How to Improve Home Accessibility | Easy Modifications Guide

Creating an accessible home isn’t just about meeting regulations – it’s about everyone being able to live comfortably, safely and independently. Whether you’re planning for ageing in place, accommodating a family member with a disability or just want to future proof your property, improving accessibility at home has never been more important.

As we approach June 2025 and the implementation of updated accessibility laws, homeowners should consider this an ideal opportunity to evaluate and improve their property's accessibility accommodations. This guide will walk you through practical modifications to turn your living space into a more inclusive environment.

Must Haves for Entrance and Exit

Wheelchair Ramps and Accessible Paths

The front door and entrance of your home sets the tone for how accessible the whole house will be for everyone who enters. ADA guidelines require a 1:12 slope ratio for wheelchair ramps with a minimum width of 36 inches to accommodate wheelchairs and power scooters.

When planning your ramp installation consider these key points:

Permanent vs Portable Ramps: Permanent concrete or wooden ramps are solid and seamless with your home’s design. Aluminium wheelchair ramps are quick to install, can be modified and moved or resold if your needs change.

Cost: Adding a wheelchair ramp to an existing deck will cost between £800-£3,200 depending on materials and complexity. This will increase your property value and ensure long term accessibility.

Safety Features: Must haves include textured surfaces to prevent slipping, proper lighting throughout the area and dual handrails on either side of the ramp. Weather resistant materials are essential for the UK climate for year round safety and durability.

Door Modifications for Better Access

Standard doors can be a problem for wheelchair users and those using mobility aids. Widening your doors to at least 32 inches clear width will allow most mobility devices to pass through. Consider offset hinges which can add 2 inches of clearway without major structural changes.

Lever style door handles are much easier to use than round knobs especially for those with arthritis or limited hand strength. Automatic door openers are more expensive but ultimate convenience and can be retrofitted to most existing doors.

Bathroom Accessibility Upgrades

The bathroom is one of the biggest accessibility challenges in most homes but also the biggest return on investment for safety improvements.

Strategic Grab Bar Placement

Grab bars near the toilet and in the shower make your bathroom more accessible, handles near the bed make getting in and out safer. Proper grab bar placement is key:

Toilet Area: Install grab bars on the wall beside the toilet, 33-36 inches from the floor, and make sure they can support at least 250 pounds. Consider a swing-away grab bar for easier side transfers.

Shower/Bath Area: Horizontal grab bars should be 33-36 inches above the floor, vertical bars work best at 18 inches above horizontal bars. Anti-slip grips under rugs reduce fall risk on slippery surfaces, so they are a must have for bathroom safety.

Walk-in Showers and Accessible Bathing

Traditional bathtubs with high thresholds are a barrier for many users. Walk-in showers with zero-threshold entries eliminate this obstacle and provide safer bathing options. Include a built-in or fold-down shower seat, handheld shower heads and lever-operated controls within easy reach.

For those who prefer baths, walk-in tubs are a compromise between safety and comfort but require more plumbing modifications.

Kitchen Accessibility Solutions

Counter Heights and Storage Adaptations

Standard kitchen counter heights don’t accommodate wheelchair users or people of varying heights. Consider installing adjustable-height counters or designated lower work surfaces at 28-32 inches high.

Pull-out shelves and drawers bring items within reach. Corner cabinet lazy Susans save you from having to reach awkwardly into those hard-to-access depths, while pull-down shelf mechanisms bring high cabinet contents within easy reach without needing a step stool.

Appliance Upgrades

Modern appliances are incorporating universal design principles. Side-by-side refrigerators provide easy access to both fresh and frozen items at comfortable heights, reducing the need for excessive bending or stretching. Drawer-style dishwashers eliminate the need to bend over, wall-mounted ovens can be installed at accessible heights.

Consider lever-style faucets with single-handle operation for those with limited dexterity or strength.

Lighting and Visual Accessibility

Lighting Strategy

Adequate lighting, including motion-sensor lights, means clear visibility in hallways. Poor lighting is a major contributor to falls and accidents so lighting is key.

Task Lighting: Under-cabinet lighting in kitchens, reading lights in bedrooms, focused lighting in work areas. This focused approach reduces eye strain and is functional.

Motion sensors eliminate the need to search for light switches in dimly lit spaces, making nighttime navigation much more convenient. These are great for hallways, staircases and bathrooms.

Natural Light: Maximize natural light with window treatments and mirror placement. Consider skylights or solar tubes in areas with no windows.

