Silver Spring Renovation Contractors
 Many
families find it necessary to consider accessibility in
designing their kitchen because
of a family member with a disability or because of aging family members who are
experiencing some physical limitations. At this time, there is no code of
accessible design for residential homes. There are, however, sets of guidelines
for various levels of home accessibility. Many of the features needed by
persons with disabilities are also attractive and useful to others.
If you
want to make your renovated kitchen
more accessible, here are some of the basic steps you might take:
- Raise
electrical outlets from the standard height of 12 inches to 15 or 18 inches
above the floor
-
Consider wider hallways and doors (34-36 inches)
- Do not
include interior steps
- Color
contrast between trim and surface of the floor
- Lever
door handles, loop handle pulls on drawers and cabinet doors, touch latches or
magnetic latches on cabinets
- Light
switches at 36-44 inches above the floor
- Single
lever water controls
-
Pressure balanced anti-scald valve at sinks
- Space
between face of cabinets and walls of 48 inches or more
- Clear
knee space under sink
-
Adjustable-height work surfaces (28-42 inches)
-
Stretches of continuous counter tops for easy sliding of heavy items
- Pantry
storage with easy access pull-out or adjustable-height shelves
-
Front-mounted controls on appliances
- Cook
top with knee space below
-
Side-by-side refrigerator to allow easy access to all items
-
Built-in oven with knee space beside
-
Dishwasher raised on a platform or drawer unit so top rack is level with
adjacent counter top
- Crank
operated windows
Design
help is also available from organizations like the Arthritis Foundation, the MS
Foundation, the Parkinson’s Foundation and agencies on Aging. These
organizations can also help you find architects and certified kitchen designers
in your area who have the knowledge and experience to help you make good choices
in creating an accessible kitchen. These organizations can also help you find
manufacturers who make the appropriate styles of appliances.
The
primary considerations in kitchen accessibility are:
- Space –
enough open space in the appropriate parts of the kitchen to allow someone to
turn a wheelchair or a scooter.
- Access
– counter height, appliance design and storage design that is accessible to
someone with reaching, bending or standing limitations.
- Safety
– think about and plan for alternative ways to do things, such as moving heavy
items, reaching across cook tops or ranges, ability to reach needed items from
a wheelchair.
With some
research and thought you can create an accessible and stylish
kitchen renovations design
that will be fully accessible and safe for family members with mobility
limitations.
If you are looking for a Silver Spring renovation contractor, please call us today at 301-440-0086 or complete our online request form.
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