For senior citizens, people with mobility limitations, and people who prefer to remain in their homes as they age, one very beneficial home improvement project is the bathroom remodeling to make it handicap accessible. An added benefit is the increased value to the home. Improved safety is also an outcome. It is common for the prospective client to ask what the cost to remodel a handicap bathroom is.
The answer can vary according to several factors, including the size of the bathroom, the types of accessibility features chosen, the materials, the local cost of labor, the extent of plumbing that will have to be altered, and the extent of the remodeling (partial vs. complete).
This guide will help you understand what is the handicap bathroom remodel cost?, the factors that affect pricing, and accessibility features, and provide you with tips on how to budget for this type of remodeling project and how to save money on this type of remodeling project.
What Is a Handicap Bathroom Remodel?
A handicap bathroom remodel is the process of changing an already existing bathroom to become more user friendly for individuals with mobility restraints, physical disabilities, or have more difficult with physical tasks due to aging.
When doing a remodel to a traditional bathroom, the focus is mainly on the aesthetics. However, with an accessible remodel, the focus is on:
- Safety
- Mobility
- Accessibility for wheelchairs
- Resistance to slipping
- Easier bathing
- Comfort
- The ability to use the bathroom independently
Examples of these remodels can be as big as changing a standard sized bathtub to a roll in shower or as small as adding grab bars to walls.
What is the Handicap Bathroom Remodel Cost?
Costs for a handicap bathroom remodel depend on the work required. Here is an estimate of remodel costs:
- Minor upgrades to accessibility: $2,000–$6,000
- Remodels of moderate accessibility: $7,000–$15,000
- Complete accessible bathroom remodels: $15,000–$35,000+
- High-end remodels based on ADA: $35,000–$60,000+
Costs can go higher if major structural changes need to be done.
Factors That Affect Handicap Bathroom Remodel Cost
The cost of an accessible bathroom depends on a number of things. The size of the bathroom, how much construction is needed, and the materials are just the beginning. You also need to consider the changes to the plumbing and electrical work, as well as the cost of local contractors.
Bathroom Size
Remodeling costs are affected by how big or small the bathroom is. Bigger bathrooms require more materials and big showers. They can also have more storage and fixtures that are easier to access.
It may seem counterintuitive, but small bathrooms can actually be more costly to remodel. A contractor may have to move walls or relocate fixtures to allow enough space for a wheelchair to pass through.
Scope of the Renovation
Final costs are affected by how big or small the scope of the renovation is. A big bathroom renovation will obviously cost more than a small bathroom renovation that involves only a few minor accessibility upgrades.
Some minor accessibility upgrades include:
- Grab bars
- Raised toilets
- Handheld shower heads
A total remodel can involve relocating the plumbing, widening doorways, roll-in showers, accessible vanities, and all new flooring and showers.
Plumbing
Changing the plumbing makes a highly expensive component of remodeling a bathroom to be more accessible. The cost also depends on how easy the plumbing access is (you may have to open and repair the walls or floors).
Examples of plumbing adjustments that may be done include relocating the toilet, the drain and supply lines for a reconfigured shower, and a wall-mounted sink. You can reduce costs and avoid expensive bathroom remodeling plumbing changes by keeping the fixtures where they are.
Electrical Upgrades
It may become necessary to upgrade the electrical system of a bathroom during the conversion to an easily accessible bathroom. The safety and ease of the users may be improved with enhanced lighting or the inclusion of lighting paired with motion sensors.
Other electrical upgrades may consist of:
- GFCI outlets
- Exhaust fans
- Heated floors
- Emergency call systems
The state and safety of the existing wiring and the need to add additional circuits will all impact the cost of the upgrade.
Flooring
The flooring in a bathroom that is easy to access should be slip resistant. The risk of falling increases when flooring can or does get wet. The quality of the flooring materials will impact the total remodeling cost.
Textured porcelain tile and vinyl planks, rubber and non-slip ceramic tiles all have an accessible flooring option. Tiles made of higher quality materials have a higher price, but may be more durable and may be designed to allow for upgrades that increase safety and comfort.
Labor
Labor can be about 40 to 60 percent of the total remodel cost. The cost will depend on the remodel area, the experience of the contractor, cost of the necessary permits, and the complexity of the remodel with respect to the demolition and the construction that will be required.
It is advisable to hire professionals with experience in the remodeling of accessible bathrooms. They will help ensure that the various features of the bathroom are included and placed correctly. These features can include grab bars, roll-in showers, doorways, toilets, and vanities.
Cost of Common Handicap Bathroom Features
The features chosen determine the expense of an accessible bathroom remodel. There are basic safety upgrade options that are affordable. There are also changes that would make bath remodeling more costly due to their disruptive nature to the existing bathroom layout.
Roll-In Shower
Roll-In showers are the most expensive upgrades due to the disruptive nature of remodeling for waterproofing and the plumbing to accommodate the features of a slip-resistant floor, a built-in linear drain, a built-in shower bench, a handheld shower, and shower grab bars. These showers are barrier-free for wheelchair access.
