is not only accessible but also a space where everyone can gather and make memories, regardless of mobility.
Talk to DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of St. Louis Park at (952) 522-3008 to get a detailed kitchen quote! You can also reach us online and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. We serve homeowners in Bloomington, Deephaven, Edina, Excelsior, Golden Valley, Minneapolis, Plymouth, Saint Louis Park, Shorewood and Wayzata.
