10 Affordable Ways to Improve Accessibility in Your Home

10 Affordable Ways to Improve Accessibility in Your Home

Making your home more accessible doesn't have to be expensive.

Whether you’re a homeowner looking to adapt your space for aging family members or a landlord seeking to improve the inclusivity of your property, there are cost-effective ways to enhance accessibility. Here are 10 affordable tips to make your home safer and more comfortable for people with disabilities, mobility challenges, or limited strength.

1. Install Grab Bars

Cost: $20–$50 per bar
One of the simplest and most affordable ways to improve accessibility is by installing grab bars in key locations, such as bathrooms. These bars provide support and help prevent falls when getting in and out of the shower, bathtub, or near the toilet. You can find grab bars in various designs and colors to match your bathroom’s aesthetic, and they’re easy to install with basic tools.

2. Add Non-Slip Flooring

Cost: $15–$50 for slip-resistant mats or rugs
Slippery floors can be a hazard for individuals with mobility challenges. You don’t have to replace your entire floor to make it safer. Non-slip mats or adhesive strips can be placed in high-risk areas like the kitchen, bathroom, and entryways to reduce the risk of slipping. Another option is to place non-slip rugs or rubber mats in key locations, which are an inexpensive and effective solution.

3. Install Lever Door Handles

Cost: $20–$40 per handle
Traditional round doorknobs can be difficult for individuals with limited hand strength or dexterity. Replacing these with lever-style door handles can make opening doors much easier for everyone. Lever handles can be installed with just a screwdriver, and they’re available at most hardware stores. This small change can have a big impact on overall accessibility.

4. Use Portable Ramps

Cost: $100–$300
Portable ramps are an affordable alternative to permanent ramps for individuals who use wheelchairs, scooters, or walkers. These ramps can be placed over steps, small staircases, or uneven thresholds to make entering and exiting the home easier. Since they are portable, they can also be moved to different areas of the house as needed, making them a flexible and cost-effective solution.

5. Lower the Closet Rods

Cost: $10–$20 for a rod lowering kit
Standard closet rods are often too high for individuals who use wheelchairs or have limited mobility. Lowering the closet rod is a simple, low-cost improvement that can make closets more accessible. Adjustable closet rod kits allow you to easily lower the height without needing professional installation.

6. Improve Lighting

Cost: $20–$100 for LED lights and light switches
Adequate lighting is essential for improving visibility and preventing accidents, especially for individuals with visual impairments. Installing brighter, energy-efficient LED bulbs in key areas like hallways, stairways, and entryways can make a big difference. Additionally, consider installing motion-sensor lights or rocker-style light switches, which are easier to operate than traditional toggle switches.

7. Widen Doorways with Swing-Clear Hinges

Cost: $20–$30 per hinge
Widening doorways can be expensive, but there’s a budget-friendly alternative. Installing swing-clear hinges, also known as offset hinges, allows the door to open completely and provides extra clearance without structural changes. This can make it easier for individuals who use wheelchairs, walkers, or other mobility aids to pass through doorways.

8. Use Smart Home Devices

Cost: $30–$150 per device
Smart home technology can enhance accessibility for individuals with mobility or cognitive challenges. Devices like smart doorbells, thermostats, or voice-activated assistants (such as Amazon Alexa or Google Home) allow users to control their home environment without needing to move around. These devices are becoming more affordable, and many can be integrated easily into an existing home setup.

9. Add Handheld Showerheads

Cost: $20–$50
Installing a handheld showerhead makes showering much easier for people with limited mobility or those who need to sit while bathing. Handheld units can be adjusted for different heights and are simple to install in place of a traditional showerhead. Many models come with easy-to-use, ergonomic controls, making them both practical and budget-friendly.

10. Install Threshold Ramps

Cost: $30–$70 per ramp
Small thresholds between rooms can pose a challenge for individuals with mobility aids. Installing threshold ramps in doorways or over uneven transitions between rooms can make moving around much easier. These ramps are small, inexpensive, and easy to place, requiring no major renovations.

Small Changes, Big Impact

Improving accessibility doesn’t have to involve major renovations or large expenses. Many of these small, affordable changes can make a home more comfortable and safe for everyone, whether it’s for aging in place, accommodating guests with mobility challenges, or simply creating a more inclusive environment. By making these updates, you can ensure that your home is welcoming to all—without breaking the bank.