Walk-In Bathtub
Walk-in bathtubs also include a built-in shower bench and a lower step waterproof door; however, they also include safety grab handles and a built-in shower seat. Walk-in tubs with heated seats or with built-in hydrotherapy features are more expensive.
Grab Bars
Grab bars come in various lengths but are installed in the same areas. Grab bars should always be installed into wall studs.
Comfort Height Toilet
A Comfort-height toilet is a standard toilet that is a higher, more accessible height and may also come with a bidet.
Wheelchair-Accessible Sink
Wall-mounted, accessible sinks have recessed knee space and are also equipped with touchless, or lever, faucets. Additionally, wall-mounted sinks provide insulated plumbing.
Non-Slip Flooring
Textured tiles, rubber flooring, or waterproof vinyl are less slippery, more slip-resistant, and provide better traction in a wet area.
Wider Doorways
There are various options to create expanded doorways to accommodate wheelchairs or walkers. A few options are pocket doors, sliding doors and swing-clear hinges.
Accessible Lighting
Mercury free LED bulbs improve bathroom lighting. Adding motion sensing night lights, LED vanity lighting, and illuminated mirrors can also improve bathroom lighting.
ADA-Inspired Features
Homeowners may incorporate barrier-free showers, lever handles, and easy-reach storage, as well as comfort-height sinks and toilets to create a more flexible and functional bathroom.
Hidden Costs to Consider
Many homeowners tend to underestimate the finances involved in remodeling their homes. Below are some costs that tend to be neglected or unknown:
- Building permits
- Demolition
- Mold remediation
- Plumbing repairs
- Water damage
- Electrical upgrades
- Structural reinforcement
- Door modifications
- Wall repairs
- Painting
These costs branch from the remodeling costs that homeowners are already familiar with. Homeowners are encouraged to prepare for the unexpected by allocating an additional budget for remodeling that equates to 10% to 20% of the remodeling budget.
How Long Does a Handicap Bathroom Remodel Take?
Project timelines depend on the scope of work. Common estimates include:
- Minor upgrades: 1 to 3 days.
- Partial remodel: 1 to 2 weeks.
- Full renovation: 3 to 6 weeks.
- Major structural remodel: 6 to 10 weeks.
The addition of plumbing or structural issues will impact the time the project takes.
Choosing the Right Contractor
When safety, building code compliance, and a successful remodel are your priorities, it’s necessary to hire a skilled contractor. You should hire a contractor:
- Who knows how to do remodels which comply to accessibility standards
- Is both licensed and insured
- Provides written estimates that describe all lines of work
- Provides references and examples of past projects
- Understands and utilizes universal design
- Communicates at all times and at all levels
Taking and comparing multiple quotes helps get the best outcome at the best price.
Exceptional Home Builders – Remodeling Homes, Redefining Comfort
Exceptional Home Builders has built a reputation for high-end home remodeling throughout Greater Seattle and surrounding communities. Throughout our over twenty years in the industry, we have heavily prioritized customer satisfaction. By offering high-quality skilled craftsmanship, excellent communication, and precision work, we strive to take the stress out of the home renovation process. We recognize the importance of our clients’ visions, so we work in collaboration with the homeowners during all phases of the home remodeling project. We personalize all of our projects to align with the desired home aesthetics of the clients and hope to exceed all standards of quality and durability.
Final Thoughts
Homeowners can budget a safer, better quality renovation after understanding the costs of handicap bathroom remodels. Upgrades to bathroom accessibility or a full handicap remodel can all incur different costs. This variation can be based on size, features, labor, or the complexity of the remodel.
However, an accessible remodel can be planned for the long-term by focusing on the most important safety remodels, durable materials, and experienced bathroom remodelers. The accessible bathroom remodel can seem costly at first, but the remodels become safety and comfort value improvements for the home when considering daily living. Multiple households will find the safety value and daily living comfort to be worth the remodel. Ready to transform your home? Contact us today to schedule a consultation and bring your remodeling vision to life.
FAQS
How Much Money Does an Accessible Bathroom Cost?
There is a huge range in costs for a handicap accessible bath remodel, ranging between approximately $2,000 to $35,000+. An inexpensive remodel would knock down barriers to bath accessibility. An expensive remodel would include a roll in shower, wider doorways, plumbing and fixtures that are changed to be more accessible, and would all cost above $35,000. Cost is also dependent on the scope of the remodel and the changes needed to the existing layout.
What Are the Examples of Features in an Accessible Bathroom?
Some features that would be included in an accessible bathroom are grab bars, slip resistant floors, roll in showers with hand held shower heads, bathroom sinks and fixtures for wheelchair accessibility, wider doorways, and lighting and storage that are easily accessible. Features would also complement the mobility of the person with the disability.
Do Bathroom Remodels Help to Sell Your Home?
Yes, an accessible bathroom is easily a selling point for homes that would be occupied by older adults, people with disabilities, and multiple generations and would also help to sell the home as a safe remodel.
