Adapting your home with accessibility in mind needs some careful planning. Rush ahead and you’re going to make mistakes that will probably be costly – as well as a huge headache. Thankfully, you’ve come to the right place. At the John Ford Group, we are here to share a little accessible renovation wisdom with you.
With that in mind, here are five of the most common mistakes people make (and that you should avoid) when it comes to planning your accessible renovations:
1. Working with a General Contractor Instead of a Specialist
Probably the most common mistake is assuming it’s the kind of thing that any contractor can do. Let’s not step on any toes here – there are plenty of really great contractors out there with some impressive skills, but that doesn’t mean they’re right for the job. For example, getting a contractor with a particular skill in roofing isn’t right when your problem is your drains, and neither a roofer nor a drainage expert is where you want to be when it comes to accessibility adaptations.
Most contractors have a great range of broad skills but lack the specific knowledge required to meet all the regulations and standards that come with making a home safe for those with accessibility needs.
Adaptability specialists like us at JFG will make sure your grab rails are placed at the optimum height and angle to be safe, install top-quality non-slip flooring, consider your lighting requirements, and convert bathrooms to walk-in showers with an experienced eye to minimise problems. We know things like the correct dimensions for a wheelchair-accessible doorway and what you need to enhance your garden space – all things that a general building contractor may simply miss. We don’t blame them; we’ve just been doing this a long time.
Work with a specialist and you’ll save greatly in pain and problems.
2. Under-Budgeting the Renovation
Budgeting is a problem that everyone faces, but cutting corners or trying to squeeze too much out of your wallet isn’t the right way forward.
It’s important to budget realistically. Everyone understands that you want to save where you can, but accessible renovations often require specialist fixtures, durable materials and (as we just mentioned) expertise with the installation – and let’s be honest, this can all add up.
But if you try to do it on the cheap, what you end up with is a substandard job that’s not going to provide the safety that was the entire point in the first place. You don’t want to use poor materials when you’re considering grab rails that are to stop you falling, or skimp on your contractor’s experience so that your specially-widened doors need doing twice.
We all know it – if you try to cut corners on the budget, it costs you a lot more in the long run. Do you want the job done right the first time, or are you really happy with ongoing problems, repeated repair costs, and renovations that need to be replaced fully a few years later?
Setting a realistic budget and talking to us to get our specialist advice will ensure that you cover the essentials without compromise.
3. Not Applying for Available Grants and Financial Assistance
Don’t think you have to pay for all this out of your own pocket – there’s help out there.
In the UK, you may be entitled to a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) that will help cover the cost of your accessible renovation. It’s important to look into.
It can be scary to try to apply for a grant, especially if it’s new to you, but again, we’re here to help. Speak to our team at John Ford Group, and we can help you with your grant forms to make it go as smoothly as possible.
Don’t put too much strain on your personal finances. If you want to know more about DFGs, then why not read this great blog on the very subject?
4. Ignoring Future Needs
Mistake number four is about short-sightedness when it comes to the future – we see it all the time.
Accessible renovations should take into account not just the immediate term and the current needs of your household but also the future. Be considered in your assessment and consider what may happen in the years to come, and make any necessary changes to your home now. It may be a little bit more expensive, and even disruptive, to have a larger and longer renovation plan this time around, but think just how much more disruptive and expensive it’ll be to go through the whole process again in a few years.
Design your renovations with flexibility in mind. For example, the stairs may not be too much of a problem today, taken carefully and slowly with the right grab rails and effective lighting, but consider how in the future you might need to ensure there’s an accessible bathroom on the ground floor, or perhaps you want to plan space for a stairlift.
Getting it right today will save hugely in the years to come. At John Ford Group, we can help you work out your plan for the future, renovating your home not just for today, but for years to come.
5. Overlooking Key Details in Accessibility Planning
Those small touches can have a huge impact on the end result of an accessible renovation. Remember what we said about getting specialists on board? That’s because we have the experience to share some of the finer details that make a perfect renovation. Consider the following:
- Lighting enhancements – Getting the lighting right makes a significant difference, whether it’s just making sure the mood of the room is comfortable or lighting hallways effectively. Modern features, such as smart home lighting systems, mean you can activate lights with voice control or set them to come on at specific times. Read more about how lighting can enhance your home accessibility here.
- Fixtures – Getting an accessible home right isn’t all about doorway widening and wet rooms – sometimes it’s the small touches, like lowering handles so they can be reached from a wheelchair or switching standard cupboards to smooth drawers for easy use.
- Using the right materials – There’s a wide range of material choices out there, and knowing which one marries your need for safety and usage with a consideration for low-maintenance and even aesthetics. Specialist contractors can help with choosing the right high-quality options.
- Looking outside – So often, people consider the inside of the house and the front door access but forget about the wider home, including the garden. At JFG, we understand just how much benefit there is for those with accessibility issues who want to enjoy a garden that is tailored to their needs. To learn more about accessible gardens, read our article. [link to blog about accessible garden design]
Paying attention to these small details will make your renovation a true success.
Accessible Renovations with John Ford Group
Remember, when planning your accessible renovations:
- Use specialists over general contractors
- Budget realistically and don’t cut corners
- Look to grants to help the finances
- Consider the future
- Don’t forget the details
At the John Ford Group, we specialise in quality accessible renovations that will enhance your quality of life. Contact us today to discuss your needs and discover how we can help turn your problematic home into a relaxed and safe sanctuary that meets every requirement.