Making one or more of the bathrooms in your home handicapped accessible amounts to a smart investment. In case a family member suffers from limited mobility, the demand for these accommodations is apparent, but an ADA-compliant bathroom is also a sensible choice for any aging homeowner. The expense of construction or remodeling a bathroom to meet the standards established by the Americans with Disabilities Act is greater than for a comparably sized traditional bath place, but that cost will probably be recouped when it is time to sell your residence.
Comparing Overall Costs
The material costs for refurbishing a traditional 100-square-foot family bathroom are usually $8,000 to $10,000 — this includes a new shower, vanity cabinet with sink, bathroom and tile flooring. You can expect to spend at least $2,000 to $3,000 more for handicapped-accessible bathroom parts, but the cost can escalate considerably if you require cheaper alternatives like a walk-in bathtub and a broader entrance door to adapt larger wheelchairs. All figures are based on 2015 dollars.
Comparing Bathtub Costs
You can purchase a fundamental bathtub for as little as $300 in 2015, but a more deluxe version may cost up to $2,500. That is really the starting point for a handicapped-accessible walk-in bathtub that includes a tight-fitting door. Walk-in bathtubs which are specially molded or include deluxe features like high-speed water jets may cost up to $10,000. The expense of labor varies by region, but you should also expect to pay at least $35 per hour for a setup that could require one to two working days.
Comparing Shower Costs
A handicapped-accessible shower is not much different from a traditional shower, but the opening must allow easy access to wheelchair or walker users. At its simplest, that suggests a three-wall shower that may actually be less costly than a classic four-wall shower with a sliding or hinged glass door. Instead of the usual fixed, wall-mounted shower head, a handicapped-accessible shower should feature a handheld shower head, which is usually $30 to $100 cheaper.
Comparing Toilet Costs
Basic-model toilets may cost less than $100 in 2015, while water-conserving models start at $200. Additional features or design choices will add to these expenses, with price tags around $5,000 for deluxe version toilets. Handicapped-accessible toilets are only taller models, using a height of 19 inches — roughly the exact same height as an ordinary chair. You are not very likely to come across handicapped-accessible toilets priced under $200.
Comparing Sink Costs
A handicapped accessible sink must provide enough space for wheelchair accessibility under and effortless access to the warm and cold water taps. Almost all wall-mounted sinks — with prices starting below $50 — fill the bill. Basic vanity cabinets with countertop sinks are not quite as available unless they feature desk-style openings to accommodate wheelchairs — with starting costs $200 greater than economy-model vanity sinks.
Grab Bar Options
Catch bars, also called safety bars, which are a requirement in handicapped bathrooms. A fundamental 18-inch grab bar sells for as little as $20 in 2015, but sturdier models with non-slip surfaces may cost twice as much. Homeowners may want to put in a grab bar on every wall of a bathtub or shower enclosure, and may choose to mount one or two in the bathroom area also.