5 Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Home Modification Accessibility Solutions

There’s a lot involved in modifying your home for accessibility – and unfortunately it isn’t quite as simple as buying and installing the products you need. Making home modifications means thinking about everything from housing codes to future mobility needs, and it can be a lot to keep track of.

This also means it’s easy to make mistakes that end up costing you down the road. Thankfully, these mistakes are avoidable with the right planning and guidance.

Here are five of the most common home accessibility mistakes and how to avoid them:

Mistake #1 – Skipping a Professional Accessibility Solutions Assessment

When preparing to modify your home, you should of course consult with your medical providers – but they can’t help you plan and install the modifications. That’s where a dedicated accessibility solutions team is so invaluable.

An accessibility solutions team will assess your home and provide expert guidance on choosing and installing specific mobility products. The team will then professionally install the products and help you understand how to best use them. At Next Day Access, we know how helpful these assessments are, which is why we provide them for free.

Mistake #2 – Not Considering Your Future Mobility Needs

It’s easy to modify a home for your current accessibility needs, but this approach can be limiting. If you install several permanent accessibility modifications but your mobility gradually changes, you’ll be forced to continue renovating your home modifications, and this can become costly. 

Before you make any purchases, take some time to consider how your mobility needs might change over the long term. Do you expect any significant changes in the next year? In the next five or ten years? Anticipating these changes will help you modify your home with flexibility in mind and be prepared for what the future might bring.

Mistake #3 – Ignoring Building Codes and Permits

In many cases, your home mobility modifications will need to comply with building codes, and you might even need to obtain permits for some installations. For example, wheelchair ramps and stair lifts often require permits. This greatly depends on where you live, so be sure to check with your local authorities.

Mistake #4 – Underestimating Space Requirements for Your Accessibility Solutions

Accessibility is hard to envision, and that’s especially true for anyone experiencing a mobility change for the first time. But when your mobility changes, areas that were effortless to move through can become obstacles to navigate.

Even if you’re not using large mobility products like wheelchairs, you still need to think critically about how much space you’ll need. It’s best to follow ADA requirements for your accessibility needs and consult with experienced accessibility professionals.

Mistake #5 – Not Balancing Functionality and Style

There’s a misconception that accessibility solutions have to look ugly and bulky, but this isn’t the case. Today’s accessibility products are much more aesthetically pleasing than yesteryear’s, which allows you to have much more creative freedom in modifying your home. Products like the FlexStep and the Flow X stair lift are designed to look great in any home.

Of course your home should be fully accessible, but you should also enjoy how your home looks, and it’s easy to forget that when you’re laser focused on the technical details.

Get the Right Accessibility Solution – Custom Built for Your Needs

Avoiding home modification mistakes is easiest when you have an experienced guide at your side – that’s where we come in! Contact your local Next Day Access team to get personalized assistance every step of the way.