Choosing A Home When A Family Member Has A Wheelchair

If you have a family member with a wheelchair and are looking for new single-family homes, you may be concerned about finding a property that truly meets the unique needs of your household. Here are a few factors to consider as you choose a suitable property.

Wheelchair Ramps

Your loved ones may find it difficult to enter a home that has stairs at every entrance, especially without assistance. As you review different homes for sale, you may come across multiple properties that do not include stairs near the exterior entrances. However, there may still be a small step as you cross the threshold into the house. 

Nevertheless, some single-family structures are already wheelchair-accessible with a small incline designed to allow a wheelchair to simply roll across the threshold. If these homes do include steps that lead to an entrance, they also include a wheelchair ramp as an alternative. 

Wide Door Openings

In addition to the ability to easily enter the home, your loved one may also need wide door openings between the rooms of the structure. Some doorways are too narrow for a wheelchair to fit easily through them, making it difficult for the chair user to ambulate independently about the home. 

Although changing a doorway size may seem to be a minor renovation, the cost to adjust all of the doorways in a space can be significant.

Non-slip Flooring

The wheels of the chair need to be able to grip the floor without spinning in place. Thus, the floor should have a non-slip texture.

To ensure that the flooring is wheelchair-friendly, be sure to take your loved one along for an onsite visit before submitting a bid for the property. In addition to the texture of the flooring, note the floor's ability to hold up to the potential scuffs that the chair's wheels may generate.

Comfortable Countertop Height

Accessing items on a countertop may not be problematic for a person who does not use a wheelchair. However, for a person in a wheelchair, the height of the counter can be particularly important. Look for a height that is low enough for your family member to have easy access but still tall enough for others in your household to find them comfortable.

ADA Restrooms

Since accidents can easily occur in a bathroom space, it is important that restrooms in the prospective home are ADA compliant. The height of the toilet should be suitable. Additionally, the shower should include handrails. A built-in shower seat may also be helpful.

To find homes that meet the needs of a person in a wheelchair, schedule a consultation with a local real estate professional.