Age-in Place Bathroom Remodel For VA Military Vet

Kuhn Construction helps clients transform their homes to meet changing needs. Our expertise in creating universally accessible spaces is on display in this especially meaningful project spotlight. Comfort and style meet complete functionality, even as our client’s mobility and assistance needs evolve. Welcome to our latest completed project tour, a bathroom remodel designed especially for accessibility and beauty in equal parts.

Client Background & Project Overview

The clients were no strangers to Kuhn Construction. Not long before this project, we had completed a basement remodel for them, and they lived just up the road from our office. This close connection made the project all the more personal. The husband, a military veteran, was diagnosed with ALS, a progressive neurological disease that quickly affected his mobility. With their home’s bedrooms located on the second floor, it became unsafe for him to navigate the stairs, prompting the need to create a safe, accessible living space on the first floor.

Their home, built in the early 1900s, had a layout typical of older houses: small, closed-off rooms and narrow doorways. To accommodate the client’s mobility challenges, we needed to convert an outdated bathroom and adjacent office into a functional suite—creating a bedroom and fully ADA-compliant bathroom with seamless access between the two.

Working within the VA’s funding parameters was crucial, as they provided financial assistance for veterans’ home modifications. Our experience with ADA-compliant design and aging-in-place projects helped us navigate their specific requirements efficiently. The project’s complexity lay in meeting ADA standards within the confines of the home’s existing architecture.

Design and Layout Solutions

The clients’ early 1900s home presented challenges typical of older structures—narrow doorways, limited space, and a compartmentalized layout. The existing bathroom was cramped, with a narrow doorway and an inefficient layout. To ensure wheelchair access, we widened the doorway to the new bathroom and reconfigured the layout to allow for easier navigation. This included creating ample circulation space between the shower, toilet, and vanity—key for wheelchair mobility and unencumbered use.

We transformed the adjacent office into a bedroom, providing the client with a new first-floor living space. To maximize the new bedroom’s functionality, we “stole” space from the room just outside the bathroom, carving out a new closet to serve as a clothing closet. We designed the transition between the bedroom and bathroom to be undetectable, with wide, unobstructed pathways that adhered to ADA standards while ensuring a comfortable flow between the two spaces.

Design Aesthetic and Material Selection

When designing this ADA-compliant bathroom, we focused on blending functionality and style. Here’s a breakdown of the key materials and design choices.

Flooring: Abrasive Porcelain Tiles

We selected dark natural stone-looking porcelain tiles for the flooring. These tiles are ADA-compliant, providing necessary slip resistance while adding warmth and complementing the home’s traditional aesthetic. The dark tone contrasts beautifully with the lighter walls, creating a balanced and sophisticated look.

Wall Tiles: White Marble-Style Porcelain

The walls feature white marble-style porcelain tiles, brightening the space and enhancing its elegance. This choice also ensures easy maintenance and durability, which are key factors in any high-traffic bathroom.

Color Palette: Neutral Tones

We used soft beige and taupe tones on the walls, creating a soothing and comfortable environment. These neutral shades ensure the bathroom feels inviting and homey while avoiding the sterile appearance often associated with accessible designs.

Fixtures: Bronze Finishes

Bronze fixtures, including faucets, grab bars, and towel racks, add warmth and timeless elegance to the bathroom. They tie the design together, offering a sophisticated look that complements both the dark flooring and the light wall tiles.

Sink and Vanity: ADA-Compliant Wall-Mounted Sink

The Nameeks wall-mounted sink was chosen for ADA compliance, allowing easy wheelchair access underneath.

Toilet: Kohler White Toilet

The Kohler toilet was selected for its ADA-compliant height, ensuring easy use for individuals with mobility challenges.

Challenges and Problem-Solving

As with any remodel, this project came with its share of challenges. The most significant hurdle was ensuring that all ADA-compliant elements fit within the constraints of the original home’s layout, but we’ve already discussed this quite a bit above. One of the primary challenges was working within the VA’s budget. Veterans Affairs funding for home modifications is essential but has specific limitations. Our team has extensive experience working within these guidelines, so we were able to prioritize ADA-compliant features while still leaving room in the budget for future modifications the family might need as the husband’s condition evolves. For example, we carefully selected materials and fixtures that would maximize value without compromising safety or quality, ensuring the project stayed within the VA’s funding while still providing the best possible outcome for the client.

One of our overarching goals was to ensure the bathroom didn’t feel overly medical or institutional. ADA-compliant designs can sometimes lean that way due to the necessary safety features, but we focused on creating a space that felt like home. By combining warm, neutral colors with luxurious materials like bronze fixtures and marble-style tiles, we ensured a personalized and attractive result.

Kuhn Construction Creates Islip Area Remodeling Solutions

This ADA-compliant bathroom remodel was more than just a renovation—it was about providing comfort, safety, and peace of mind for a family navigating challenging circumstances.

If you’re considering a remodel for aging in place or any other renovation to your Nassau or Suffolk County home, Kuhn Construction can help. Our team has the expertise to deliver thoughtful, functional, and beautiful spaces that meet both your current and future needs. Contact us today to learn more about how we can transform your home.