Creating an Accessible Home: Essential Renovation Guide for Asheville Families

Welcome back to the blog! At WNC Built, we believe every home should be a sanctuary that grows with its inhabitants throughout their lives. Whether you’re planning ahead for aging in place, accommodating a family member with mobility challenges, or simply want to create a more inclusive living environment, accessibility renovations are an investment in both comfort and long-term value.

As Asheville’s trusted veteran-owned remodeling company, we’ve helped countless families transform their homes into accessible, beautiful spaces that don’t compromise on style. Today, we’re sharing our comprehensive guide to accessibility renovations that will help you create a home that works for everyone, regardless of age or ability.

Understanding Universal Design: The Foundation of Accessible Living

Universal design isn’t about creating a “medical” or institutional feel in your home. Instead, it’s about thoughtful planning that makes spaces usable by people of all ages and abilities. The seven principles of universal design guide our approach to every accessibility renovation:

• Equitable Use: Design is useful to people with diverse abilities
• Flexibility in Use: Accommodates a wide range of preferences and abilities
• Simple and Intuitive Use: Easy to understand regardless of experience or language skills
• Perceptible Information: Communicates effectively to users
• Tolerance for Error: Minimizes hazards of accidental actions
• Low Physical Effort: Can be used efficiently with minimal fatigue
• Size and Space: Appropriate space for approach and use

Essential Bathroom Accessibility Modifications

The bathroom is often the first area homeowners consider for accessibility improvements, and for good reason. It’s where safety concerns are highest, and where thoughtful modifications can make the biggest impact on daily independence.

Walk-In Showers: Safety Meets Style

Replacing a traditional bathtub with a walk-in shower eliminates the dangerous step-over barrier that causes many falls. Our team designs curbless showers with:

• Zero-threshold entries for wheelchair and walker access
• Non-slip flooring with subtle texture for safety
• Built-in or fold-down shower seats
• Handheld shower heads with adjustable mounting heights
• Strategically placed grab bars that complement the design

Grab Bars: Beyond Basic Safety

Today’s grab bars are far from the institutional-looking options of the past. We install decorative grab bars that serve as both safety features and design elements. Key placement areas include:

• Inside the shower at multiple heights
• Next to the toilet for transfer assistance
• Near the vanity for stability while grooming
• Along hallways leading to the bathroom

Comfort Height Fixtures

Comfort height toilets (17-19 inches high) reduce strain when sitting and standing. Similarly, we can adjust vanity heights to accommodate seated users while maintaining functionality for standing users.

Kitchen Accessibility: The Heart of Universal Design

An accessible kitchen doesn’t mean sacrificing the beauty and functionality that makes this space the heart of your home. Our accessibility-focused kitchen renovations include:

Counter and Cabinet Solutions

• Varied Counter Heights: Multiple work surfaces at different heights accommodate various users and tasks
• Pull-Out Shelving: Eliminates the need to reach into deep cabinets
• Lazy Susans: Make corner cabinets fully accessible
• Drawer-Style Dishwashers: Easier loading and unloading
• Side-by-Side Refrigerators: Keep frequently used items at accessible heights

Smart Storage Solutions

We design storage that brings items to you, rather than requiring you to reach, bend, or stretch. This includes pull-down shelving for upper cabinets, toe-kick drawers for additional storage, and appliance garages that keep countertops clear.

Whole-Home Accessibility Features

Doorways and Hallways

Standard doorways (32 inches) can be challenging for wheelchair users or those using mobility aids. We widen doorways to 36 inches minimum, creating smooth transitions throughout your home. Hallways should be at least 42 inches wide, with 60-inch turning spaces at intersections.

Ramps and Stair Alternatives

For homes with steps at entrances, we design attractive ramps that blend seamlessly with your home’s architecture. Interior solutions might include:

• Residential elevators for multi-story homes
• Stair lifts for existing staircases
• Platform lifts for short rises

Lighting and Electrical Considerations

Proper lighting is crucial for safety and independence. We install:

• Motion-sensor lights in hallways and bathrooms
• Under-cabinet lighting in kitchens
• Rocker switches instead of toggle switches
• Outlets at accessible heights (18-24 inches from the floor)

Smart Home Technology for Enhanced Independence

Modern technology offers incredible opportunities to enhance accessibility. We integrate smart home features like:

• Voice-controlled lighting and temperature systems
• Smart doorbells with video capability
• Automated door locks
• Emergency alert systems
• Smart appliances with accessibility features

Planning Your Accessibility Renovation: What to Consider

Assess Current and Future Needs

We work with you to evaluate not just current accessibility needs, but potential future requirements. This forward-thinking approach ensures your renovation will serve you well for years to come.

Budget Considerations

Accessibility renovations can range from simple modifications to comprehensive whole-home transformations. We help prioritize improvements based on safety, impact, and budget. Many modifications can be implemented in phases, allowing you to spread costs over time.

Permits and Codes

Our team handles all necessary permits and ensures all work meets or exceeds local building codes and ADA guidelines where applicable.

The WNC Built Difference: Veteran-Owned Excellence

As a veteran-owned company serving Asheville and surrounding communities, we understand the importance of independence and dignity in your own home. Our team combines technical expertise with compassionate understanding of accessibility needs.

We’ve helped families throughout Asheville, Hendersonville, Biltmore Forest, and Arden create homes that support aging in place while maintaining the beauty and character that makes mountain living special.

Getting Started: Your Accessibility Consultation

Every accessibility renovation begins with a thorough consultation where we:

• Assess your current home layout and identify opportunities
• Discuss your specific needs and goals
• Provide detailed recommendations and cost estimates
• Create a phased plan that fits your timeline and budget

Conclusion: Investing in Your Future

Accessibility renovations are more than home improvements—they’re investments in independence, safety, and quality of life. Whether you’re planning ahead or addressing immediate needs, the right modifications can transform your home into a space that truly works for everyone.

At WNC Built, we’re committed to helping Asheville families create homes that support their evolving needs without compromising on style or comfort. Our veteran-owned team brings dedication, expertise, and understanding to every accessibility project.

Ready to explore how accessibility renovations can enhance your home? Contact us today for a free consultation. Let’s work together to create a space where you can age gracefully and live independently for years to come.

Remember: The best time to plan for accessibility is before you need it. By incorporating universal design principles into your renovation plans now, you’re creating a home that will serve you beautifully throughout all of life’s stages.