Without the proper equipment and features, most homes can’t comfortably accommodate a physically disabled person, or someone who is weakened by age, illness, or injury. If you’re embarking on a remodel in order to accommodate a disability, decide if you’ll need to incorporate such features as roll-in showers with grab bars, accessible vanities, wide hallways and doorways, ramps, non-slip flooring, automatic door openers, keyless entries, stair-glides, lifts, and/or elevators. Adjustable height counters and sinks, as well as light switches that they can be reached from a sitting position, are also helpful for people in wheelchairs.

While shopping around for a contractor, be sure hire someone who has an understanding of universal design: that is, design that produces buildings and homes that are usable for everybody, including people with physical disabilities. With more awareness of handicapped accessibility, contractors who incorporate universal design can help make the home safe, comfortable, and barrier-free, ensuring their customers can stay live longer independently.