Barrier Free Showers In Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN

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Considering A Barrier Free Shower?

Does someone in your family have a disability, or other physical issues, and are you concerned with their safety…especially when bathing or showering?  If you are, then it may be time to seriously consider a barrier-free shower.

Why are Universal Design Standards so important?

Over the last few decades, bathroom designers, architects and manufacturers of fixtures and other bathroom safety products have begun to respond to the need for greater accessibility, and safety in bathrooms.   The result is a set of standards, known as the “Universal Design.”

Many of these features are nice to have in any home and can be added with little or no cost when you remodel a bathroom regardless of your current situation, you might want to review the list and see if some of these recommendations can work in your new bathroom…

  • Place electrical receptacles at 15 or 18 inches above the floor
  • Allow a door opening width of 34 – 36 inches
  • Leave a minimum of 18 inches of clear floor space beside all doors on the “pull side” to allow space to get out of the way when opening doors
  • Leave a turning space in the bathroom of 5 feet in diameter (for wheelchair)
  • Use contrasting colors between floor surfaces and trim to make them easier to see
  • Choose easy-to-use hardware: lever door handles, push electrical plates, loop handle pulls on drawers and cabinet doors, lever faucet handles, touch latches, keyless locks
  • Position light switches 35-44 inches above the floor, maximum
  • Pressure balanced anti-scald valves at tubs and showers
  • Hand-held showerheads at all tubs and showers in addition to fixed heads.
  • Bathing fixture requirement: minimum 5 feet long by 3 feet deep (4 feet preferred) curb less shower or tub with integral seat, waterproof floor and a floor drain
  • 30” by 48” clear floor spaces at each fixture (spaces may overlap)
  • Clear space of 3 feet in front and to one side of toilet
  • Toilet centered 18 inches from any side wall, cabinet or tub
  • Broad blocking between studs in walls around toilet, tub and shower for placement and location of grab bars
  • Minimum lavatory counter height of 32 inches
  • Clear knee space 29” high under sink (may be accomplished with fold-back self-storing doors)
  • No pedestal sinks
  • Mount sink as close to front of countertop as possible.

These are the primary elements of “universal design” in bathrooms.  You might, however, choose to install grab bars in tub and shower and beside and in front of the toilet simply because it is helpful for people of all ages and physical ability.

Barrier-free showers can be a  challenge to install for do-it-yourselfers

The primary obstacle or construction issue is the ability to maintain a smooth transition from the floor to the stall…allowing for ease of use, especially by wheelchairs.  Often, pre-made shower stalls are designed to be slightly sunken into the floor framing.  This along with creating the proper drainage angles, installing shelves, seats, proper height on operating controls, and making sure that the water is properly contained in the shower stall, make it a very big challenge to the average do-it-yourselfers.

If you are seriously considering a barrier-free shower for yourself or a family member, and installing it yourself is either not an option or one that seems like to big a hassle, you should seek out a contractor that specializes in barrier-free showers.

Feeling normal

Showering is a daily ritual that is not only hygienically necessary, but also offers a few moments of peaceful, soothing refuge.  Shower should never be a task, making the shower stall one of the most important modifications to consider when designing an accessible home.  While there are a few products on the market to simplify the showering experience, a barrier-free stall is most commonly recommended.

Five Questions To Ask Any Bathroom Remodeling Contractor Before Hiring Them. Because choosing a bathroom remodeling contractor is the most critical decision you will make,  we’ve prepared a list of questions to ask to make sure your project goes smoothly.  Click Here To Read This Valuable Article.