Futureproofing your bathroom

Looking into the future we will all be one thing, older. At some point in life things start to get harder and things don’t work like they used to. 

Projecting into the future, maybe your bathroom renovation should look at your future self, as well as your present self.

Renovating a bathroom to enable easy access for persons with limited mobility or disabilities is as easy as making any other bathroom, it just takes a little extra thought at the planning stage.

New Zealand standards include a minimum layout for such bathrooms, which is a good place to start. It is important to note that these are MINIMUMS.

Direct from NZ Standards

These are legal requirements for disabled bathrooms, therefore these minimums allow you to see how much space is required to get a wheelchair in and out of the bathroom easily. There is nothing stopping you adding items to your private bathroom, this is just a minimum requirement.

Notice the provision for grab rails and seats in the shower and next to the toilet. These do not need to be installed straight away. The fixings inside the walls just need to be provided for, so when you do require these items, the wall is pre-strengthened. 

Direct from NZ Standards

Allowing for space under your basin is important also, so a floor mounted vanity may not be the perfect solution in the long term.

Toilets

Not all toilets are made the same. If you are looking into the future, the best option is a ‘care toilet suite’. These suites can be stylish and they offer the required space to adhere to the NZ standards. The other important part is the flushing mechanism. Disabled bathrooms require special buttons that are easy to activate. These sit up from the cistern lid, and can be added when needed, years down the track.

Basins

As mentioned previously, it is advisable to not have a floor-mounted basin for wheelchair access. However, you could include fixings in the wall for when you require a wall-mounted basin.

Shower

Showers are available with or without included safety rails. It is advisable to have strengthening provisions for a shower seat and grab rail.

Wet areas

Provisioning for your bathroom to be an entire wet area is a great option. You ensure that the shower drain is the lowest part in the bathroom, therefore any water that spills on the floor is channeled safely away. This limits the possibility of damage if a shower, basin or bath is left on accidentally. You also allow for strengthening in the ceiling to allow for a sturdy curtain rail to be installed.

Tapware and handles

Older hands can often include a side order of arthritis. It seems strange, but fixtures have been designed with a looser grip in mind. They have longer handles to reduce the force required to activate them. Taps are easy to change on basins, so these can be updated when required. 

Accessories

There are many extra options to ensure your bathroom is easier to use. A non-slip shower or bathroom stool is a great option.

If you are looking to futureproof your bathroom, or get your bathroom ready for a disabled person to move in, give us a call or contact us here, we are happy to advise on the best options possible.