Key Takeaways
- Universal design in the home improves accessibility for people of all ages, sizes, and mobility levels.
- A universal design bathroom remodel results in an average ROI of 61%
- Contact The Bath Authority to discuss how universal design can add value to your home and your life.
When you think about accessible bathroom design, you might picture something from a hospital or senior living community. And while those are two prime settings for safety and accessibility, your bathroom at home is, too. But it’s understandable that you don’t want your primary bathroom to feel like home, not a clinic. That’s where universal design comes in.
What is a Universal Design Bathroom?
“A universal design bathroom remodel offers easy accessibility to anyone who uses it,” says TK of The Bath Authority. “The features and finishes combine form with function for a truly beautiful design. It’s a smart investment because you are ensuring the room you use most often will always be a safe place for anyone who could need it.”
What Are the Principles of Universal Design?
There are seven principles of universal design, as developed in 1997 by a team of architects, designers, and engineers at North Carolina State University:
- Equitable use
- Flexibility in use
- Simple and intuitive use
- Perceptible information
- Tolerance for error
- Low physical effort
- Size and space for approach and use
Universal design means improving a space with these features to enhance comfort and safety—all without detracting from the aesthetic.
What Are the Key Features of a Universal Design Bathroom?
At The Bath Authority, universal design bathrooms are our specialty. Here are some of the primary features to consider when designing an accessible bathroom.
Curbless Entries for Showers and Tubs
Curbless showers and walk-in bathtubs minimize trip hazards by allowing a zero-threshold entry—perfect for those using walkers and wheelchairs. Couple this safety feature with a luxurious, modern shower, and you have what many customers tell us is their favorite feature in their new universal design bathrooms.
Handheld Showerheads, Grab Bars, and Other Safety Features
Handheld showerheads and grab bars make bathing easier and safer for all members of the household—yes, that includes the furry ones, too!
While installing a showerhead could be a DIY task, be sure to hire a pro to install the grab bars securely. It’s a small investment that could save members of your household from fall-related injuries.
Slip-Resistant Flooring and Accessible Layouts
Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that there are well over 200,000 non-fatal bathroom injuries treated in the ER each year, and 80% are caused by falls. This is why slip-resistant floors should be a priority for homeowners when considering bathroom renovations.
Additionally, it’s a good idea to widen doorways (36 inches with a zero-threshold entry, just like the shower) and expand the space. A universal design bathroom layout allows walkers, wheelchairs, and other mobility devices to easily pass through.
Comfort-Height Fixtures with Smart Storage
Comfort-height toilets and vanities match the height of a standard chair and kitchen counter, respectively. That’s good news for everyone’s joints, but it’s especially good for seniors or those with limited mobility. And the truly “smart” thing about smart storage in universal design is that it’s often hidden—think pull-out shelving with lower sightlines—so it doesn’t keep toiletries and other bathroom items on full display.
Learn about how our team at The Bath Authority can help you move towards a more accessible, universal design bathroom by exploring our services.
What is the ROI of a Universal Design Bathroom Remodel?
According to the Journal of Light Construction (JLC), a universal design bathroom remodel can result in a 61% ROI. Homebuyers are often enticed by home improvements that are already done for them, especially in kitchens and bathrooms. A universal bathroom checks off one very large project on their to-do list, and they may be even be willing to pay more at resale.
But the real ROI on universal bathroom remodeling is the ability to provide a safe, accessible space for your household now that will permit aging in place later.
How Much Does a Universal Design Bathroom Remodel Cost?
According to the JLC, the average cost of a universal bathroom design remodel is around $42,000, which puts it roughly between a midrange remodel and an upscale one. When you work with The Bath Authority, we’ll discuss options for every budget so you get the highest universal bathroom ROI possible.
What Factors Most Likely Impact Your Remodel Cost?
Room size and project scope are the main factors determining home remodeling budgets. Smaller bathrooms and smaller fixes will cost less, but there are ways of making cost-effective choices even if you’ve got a large, spa-like bathroom. When you work with our team at The Bath Authority, we’ll help you narrow down features and finishes to something that meets your budget and your design preferences.
Start Your Universal Design Bathroom Remodel Process Today
A universal design bathroom is an upgrade that not only improves your home’s value but also enhances your daily life. It combines safety and comfort in one beautiful, seamless design.
Are you looking to make your ideal universal design bathroom come to life to better maximize the value of your bathroom? Contact our team at The Bath Authority for a no-hassle, no-obligation quote today.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. As the name implies, a universal design bathroom offers easy access for everyone, not just senior bathroom safety. That said, a universal design bathroom is often a coveted home feature for seniors looking to age in place. And in multigenerational homes, every family member can reap the benefits of a universal bathroom.
No. An ADA-compliant space aims to improve accessibility and ease but prioritizes a rigid legal code over design. In universal design, safety and accessibility features are seamlessly integrated into the space’s design.
At The Bath Authority, our full bathroom remodels take six to eight weeks, from custom design to installation. However, the installation itself takes only about three to four days, so once we get to work, you’ll be enjoying your new bathroom by the weekend.
A curbless shower and comfort-height toilet are likely to give you the most bang for your buck because they are both the most visible and used features in your bathroom. Grab bars are also a good investment—a short visit from a contractor is all it takes for installation— but they won’t wow home buyers as much as the shower and toilet.
Insurance and tax incentives may be available for accessible home improvement projects, but they vary by state and can change or expire at any time. Still, it’s worth checking with a tax or insurance professional, as well as with programs in your area that support seniors and/or people with disabilities, to see if there are any deductions or incentives for a tub-to-shower conversion or other universal design bathroom features you might be considering.