One of the most impressive features of this wheelchair accessible home located at Shea and 36th street in Phoenix is the well planned roll-in shower.   Other universal design features include a no step front door entry as well as built in ramps to the back patio and the garage.  The 17″ tile floors in the main living areas, kitchen and master bedroom make this handicap accessible home even more functional.   Hallways and door openings are at least 36 inches wide in most areas of the home.  Generous storage is right outside the master bedroom.

The bathroom also features a roll under sink and a tile counter top.  Quality tile accents can be found throughout this accessible master bathroom which includes a raised toilet.

Universal Design and Visitability Features throughout

It is evident that the remodeling activity incorporated many universal design features such as the roll in shower, grab bars, wide door frames and hallways, tile flooring, pull out shelves in the kitchen, and ramps at the front and back doors. Another favorite feature is the roll under breakfast bar that looks out onto the backyard.

The backyard cannot be overlooked which is very accessible from the back patio door with a built in ramp.   The 25′ long covered patio has a ceiling fan and a built in gas grill on the east end. Large shade trees create a relaxing backyard that also provides excellent privacy.   A separate shed or workshop stand in the corner of the yard waiting for additional storage or use as a workshop for weekend projects.

A cozy and inviting gas fireplace finishes off the family room which is located right next to the kitchen in this open floor plan accessible home.   Plantation shutters accent the front windows of the home, both in the living area as well as the  front bedrooms.

Even more pictures of this rare and special wheelchair accessible home can be found by viewing the visual tour.  Or visit my website page dedicated to accessible homes in the Phoenix valley.  For additional information, call Gordon Baker at 480-326-8571.

Just recently the ability to search for Phoenix Az homes with accessibility features  improved significantly.  Previously, the only way to search for homes with wheelchair or handicap features was through a search of the description for certain words such as “roll-in shower”, “ramps”, “wide doorways”, or  “wheelchair accessible”.  This was unreliable because you depend on the listing agent to accurately describe these features in the remarks section of the listing.  The new fields are a tremendous improvement, but  still rely on the listing agent to recognize and properly input the features. Below is a list of the new fields.

The added fields help define the various degrees of accessibility.  Accessibility is not a “yes” or” no”  question.  Some potential buyers may require a roll in shower and 32″ wide doorways while others only need  a zero grade entrty and tile or hardwood floors. The 21 fields provide a more complete picture of the features that a buyer may need or desire, and allow the seller to better exposure.

A Better Understanding Of The Improved Accessibility Features

Here are definitions of some of the new fields that can be used to describe the new accessibility features.

Zero-Grade Entry: entrance to home does not have a step, sill or elevation change greater than 1/2 inch.

Hallways 36in+ Wide: minimum 36” wide clearance – clear width (not frame to frame).

Bath Roll-In Shower: shower floor at the same level as the bathroom floor, with no ledge, sill, or runner.

Remote Devices: remote controls for lights, fans, appliances (kitchen and other), thermostats, alarms, and automated door touch pads.

Door/Access 32in+ Wide: minimum 32” wide clearance – clear width (not frame to frame).

Bath Raised Toilet: toilet or commode that is either 17” or 19” from the floor to facilitate transfer, and/or is adjustable up to 30” to accommodate various height requirements.

Exterior Curb Cuts: external to home – neighborhood has ramped sidewalk areas at crosswalks and intersections to permit wheelchair users to cross streets, access mailboxes, etc.

Bath Roll-Under Sink: space for knees (wheelchair user) that is at least 24” in height and approximately 30” in width.

Ramps: secured, non-slip ramps to allow navigation of elevation changes with grade no greater than 1:12 or 8.3%.

Closet Bars 15-48in: installed to allow seated access; installed at heights of 15” to 48” above floor level.

It will be interesting in the future to observe how well homes with enhanced accessibility are accurately reflected which will help give a better idea of the number of homes with accessibility features.

Even with this improved search capability the optimal situation may be to search for those items that would be the most costly to install and then make modifications after the purchase for those that are still needed.  This strategy will also allow greater geographical flexibility.  For example, roll in showers are extremely useful but very scarce. Homes that have a roll-in shower may not fit your geographical criteria.  The option is to find a home that is large enough for a roll in shower and make the modification after the purchase.  This will open up the number of homes available.  A well qualified contractor who is familiar with handicap features can transform a house that is currently not acceptable to a customized home that will be comfortable and functional for years to come.

The most requested handicap feature is a roll-in shower.  Agents are becoming more familiar with the new accessibility features and giving a better representation of the home’s features.  To see which homes have a roll in shower , go to Phoenix Handicap/Wheelchair accessible homes and look for the preset link for homes with a roll in shower.

For assistance in searching for homes that have accessibility features,  please click on Help Me Find A Home With Enhanced Accessibility Features and describe what you need and I can search the MLS based on your requirements.

Earlier this year, the Disability Empowerment Center (DEC) held it’s open house to introduce this facility to the public. One of the tenants is the Arizona Bridge to Independent Living.  Besides ABIL, other note-worthy occupants include Arizona Autism United, Raising Special Kids, Valley Center of the Deaf, and the Arizona Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society to name a few.

The mission of the Arizona Bridge to Independent Living “offers and promotes programs designed to empower people with disabilities to take personal responsibility so they may achieve or continue independent lifestylies within the community”.

It would be  time well spent to visit the Arizona Bridge to Independent Living in the state of the art DEC campus in Phoenix and become acquainted with the programs they offer.  One of them is the Home Modification Program available to residents of Phoenix, Glendale, Peoria and Mesa.  Another program is Independent Living Skills Instruction that teaches budgeting, cooking, household management and communication skills.

For assistance in finding and purchasing  homes in the Phoenix area  that are conducive to those with limited mobility, including wheelchair or  handicap needs, please visit my website, or describe what kind of home is needed.

In Phoenix there is a surprising low number of homes on the market with handicap accessibility that offer a roll in shower in the bathroom.  When a home for sale advertises a wheelchair or handicap accessible home, that description can have a different meaning depending who wrote it.    To some owners or Realtors,  a wheel chair or handicap accessible home  may be a zero step entry and tile floor throughout the home.  To others, it may be these features and 36″ wide door ways, grabs bars, lever doors, recessed cabinets under the sinks,  pull out cabinets and a roll in shower in the master bathroom.  There is a range and varying degrees of features to describe handicap and wheelchair accessibility.

Considering Modifications After The Purchase

Because the search for a roll in shower is so specialized, a buyer will have better results searching for a Phoenix area home with a master bathroom that can be converted into a roll-in shower.  To find such a bathroom, I recommend searching the MLS listings for homes with a separate tub and shower.  These bathrooms are typically larger and provide more space than those that only feature a shower and tub combination.   The next step is to consult with a qualified contractor who specializes and has experience in roll in shower modifications, especially when the foundation is a post tension slab. Post tension slabs are more common in homes found in areas that have a high risk of expansive soil.

Roll In Shower search and other accessible features now available in the Phoenix area MLS.  Contact me with specific criteria, or go to Phoenix Wheelchair Accessible Homes and look for the link to homes with a roll in shower.

To receive listings of homes that have bathrooms that would be good candidates for a conversion to a roll-in shower, please click on Listings with separate tub and showers. You may also visit my website page dedicated to wheelchair and handicap accessible homes in Gilbert, Chandler, Tempe, Mesa, Scottsdale, Queen Creek and the Phoenix area. Or call me directly at 480-326-8571.