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Home Adaptations for Independent Living
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Project File: Minor Bathroom Modifications
| Posted on September 4, 2012 at 12:07 PM |
We're back after a very busy summer filled with interesting projects. In the coming weeks I'll share some of the
design challenges we faced in the hope they will motivate readers to share their own
projects, questions and solutions. My favorite project of
the summer was done for Baby Boomers who live in an upscale oceanfront
condo in S. Florida. Although they had recently redone their
master bath, one of the spouses had since suffered a disability and bathroom
modifications were needed so the bathroom would remain functional and
attractive for both. Given
that they had already spent quite a bit of money on the first renovation, they hoped to
keep the accessibility modifications to a minimum. CHALLENGES: 1. The
biggest obstacle to functionality was the curb at the shower entrance. The disabled spouse accessed the shower via a
wheelchair, and while able to stand and pivot onto a shower seat, walking was
difficult and the 5" shower curb made it extremely difficult to
navigate. Our preference when
adapting a shower for accessibility is to remove the curb and level the shower
and bathroom floors so there is a smooth transition between both. We pitch the floor and adjust the shower
drainage to include trench drains at either the shower entrance or back wall to
catch any water from "leaking" onto the bathroom floor. In this case however, while the pitch was
good, the shower floor was actually 1/4" higher than the bathroom
floor. Our client wanted a simple,
inexpensive solution so that that the shower floor would not need to be dug out,
re-plumbed and re-poured to match the level of the bathroom floor. 2. The disabled spouse
was using a free standing shower chair which was in the way when their partner
used the shower 3.There were inadequate
grab bars in the shower to aid the disabled spouse in standing once seated in
the shower 4.The lowboy toilet
necessitated the need for a toilet commode which both spouses disliked. 5.The entrance door to
the master bedroom/bath suite was 30 " wide and was a tight turn for the
wheelchair when coming into the master suite hallway. As a consequence, the walls and door trim
were getting pretty beat up. BEFORE – EXISTING BATHROOM  5”
shower curb, narrow glass door entry, free standing shower chair   Lowboy toilet with
commode; grab bars placement ineffective for client  Narrow doorway created
tight access for wheelchair DURING RENOVATIONS: 1. Shower entrance – the 5” curb and glass
doors and panels were removed so that non-slip stone tile matching the existing
marble was installed as a sloped threshold.  2. A built in shower seat extending across the
back of the shower was built to eliminate need for a free standing shower
chair.  3. All the glass, doors and panels were
removed. The ½ wall between the vanity
and shower was built up so that we could install a grab bar at an appropriate height
for the client’s use on the interior shower wall.  AFTER – RENOVATED BATHROOM  Curb-less entry shower, 36” frameless shower door, built
in granite shower seat, additional grab bars  The old toilet, commode and grab bars were removed
and replaced with a Kohler Cimarron series, comfort height toilet and new grab
bars on either side of the toilet better located for the client.  There was
no room to open up the doorway given the configuration of the rest
of the condo. We were able however, to
gain an additional 2” in the doorway by installing swing away hinges
and cutting a pocket in the wall for the door handle so that the door would lie
flat against the hallway wall. HomeSmart LLC |
Categories: Project Files
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431 Comments
Reply
Shelli
8:58 PM on September 4, 2012
I like reading this type of content with specific information about common projects many of us are facing. You explained things very clearly with the illustrative photos. Good job!
Reply
small bathroom designs
5:58 AM on December 5, 2012
Nice remodeling work guys the problems that you have mentioned are really big enough to make your work difficult but you guys have handled the project very well giving the place a very nice look with modern facilities installed. I was thinking of a remodeling work for my bathroom area as well hope to contact you in future.
Reply
Plumber Bristol
9:06 AM on February 22, 2013
This is interesting! I enjoyed reading your great post.Thanks for the valuable information and insights you have shared here.
Reply
Doral Locksmith
10:34 AM on February 27, 2013
well i really like this blog because its true that you always need the modification of home well good work done by you.
Reply
more here
12:28 PM on May 29, 2013
Thank you so much for posting this article as I have been a constructing a new house for me, the minor bathroom modifications were so helpful as I was so confused about how to do the bathroom works. Expecting more info from you. Regards
Reply
Home improvement contractor
7:25 AM on June 13, 2013
The main benefit of bathroom modification is that it adds value any property.I am sharing this blog with my other friends as the information is really very useful. Keep sharing your excellent work.
Reply
Home improvement contractor
7:27 AM on June 13, 2013
small bathroom designs says...
Nice remodeling work guys the problems that you have mentioned are really big enough to make your work difficult but you guys have handled the project very well giving the place a very nice look with modern facilities installed. I was thinking of a remodeling work for my bathroom area as well hope to contact you in future.
One of the largest benefits you'll receive when you remodel the bathroom in your home is an increase in the home value.Thanks for sharing this blog with us..
Reply
Sliding Garden Gates
6:55 AM on July 9, 2013
Nicely shared about these minor bathroom modifications. I think all these gives a new and fresh look to your home from inside.
Reply
Sliding Garden Gates
6:55 AM on July 9, 2013
I think if anybody thinking for the room renovation then these things really change the inside look of home. Thanks for sharing your thoughts so clearly.
Reply
Glass Everett WA
8:36 AM on July 12, 2013
Home improvement contractor says...
The main benefit of bathroom modification is that it adds value any property.I am sharing this blog with my other friends as the information is really very useful. Keep sharing your excellent work.
Fantastic blog post and very useful information regarding "Bathroom modifications". All the information I found in post is very useful. I am sharing it with my other friends as the information is really very useful.
Reply
Best Movers NJ
9:03 AM on September 25, 2013
small bathroom designs says...
Nice remodeling work guys the problems that you have mentioned are really big enough to make your work difficult but you guys have handled the project very well giving the place a very nice look with modern facilities installed. I was thinking of a remodeling work for my bathroom area as well hope to contact you in future.
A contemporary and well designed bathroom is a must these days, as an old designed a messy bathroom ruins the feelings for the whole day. Thanks for sharing...
Reply
Quick sale of Property at London
5:41 AM on November 30, 2013
It is an enormously inspiring post about the bathroom modifications. I am totally pleased by your excellent work which helps the people to maintain their houses. Looking forward for your next post.
Reply
Fast sale of house in London
7:04 AM on December 4, 2013
Nicely mentioned about the home improvement tips which helps the people.
Reply
bathroom remodeling improve beauty of your home
9:12 AM on March 5, 2014
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Reply
Office Supplies Melbourne
4:37 PM on October 23, 2014
It is really nice to read such a good post…I like it…
Reply
Melvik D. Cruize
5:46 AM on October 25, 2014
Sometimes minor bathroom modifications can give us a comfortable bathroom.
Reply
John D. Siple
7:51 AM on May 6, 2016
A little modification can result in greater accessibility and comfort. All bathtubs should be suitable for children to safely enter.
Reply
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7:00 AM on August 9, 2016
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Reply
Melbourne Window Cleaning
5:47 PM on December 5, 2016
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