Home Article | Wanting to Know How to Modify Your Kitchen For a Wheelchair?More Than Articles

Wanting to Know How to Modify Your Kitchen For a Wheelchair?

If you or someone you love has recently required the use of a wheelchair, odds are you are quickly realizing that the contents of your kitchen are not as easily accessible as they once were. Whether it’s because the items in your upper cabinets are no longer within reach, or the fact that there is not enough room to maneuver about, some form of kitchen remodeling will be required in order for you to be able to regain the efficient use of your kitchen again. Here are three main tips that can help you redesign your kitchen so it can provide the functionality that you require.

First, determine what your budget is. While the options are endless when it comes to home remodeling, the features you can afford will be limited by the amount of money you have to spend. Determining how much you can realistically afford can mean the difference between a complete remodel with the most expensive products, and a remodel that contains functional products that may not necessarily be the top of the line.

Second, plan your layout. Before you hire a contractor to tear everything out, you will need to first determine who will be using the kitchen most frequently and what their needs are. If the person in the wheelchair was the gourmet cook of the home then you will need to design a plan that works the best for them. Your design must allow for a floor clearance of at least 60” in diameter. This space is needed so there will be enough free space so a wheelchair can turn easily without bumping into cabinets or other items. You will also want to make sure your remodel still contains the same flow that it did before. You may not have the option to move certain appliances due to wiring, but you can change the style of appliance which will improve the overall accessibility of the kitchen.

Lastly, choose the right materials. Now that you have a general idea of where everything needs to go, now is the time to choose the cabinets and appliances that will go into your new kitchen. Depending on the frequency of use, your kitchen should include at least one area of counter space that is at least 30” wide and is between 30 and 32 inches from the floor with a minimum knee clearance of 27”. These counters can also be height adjustable if the user is not the primary cook in the home. It can be set at normal height for normal use and lowered when needed. Appliances should also be set at the right height with a separate oven and cooktop being the preferred method. Space should also be allocated, like the counters to have adequate space underneath so the user can easily roll under it. Ovens should be set lower to make them easier to reach into and may require a door that opens to the side as opposed to down as most standard ovens do.

These are just a few of the key tips that can help you remodel your kitchen to accommodate a wheelchair. Make sure you take your budget into consideration and who will be using the kitchen the most and you will be able to create a kitchen that can meet the needs of everyone in your home.

About the Author

www.clever-kitchen-designs.com

Author Profile: Susan_Fuss

Other Home Articles