Introduction
If you have a disability, it’s important to make sure that your home is accessible so that you can live comfortably and safely. The same goes for anyone who needs to use a wheelchair, walker, cane or other assistive device. In this article, we’ll share our best tips on how to create an accessible home exterior!
Designate an accessible entry point to your home.
Designating an accessible entry point to your home is one of the most important aspects of creating an accessible exterior. The first step in doing this is to designate a safe pathway to the front door, which should be clear of obstacles that might hinder someone with mobility issues or impairments. You’ll want to use non-slip surfaces like tile or pavers in order to avoid injury, especially if you live in a particularly wet area where mud and water are common during rainy seasons.
Once you’ve established your path, think about adding ramps or other ways for people with disabilities or mobility issues to get into and out of their homes safely (such as an ADA compliant wheelchair ramp). If there are any walls around your property line which block light from reaching this entry point at night time–and therefore making it difficult for those who need assistance navigating through them–you may want consider adding additional lighting fixtures so that everyone can see what’s going on around them better!
Provide an accessible pathway to the front door.
- Make sure the pathway is level and clear of debris.
- Make sure the pathway is wide enough for wheelchair access.
- Consider adding a ramp if needed.
- Add handrails on both sides of any steps, if possible, to help with balance
Install an outdoor shower or bathtub.
When it comes to bathing, summer is the best season. The temperatures are warm, the sun is shining and you want to soak up all of its rays while you can. If it’s not too hot outside, take a dip in your pool or try out that outdoor shower you’ve always wanted!
However: bathing at home during winter isn’t quite as pleasant. The snow will be falling outside and most likely making its way into your house through gaps in windows and doors–and possibly even through cracks in walls if they haven’t been properly sealed yet (which they should be). And if there’s no snow on the ground yet but instead just cold rain or sleet coming down from above… Well then that’s just plain miserable!
To avoid these uncomfortable situations altogether (or at least make them better), consider installing an outdoor bathtub for those times when taking a dip simply isn’t possible due to weather conditions or other factors beyond our control (like having guests over).
Install handrails for a safe path to the front door.
- Install handrails on both sides of the front door. Handrails should be installed at a height that’s easy to reach and grasp, but also high enough so you don’t have to strain your neck when using them.
- Choose a style of handrail that works with your home’s architectural style and décor. Handrails can come in many different materials, including wood (as shown), metal or vinyl tubing with various finishes such as black iron or bronze powder coating over aluminum frames.
Prepare the home for inclement weather.
- Make sure all entrances are clear of ice and snow.
- Make sure there is a safe path to the front door.
- Make sure there is a clear path to the garage, if applicable.
- Ensure that there is a safe path from your mailbox to your curb, if applicable.
Make sure there is plenty of lighting near the entrance of your home.
As you approach the front door, it’s important that you can clearly see where you are going. Make sure there is plenty of lighting near the entrance of your home. You may want to consider using motion-sensing lights, solar lights or solar-powered lights so they come on automatically when someone approaches them. Whatever type of light bulbs and fixtures you choose should be bright enough to light up the path so that people with visual impairments are able to see where they’re going easily when walking in dark conditions outside at night
Welcome your guests with awnings and other exterior features that make them feel welcome and comfortable as soon as they arrive at your front door!
- Welcome your guests with awnings and other exterior features that make them feel welcome and comfortable as soon as they arrive at your front door!
- Outdoor lighting is a great way to add interest to an otherwise drab space, especially if you are using it to highlight decorative elements like planters or hanging plants. You can also use this type of lighting to highlight specific areas of your property, such as pathways or steps leading up towards the house itself.
By making a few simple accommodations, you can have an accessible exterior that allows everyone to enjoy life outside
- Add awnings. Awnings not only provide shade, but also help to keep the heat out of your home. They can be installed on either side of your door or in front of windows and should have at least an 18-inch clearance from the ground.
- Add a wheelchair ramp. If you don’t want to install steps leading up to your front door, consider adding a wheelchair ramp instead! Ramps should be at least 36 inches wide with handrails on both sides for safety purposes.
- Add a porch swing. Swing seats are great for relaxing in the shade while enjoying nature–and they’re also essential if someone in your family uses mobility aids like wheelchairs or walkers because these devices will fit onto them easily without having to modify anything first! Swing seats come in many different styles so make sure that whatever one(s) you choose will work well within both their physical abilities as well as any other factors such as weather conditions (elements like rain may cause corrosion over time).
Conclusion
We hope that these tips have given you some ideas on how to make your home more accessible. Remember, it’s not just about accessibility for people with disabilities – it’s also about making sure everyone can enjoy time outside. So make sure you follow these simple tips and watch as your home becomes a welcoming place for everyone!
