How to Create an Accessible Kitchen for the Physically ChallengedKitchen Cabinet Remodeling & RepairUpdated on May 16, 2015 View more like this | Visit LOS ANGELES, CA | Contact Linda Annie |
Kitchen is meant for everybody, and even if you are or have become physically disabled, you should be able to use your kitchen comfortably and effectively. Cooking and preparing a meal is just as important when you are physically challenged as when you are fully able bodied.
Many seniors are forced to move home just because they find it difficult to use the kitchens in their home. Seniors could save a lot of money if they contacted a kitchen remodeling contractor, and asked him to help them to re-arrange their kitchens. Moving home can be more expensive than remodeling your kitchen.
There are quite a few things to consider when you start talking about making your kitchen more accessible, but the vast majority of the problems you may encounter, can be easily solved if you find an experienced contractor. However, you need to focus on the priorities first of all before you can deal with the details.
Space
Space is of utmost important in the accessible kitchen. You need to be able to have enough space to move your wheelchair or mobility scooter around. Electric wheelchairs and scooters are now becoming popular, and the advantage is that they often need less space than standard manual wheelchairs.
Make sure that all of the essentials such as cookware are stored where you can easily get hold of them. You also need to make sure that all basic groceries are within easy reached, and that the refrigerator door opens the right way. So many homeowners install the refrigerator or freezer in the wrong position, and end up maneuvering around it.
Height
Height is just as important as space. If, you find it difficult to get out your wheelchair or scooter, or cannot stand up for any length of time, you need to ensure all appliances and counter tops are at the right height. Cooking a meal at a stove, or using a counter top which is not fixed at the right height, can soon end your enjoyment of the kitchen.
Wall Hanging cupboards can be lowered, but don’t forget that many kitchen remodeling contractors can make you a bespoke kitchen. That means that all cupboard and areas you need to use will be at the right height for you.
Flooring
The right kind of flooring is very important in the accessible kitchen. Some product finishes can cause wheels to spin, and become marked by rubber wheels. Focus on using flooring which will not mark or offer resistance as you move around the kitchen.
There is now specialized sealed wood flooring for kitchens, and this may offer you the best option for flooring in an accessible kitchen.
Most contractors are aware of special needs, and will easily arrange sockets and light fittings in the right places. An experienced home remodeling contractor will make sure that all access doors are the right width, and open without little effort, so that you can more easily move in and out of your kitchen.
Hire local contractors online using contractor referral websites, read reviews and ratings from the past customers before hiring contractors for your project.
Many seniors are forced to move home just because they find it difficult to use the kitchens in their home. Seniors could save a lot of money if they contacted a kitchen remodeling contractor, and asked him to help them to re-arrange their kitchens. Moving home can be more expensive than remodeling your kitchen.
There are quite a few things to consider when you start talking about making your kitchen more accessible, but the vast majority of the problems you may encounter, can be easily solved if you find an experienced contractor. However, you need to focus on the priorities first of all before you can deal with the details.
Space
Space is of utmost important in the accessible kitchen. You need to be able to have enough space to move your wheelchair or mobility scooter around. Electric wheelchairs and scooters are now becoming popular, and the advantage is that they often need less space than standard manual wheelchairs.
Make sure that all of the essentials such as cookware are stored where you can easily get hold of them. You also need to make sure that all basic groceries are within easy reached, and that the refrigerator door opens the right way. So many homeowners install the refrigerator or freezer in the wrong position, and end up maneuvering around it.
Height
Height is just as important as space. If, you find it difficult to get out your wheelchair or scooter, or cannot stand up for any length of time, you need to ensure all appliances and counter tops are at the right height. Cooking a meal at a stove, or using a counter top which is not fixed at the right height, can soon end your enjoyment of the kitchen.
Wall Hanging cupboards can be lowered, but don’t forget that many kitchen remodeling contractors can make you a bespoke kitchen. That means that all cupboard and areas you need to use will be at the right height for you.
Flooring
The right kind of flooring is very important in the accessible kitchen. Some product finishes can cause wheels to spin, and become marked by rubber wheels. Focus on using flooring which will not mark or offer resistance as you move around the kitchen.
There is now specialized sealed wood flooring for kitchens, and this may offer you the best option for flooring in an accessible kitchen.
Most contractors are aware of special needs, and will easily arrange sockets and light fittings in the right places. An experienced home remodeling contractor will make sure that all access doors are the right width, and open without little effort, so that you can more easily move in and out of your kitchen.
Hire local contractors online using contractor referral websites, read reviews and ratings from the past customers before hiring contractors for your project.
