1. Check which requirements apply to the property
Accessibility requirements depend on how the property is used and the work being planned. A private home used only as a residence is generally outside ADA Title III, while areas used as a place of public accommodation may be covered. Other housing rules, building codes and permit requirements may also apply. Confirm the requirements for your project with the responsible professionals.
Read the Department of Justice guidance on private residences and public accommodations.
2. Plan for the person’s actual routine
An accessibility plan also needs to reflect how the person uses the room. Discuss the route into the bathroom, mobility equipment, transfers, reachable controls and the space a caregiver may need. Review these details alongside the applicable requirements before finalizing the layout.
3. Confirm the scope before construction
Ask the team to document the proposed layout, construction responsibilities and any required approvals. Confirm how doors, equipment and caregiver space will work together before work begins. For mobility-equipment changes, consult the equipment provider and the current instructions for the exact model.
Planning a bathroom remodel for accessibility?
Before construction, start with a free home accessibility consultation to discuss your goals and next steps. Formal clinical assessments, written reports and additional services are separately scoped, with any fees agreed before those services begin.
