In The Market For A New Home? What To Look For When You're Confined To A Wheelchair
Posted on: 10 July 2018
If you're confined to a wheelchair, and you're in the process of buying a new home, there are some additional criteria you'll need to consider before making your purchase. You'll want to ensure that any home you choose will be able to accommodate your wheelchair, or that any modifications that need to be made will be minor. The last thing you want is to purchase a home that will require major renovations before you can safely reside there. To help you choose a home that will easily accommodate your wheelchair, here are four steps you should take.
Look at the Entrances to the House
When you start touring prospective homes, the first thing you need to do is look at the entrances to the house. If there are multiple steps leading up to the front door, you'll want to ensure that a ramp can be installed without major reconstruction efforts. Ideally, you want your home to have at least one entrance to your home to be free of steps.
Consider Bedroom Placement in Multi-Level Homes
If you're looking for a multi-level home, you'll want to consider the placement of the bedrooms. For maximum convenience, you'll want at least one of the bedrooms to be located on the ground floor of the home. This is particularly important if you don't plan on installing a stairwell lift. Having at least one bedroom on the ground level will ensure that you have easy access to a bedroom of your own, without the struggle of getting yourself and your chair up the stairs.
Measure the Width of All Doorways and Hallways
When you're looking for a home that will accommodate your wheelchair, you want to make sure that you measure all the doorways and hallways. Many older homes have doorways and hallways that are too narrow to accommodate wheelchairs. Before you decide on a house, be sure the doorways and hallways are wide enough for your wheelchair to fit through easily. Don't forget to add at least one or two extra inches of space. That way, you know that your fingers and hands will also fit through as you negotiate the entrance and exit.
Identify Hazards on Walkways and Paths
When it comes to house hunting, it's easy to overlook the walkways and paths. Unfortunately, when you're in a wheelchair, it's crucial that you pay close attention to those areas. Walkways and paths that have potholes, cracks, or uneven ridges can pose a serious safety hazard to you. When buying a home, try to choose one that is free of walkway and pathway damage. It's also important that you ensure that those areas are also wide enough to accommodate your wheelchair.
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