Accessibility in ADU Design

[John McCombs]

I am working with a an architect to design a 600 square-foot accessory dwelling unit to add to the back of an existing rental property in So CA. My initial anecdotal research indicates that there is a need for accessible units that include wheelchair accessible restrooms, kitchen and ingress/egress. Any ADA design recommendations or resources would be appreciated. Do the additional design and construction costs have a good ROÍ in serving this market?

[Caroline Gerardo]

Doorways, hallways, counterspaces, bath and kitchen- think 36 inches to turn a wheelchair around. Height of counter, height of everything matters, push bar rather than doorknob, have great smoke and carbon monoxide detector systems that flash lights and signal cell phone for a variety of disabilities. ADU's are generally small - design matters. I suggest it be one story or you will be adding an elevator and the cost will be high. Slopes and thresholds are another concern.

A fabulous opportunity to have grandma live in safety AND have her own pad or for anyone with a disability to live on their own with others nearby. Fabcab in Seattle has some nice pre-made ones.

Please have it be pretty as well as functional 600 feet is a bedroom, bath and kitchen - lots of light and open to a patio will make it feel large