Visual Contrast and Wayfinding

Create visual contrast between floors, walls and fixtures to help people with visual impairments navigate safely. Use contrasting colours for step edges, door frames and light switches. Tactile markers on frequently used controls and consistent placement of items helps navigation through muscle memory.

Flooring and Surface Considerations

Safe Flooring Choices

Flooring is a major accessibility and safety consideration in your home. Non-slip surfaces are essential in areas prone to moisture. Luxury vinyl plank flooring is great for slip resistance, durability and low maintenance and comfort underfoot.

Avoid high pile carpets that can catch mobility aid wheels or create tripping hazards. Low pile carpets with firm backing provides cushioning and is navigable for wheelchairs and walkers.

Transition Management

Smooth transitions between different flooring types prevents tripping and makes mobility devices easy to navigate. Use transition strips or ramped thresholds where level changes are unavoidable, keep height differences to a minimum.

Bedroom and Living Space Adaptations

Furniture Arrangement and Selection

Arrange furniture to create clear pathways of at least 36 inches wide throughout living areas. This width accommodates wheelchairs and walking aids.

Choose furniture with rounded edges to reduce injury from accidental contact. Consider adjustable height tables and desks that can accommodate different seating options from standard chairs to wheelchairs.

Storage Accessibility

Adding safety features like grab bars in strategic areas like beside beds or bathrooms boosts security. Similarly accessible storage solutions throughout the home improves independence and functionality.

Install closet organizers that bring clothing within reach, use pull out drawers instead of deep shelves and position frequently used items at accessible heights between 15-48 inches from the floor.

Technology Integration for Accessibility

Smart Home Solutions

Modern technology offers many accessibility enhancements that can be retrofitted to existing homes. Smart home devices respond to spoken commands, automatically adjusting lights, climate settings, and media systems through simple verbal instructions. Smart doorbells with video allows users to see and communicate with visitors without having to get to the door.

Automated window treatments eliminates the need to reach and manipulate manual controls, smart thermostats can be controlled remotely or programmed for comfort.

Communication and Safety Systems

Emergency alert devices provide reassurance to those who choose to live on their own. Modern systems offer GPS tracking, fall detection and two way communication that goes beyond the home.

Video calling systems allows remote medical consultations and family communications, reduces the need to travel to appointments or social visits.

Outdoor Space Accessibility

Garden and Patio Adaptations

Outdoor spaces are therapeutic and should be accessible to all family members. Raised garden beds brings planting and maintenance within reach of seated gardeners, wide firm paths throughout outdoor areas.

Weatherproof handrails along outdoor paths, adequate lighting for evening use and covered areas that provides shelter while still having outdoor access.

Parking and Vehicle Access

Designated accessible parking spaces near home entrances reduce travel distances and exposure to weather. These spaces should be level, well-lit and connected to accessible pathways to the home.

Funding Your Accessibility Improvements

Available Funding

Eligible individuals can receive up to £19,500 in 2025 through the Special Home Adaptation grant program to help cover the costs of modifying their homes. Local authorities and charities also offer grants for accessibility modifications.

Many improvements qualify for VAT relief when installed for individuals with disabilities, saving you thousands on the project cost. Home improvement loans and refinancing options can also fund bigger accessibility projects.

Prioritising Modifications

If money is limited, focus first on changes that address urgent safety concerns and areas you use most often. Bathroom and entrance modifications give the biggest safety and independence impact, bedroom and kitchen adaptations improve daily living.

Professional vs DIY Installations

When to Hire Professionals

Structural modifications, electrical work and plumbing changes need professional installation for safety and compliance with building regulations. Grab bars, ramps and stair lifts should be professionally installed for weight ratings and secure mounting.

Professionals also offer warranties and ongoing maintenance services to protect your investment long term.

DIY Friendly Improvements

Simple modifications like lever door handles, toilet seat risers and basic lighting improvements can often be done by handy homeowners. But always prioritise safety over cost savings, especially for weight bearing installations.

Maintenance and Long Term

Regular Checks and Updates

Accessibility needs change over time, so regular assessments of your home modifications are needed. Annual safety checks ensure grab bars are secure, ramps are in good condition and lighting systems are working.

Document all modifications and keep warranty information handy for future reference or potential buyers who may value these features.

Future Proofing Your Investment

Choose modifications that can adapt to changing needs rather than single purpose solutions. Modular ramp systems, adjustable height features and flexible storage solutions provide long term value by accommodating evolving requirements.