Disability Bathrooms FAQs

Focus on accessibility and safety. Ensure there is ample room for a wheelchair to manoeuvre, install grab bars, and choose a non-slip floor. Consider a walk-in shower or wet room, a higher toilet seat, and a sink that is accessible from a seated position. Lever taps and reachable storage are also essential.

Yes, you may be eligible for financial assistance through the Disabled Facilities Grant offered by local councils in the UK. This grant can help cover the costs of making your home more accessible, including modifications to bathrooms.

To qualify for a Disabled Facilities Grant, you must have a disability and own the property or be a tenant. An occupational therapist will assess your needs and confirm the adaptations are necessary and appropriate. Your local council will also assess your financial situation to determine any contribution you might need to make.

Essential aids include grab rails, a raised toilet seat, a shower seat, and non-slip mats. Consider lever-operated taps and an emergency call system. Adjustable or floating vanities can also be beneficial, allowing wheelchair users better access.

Wet rooms can offer safer and more flexible use for individuals with disabilities, as they remove the need for shower trays and any level changes on the floor. This makes it easier to access the shower, either independently or with assistance.

Doorways should be at least 750mm wide to accommodate a wheelchair, but ideally 800mm or more for easier access. Check that the door opens outwards or is a sliding door to maximise space inside the bathroom.

Doorways should be at least 750mm wide to accommodate a wheelchair, but ideally 800mm or more for easier access. Check that the door opens outwards or is a sliding door to maximise space inside the bathroom.

The sink should be mounted at a height accessible from a seated position, typically around 740mm from the floor, and should not have a cabinet underneath to allow knee clearance. The taps should be within easy reach.

The size of a disability bathroom should allow for a turning circle of 1500mm diameter for a wheelchair. This provides sufficient space for manoeuvrability and assistance if needed, alongside room for fixtures that are accessible.

Typically, you do not need planning permission for internal alterations, including extending a bathroom within the existing footprint of your house. However, if you are building an extension, planning permission might be necessary.

While you generally don't need to notify the council for internal renovations, if the work involves structural changes or if you're using a grant like the Disabled Facilities Grant, you must inform the council. It's also good practice to ensure all work complies with local building regulations.