How to ensure your short-term rental property’s bathroom is handicap friendly

Picture this: You're on vacation, excited to finally unwind in your short-term rental property, but you hit a snag - the bathroom isn't handicap-friendly. It's frustrating, and even worse, it can ruin the vacation mood.

As a property owner, you can prevent this from happening to your guests. By taking a few simple steps to ensure your bathroom is handicap-friendly, you can provide a comfortable and accessible experience for everyone.

Plus, it's a great way to show your guests that you care about their needs and want them to have the best possible stay in your property.

Let's see how you can make your bathroom a welcoming oasis for all guests.

Start with the entrance and exit

One of the first areas to consider is the entrance and exit. You want to ensure that guests with disabilities can easily navigate into and out of the bathroom easily.

A simple solution is to install ramps for wheelchair access. If your rental property is on the ground floor, consider adding a ramp to the bathroom entrance.

For a property on an upper floor, consider adding a portable ramp that can be placed in front of the bathroom door when needed.

Another consideration is to widen the doorway to accommodate wheelchairs. The doorway should be at least 36 inches wide to allow enough space for a standard wheelchair.

Additionally, it's essential to ensure that light switches and outlets are appropriately placed at accessible heights for guests who use mobility aids.

Consider the bathroom layout

The bathroom layout is crucial when it comes to making it handicap-friendly. Here are some key modifications to consider:

Install walk-in showers with grab bars: Traditional bathtubs can be challenging to access for guests with disabilities. Consider replacing them with walk-in showers that have grab bars. This will make it easy for guests to enter and exit the shower safely.

Lower the sink and counter height: Standard sink and counter heights can be too high for guests who use wheelchairs or mobility aids. Consider lowering the sink and counter height to make it easier for guests to use the bathroom independently.

Proper positioning of towel racks and toilet paper holders: Ensure that towel racks and toilet paper holders are placed in accessible areas that are easy to reach for guests with disabilities.

How is the flooring and surfaces?

The type of flooring and surfaces in your bathroom can significantly impact its accessibility. Installing tiles with a textured surface or a special coating that provides traction is essential. This will prevent slips and falls, especially in wet areas like the shower or near the sink.

Use contrasting colors as well. If the walls and fixtures are white, consider using a dark gray or black tile for the floor. This will create a contrast to help guests with visual impairments better navigate the space.

Also use materials like porcelain or ceramic tiles for the floor and walls. They are easy to clean and are resistant to water and stains. Avoid using materials like carpet or hardwood, which can be difficult to maintain and may harbor bacteria and other germs.

Accessories and amenities

In addition to modifying the bathroom layout, flooring, and surfaces, you can provide some accessories and amenities to make your short-term rental property more handicap-friendly.

Here are some ideas:

·         Provide a shower chair: A shower chair can make it easier for guests with mobility issues to shower safely and comfortably.

·         Install an adjustable handheld showerhead: An adjustable handheld showerhead can be used at different heights, making it easier for guests with mobility issues to reach and control the water flow.

·         Offer a bathmat: A bathmat can provide extra traction and help prevent slips and falls in the bathroom.

·         Provide easy-to-reach toiletries: Ensure that toiletries like soap, shampoo, and conditioner are easily accessible for guests with disabilities. This could mean placing them on a lower shelf or providing a step stool.

·         Offer a magnifying mirror: A magnifying mirror can help guests with visual impairments more easily see themselves and perform personal hygiene tasks like shaving or applying makeup.

We can help

We understand the essence of creating a comfortable and accessible environment for all guests, including those with disabilities. That's why we offer a wide range of services to help short-term rental property owners enhance the accessibility and functionality of their properties.

Our team at Universal Floors and More in Lee County FL can help with flooring and surface installations, painting, creating ramps, installing fixtures, power washing, and complete remodels. Let’s work with you to design and implement modifications to make your short-term rental property more handicap-friendly. Contact us today!