There are several different solutions for safety in the bathroom. The layout of your bathroom is one of the main factors when it comes to creating a safe bathing environment.
The most common modification is a bath tub to shower conversion. This process involves surgically removing the existing bath tub and replacing it with a low threshold shower pan (walk-in), a roll-in shower pan that consists of a threshold ramp and shower pan, or a roll-in zero threshold shower pan, that fits in the same footprint as the bath tub. Also included as a standard is the choice of wall surround, two grab bars, a lever style shower valve, a height adjustable hand held shower head, a shower bench or shower chair, curtain rod with liners and rolling curtain hooks, and a soap and shampoo shelf.•three piece fiberglass wall surround, solid surface cultured marble, or any kind of tile. The fiberglass is the most economical surround that provides a water tight seal. Cultured marble is a man made product that comes in standard three panel and custom sizes. It is easy to maintain looks great but is a higher material cost. Depending on what kind of tile you select reflects on the cost, and the process takes longer but the result is beautiful. This solution creates a safer bathing experience.
Sometimes the entire layout of a bathroom must be reconfigured in order to create an accessible space. We can customize to your needs and desires. Our goal in changing the layout would be to make a safe, un-impeded, path from the door to the vanity, toilet, and shower area. Any door that is more narrow than thirty two inches should be considered for widening. The vanity should be easily accessible but out of the pathway.For wheelchair access it is recommended to install a wall mounted sink
The toilet can be replaced with an ADA height (17″-19″ from the floor to the top of the seat) for ease of standing up and sitting down. It is recommended to install a grab bar or safety rails around the toilet to ensure good balance. For wheelchair access to a shower area a five foot by five foot space is needed for turning radius.
Creating a shower or bathroom in a utility room, basement,etc. is possible but can be tricky sometimes. All showers and toilets have a drain which needs to flow to the main drain of the house. These drains all have a vent to ensure proper flow and to expel sewer gases. Depending on how the plumbing must run will dictate the possibility and orientation of the shower.
Never have anyone cut into any floor joists to create a zero threshold, or for any reason, without properly reinforcing the structure. This could lead to structural failure and injury. If you have any concerns about how your homes structural integrity call a home inspector or a structural engineer.
