Question
I am in the process of purchasing an accessible home and want to ensure that I have all the possible accessible customizations addressed to the contractor.  I think I have most of the issues addressed, however I want to make certain that I don't overlook anything before they start building.  Can you impart some ideas or issues that are paramount in designing an accessible home for a wheelchair bound person.

Sincerely,
Walter
p.s.  I want to ensure everything is done from the beginning so there won't need to be any retrofitting.

Answer
Dear Walter,

The main entrance should be accessible with one other entrance accessible in case an emergency exit is required.

The rooms should be large enough so that the turning radiius of a wheelchair is not hindered.

Doors should be a minimum of 32" in the open position.

Cabinets should be lowered and the pull out kind.

Electric outlets should be higher as well as switaches at the 32" level. Phone jacks should also be higher.

A special carpettig should be used that will bot tangle in the wheels of the chair.

There should be no steps and you can use a protector on the corners of the walls. This will help protect the corbers from damage, whicj occurs most often at the corners from the chair bumping into them.

I hope these suggestions will help.

Sincerely,
Chester Korzinski