Stuart Reynolds, group marketing director at AKW discusses having a more flexible accessible bathroom approach can help create homes that continue to support residents as their needs change, while making sensible use of existing housing stock.
Recent data from the English Housing Survey has shown that social renters have one of the highest levels of residential stability in the country, staying for an average of 12.2 years. Also, 61% of households in the social rented sector have at least one person with a long-term illness or disability. It is no surprise therefore, that housing providers are shifting toward more proactive accessibility planning and choosing faster retrofitting methods, so they can future-proof properties and keep pace with demand for increasingly accessible spaces.
By improving the universal accessibility of a property, it can let to a wider pool of applications without major building works and void-turnaround times minimised. Also, if adjustments are done during routine, cyclical bathroom replacements, lower cumulative costs will be incurred. Embedding accessibility features in from the outset, or during a planned retrofit, rather than waiting for an emergency request can save time and money. So, let’s look at some of the ways this can be achieved in the most challenging room for accessibility – the bathroom.
A longer-term view to bathroom adaptations
Creating spaces that work for a wide range of tenant’s present and future mobility and accessibility begins with good design. It is important to consider accessibility, manoeuvrability and flexibility when designing or refurbishing a bathroom, and even though UK bathrooms are traditionally small, they don’t have to be inaccessible.
The common barriers to use for those with mobility issues tends to be trip and slip hazards and step thresholds. So, think about:
Fitting anti-slip flooring as standard – choose an option that has a Class C rating (DIN 51097), which is the highest classification for barefoot safety in wet and soapy conditions.
Boxing in pipework and choose fittings with rounded edges – this minimises injury if a fall does occur. Also think about storage and avoid the tenant needing to add free-standing storage units, by adding built-in under- and/or over-sink storage.
Choose modern looking and multi-purpose grab rails – fit as standard dual purpose, structural grab rails that double as shower shelves, toilet roll holders or choose heavy-duty towel bars that are sturdily anchored.
Build in future flexibility – A way to save future time, money and disruption is to make it as easy as possible to switch out the bath for a level-access shower. To do this, think about installing floor to ceiling, long-lasting wall panels, instead of tiles that start at the edge of the bath, and fit a multi-purpose waste on a pre-tanked floor.
Choose fixtures with the future in mind – Fixtures are long lasting, so think about installing lever taps on the bath and sink, as these are easier to use for those with dexterity issues and choose a toilet with either raised push buttons or an easy-to-use lever handle.
Integrating any or all these accessible features into a bathroom refurbishment doesn’t have to be complex or expensive. But by choosing to include these options, universal bathroom accessibility is improved. Thoughtful specification at the point of a bathroom refurbishment can help create bathrooms that work for multiple generations and changing tenant needs. And good design not only plays an important part in reducing the need for further adaptations but in future-proofing your housing stock too.