How can a home be renovated to make it accessible and adapted?
In Spain, millions of people with disabilities face the daily challenge of finding or adapting their home to make it accessible. Removing architectural barriers in the home is not only a functional necessity; it is an investment that radically improves the independence, safety, and quality of life of its inhabitants, as well as increasing the long-term value of the property.
Below, we detail the technical keys and aids available to transform any home into a fully adapted dwelling.
Legal framework and technical accessibility standards
The design of an accessible home must comply with the Technical Building Code (CTE), specifically in its Basic Document on Safety of Use and Accessibility (DB-SUA). This regulation establishes strict parameters to guarantee mobility:
- Passage widths: Doors must have a minimum clearance of 80 cm and corridors at least 90 cm to allow wheelchair access.
- Maneuvering space: In key rooms, it must be possible to draw a circle with a diameter of 1.20 m free of obstacles to allow for complete turns.
- Neighborhood communities: According to the General Law on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, communities are required to make reasonable adjustments (such as ramps or elevators) if requested by a neighbor over the age of 70 or with a disability, provided that the cost does not exceed certain legal limits.
Essential renovations for reduced mobility
For accessible housing to be functional, the environment must be adapted to the person, not the other way around.
The bathroom: the critical safety point
The most common renovation is to replace the bathtub with a walk-in shower (Italian style) with non-slip flooring. It is essential to install grab bars, toilets raised to a height of approximately 50 cm, and wall-mounted sinks that allow a wheelchair to be positioned directly in front.
Ergonomic kitchens
An adapted home requires countertops located at a height of 80-85 cm, with a free space underneath for the legs. The use of furniture with folding shelves or removable modules is recommended to facilitate effortless access.
Deletion of levels
It is vital to eliminate any steps, using ramps with a recommended slope of less than 10%. In multi-story homes, stairlifts or platform lifts are effective solutions that do not require major structural work.
Adaptations for sensory disabilities and home automation
Universal accessibility also covers visual and hearing needs:
- Visual impairment: Priority should be given to the use of color contrasts on door frames and step edges, as well as abundant lighting and signage in Braille or relief.
- Hearing impairment: The reform should include flashing and vibrating warning systems connected to doorbells, telephones, and fire alarms.
- Home automation: The use of voice assistants and smart systems allows you to control lights, blinds, and climate control, providing a high degree of independence.
Aid and subsidies for your accessible home
There are various public programs to finance these renovations and reduce household expenses:
- Plan Adapta Madrid 2025: Offers subsidies of up to €30,000 per home, covering between 50% and 90% of the cost of the work for people with disabilities or rare diseases.
- Next Generation EU Funds: Aid for the renovation of buildings, including improvements in accessibility and energy efficiency.
- Tax benefits: Renovation work can benefit from a reduced VAT rate of 10% and even a super-reduced VAT rate of 4% on specific equipment such as lifting platforms.
In conclusion, renovating to achieve accessible housing is a strategic decision that guarantees a safe home that is prepared for the future. With proper technical planning and the support of current subsidies, it is possible to remove any barriers and regain full autonomy in the home.
Do you want to renovate your home and adapt it to make it accessible? At Studio by Clikalia we can help you design a comprehensive, personalized renovation that is tailored to your needs. Ask us for a free quote and we will get in touch with you.
