Special offer

DISABLED HOME BUYER CHECKLIST

By
Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty Success, Littleton, CO

DISABLED HOME BUYER CHECKLIST

Do you have a family member that is disabled? Are you seeking to assist a family to make life easier for them?

I ran across this information as I was perusing some of my Realtor resources. I hope you find it helpful.

________________________________________

The following are minimum guidelines to indicate that a home is accessible and useable by a wheelchair bound person. Of primary concern is that the entrance be on a grade or is ramped to the following specifications:

  • Ramp: 8.33% grade of (1 in 12 ratio).
  • Doorway Width (throughout): 32" minimum interior and 36" minimum exterior.
  • Hallway Width: 42" minimum and 48" minimum for VA.
  • Bathroom: 32" doorway width. 4' X 4' minimum clear floor space and 5' diameter clear floor space for VA. If shower is the only means of bathing, VA requires a 4' X 4' space.
Elizabeth Cooper-Golden
Huntsville Alabama Real Estate, (@ Homes Realty Group) - Huntsville, AL
Huntsville AL MLS

Esther, This is great information for all of us to have.  I wouldn't have a clue what the door openings would require...now I do.  Thanks!

Dec 10, 2010 04:24 PM
CA COASTAL ESTATES Lauren Selinsky Perez CRS
California Coastal Estates - Aliso Viejo, CA
"Your Real Estate Broker" #oclauren

Excellent info and to the point of all that is pertinent. Thanks Esther!

Dec 10, 2010 04:34 PM
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

Thanks, Esther.

Anyone building a home should consider ADA standards, not just "to comply", and not just for potential Buyers.  

An owner building his or her own home may one day need the wider doors, the grab rails, and the ramps.  Build it now, instead of having to do an expensive upgrade some time in the future.

Dec 10, 2010 04:41 PM
Larry Bettag
Cherry Creek Mortgage Illinois Residential Mortgage License LMB #0005759 Cherry Creek Mortgage NMLS #: 3001 - Saint Charles, IL
Vice-President of National Production

Esther....good for you.  I have a relative that has rebuilt the home to accomodate these necessities.  I've just never seen this published!  Good stuff!

Dec 10, 2010 04:45 PM
Greg Freeman
Citiwide Real Estate Services - Allen, TX

Great information, thanks for sharing.

Dec 10, 2010 05:00 PM
Maureen Fukumoto
Help-U-Sell Realty Pro - Mililani, HI
Maureen

Esther, Thanks for the info. It never occurred to me that VA would have guidelines for accessibility.

Dec 10, 2010 09:05 PM
Esther Harnsberger
Keller Williams Realty Success, Littleton, CO - Denver, CO
Your Denver Home Source 303.902.1435

Good Day all of you that commented.  I'm always happy when I can contribute something!  I appreciate all your help as well!  Have a productive day! 

Dec 11, 2010 04:53 AM