ADUs are quickly becoming a common feature in Connecticut homes. For some families, the ADU is the perfect space for an older relative who is seeking to maintain some independence while living near or with someone who can provide assistance when needed. For occupants with mobility problems or other health concerns, accessibility is a crucial feature of the ADU construction.
The most important thing you can do to ensure that your ADU is accessible is to work with a team of experts that understands the principles of accessible design. Aligning yourself with the right professionals can help ensure that your ADU will be accessible and safe. This is what you should know about building accessible ADUs on your Connecticut property.
Accessible ADUs are designed to be used by a wide range of occupants. Some common features of accessible design include:
Generally speaking, most rooms don't require a lot of special attention when it comes to accessibility. However, two rooms specifically standout for needing special treatment in accessible design: the bathroom and kitchen. These rooms have special considerations because they serve a specific task that can be difficult for individuals with mobility challenges.
In fact, bathrooms have been called the most dangerous room of the house. In 2008, almost 22 million Americans older than 14 were injured in the bathroom, with over 200,000 of them seeking treatment in the emergency room. Each year, 14% of people injured in the bathroom seek treatment in the hospital. There are many things that your design team can do to make the kitchen and bathroom safer places.
Falls are one of the most common causes of injury in the bathroom. This tight space with slippery floors and many water sources is a natural location for many types of injuries. Making small changes to this space can make a big difference. Some examples of design choices that can improve safety and accessibility in the bathroom:
The kitchen can be very difficult to use if you have mobility challenges. Here's what your building team can do to make your ADU kitchen easier to use.
If it's important to you to build an accessible ADU in CT, start by assembling the right team of people. When you're looking for a builder, ask them about their experience building accessible residential structures and ADUs. Ask to see pictures and check references. Read the whole contract before signing, and if you're not comfortable with some aspect of the contract, don't sign.
If you're building an Connecticut ADU that is only mildly accessible - in other words, not intended for occupancy by someone with extreme accessibility needs - then a capable design-build contractor should be adequate for your project. If you're in need of a specialized design for someone with intensive mobility issues, then your design build contractor may refer you to an architect.
When you're building an ADU on your property, accessibility may not seem important if the intended occupant is your child who is a new college graduate. However, focusing on accessible design gives you options for the future. Once your college graduate moves out, who will take their place? Asking yourself these questions now may allow for more options in the future.
Early in the process of your Connecticut ADU construction project, it's important for you to find a good team. Litchfield Builders has a free guide to help with this. Take a look at our guide to learn more about hiring the right contractor for the job. If you have questions about building an accessible ADU on your property, give us a call. Our designers would be happy to discuss your upcoming project.