You don’t need to break the bank or go overboard to make your home comfortable and accessible for everyone. You only need to plan carefully when designing your home and make sure to include knee clearance in the details. 

Are you planning to build a new home or renovate an old one? This article will explore everything you need to know about making your home compliant for ADA knee requirements. Read on:

What is knee clearance and why does it matter?

Knee clearance is the space under a counter, desk or sink that allows you to sit comfortably. It is especially useful for those in wheelchairs or people with physical disabilities. Without it, accessing some spaces might just be impossible. Ensuring ADA knee clearances in this type of space makes day to day living easy and comfortable.

ADA knee clearance Dimensions to know 

There’s no legal consequences for not meeting knee clearance ADA standards in your home. However, the people in your home will feel its effect and suffer the consequences. Below are some of the measurements to aim for to achieve proper ADA knee clearance in your home:

• Height: At least 27 inches from the floor to the underside of the surface.
• Width: Minimum 30 inches
• Depth: At least 19 inches

These measurements are meant to accommodate the legs and knees of a person in a wheelchair comfortably. 

Where to incorporate knee clearance in your home

• Kitchen

There are some surfaces in the kitchen that must have enough space underneath them to allow easy accessibility such as:

• Prep surfaces 
• Roll-under sinks with insulated pipes
• Cabinets
• Pull out shelves 

If there is enough space under these surfaces, approaching them comfortably becomes an easy task.

• Bathroom

Floating vanities or sinks require space underneath them so people in wheelchairs can roll up to them easily. Lowered mirrors and countertops should be installed to have knee clearance. And you can install accessible shower benches for those that find it difficult to stand up while bathing.

Tips for remodelling or designing with accessibility in mind 

• Plan early 

Ensure that when you include knee clearance in the design phase. Adding it after will cost you more time and money.

• Use floating cabinetry: install wall-mounted vanities and sinks in your home. They provide clearance while ensuring your kitchen remains neat and clean.

• Install multi-height surfaces: Consider mixing standard and accessible-height counters in your kitchens.

• Don’t use bulky base cabinets in areas where sufficient space is needed.

Conclusion 

Knee clearance is important in an accessible home because it helps to promote dignity, independence and comfort among members of a family. 

When building your home, ensure to incorporate ADA knee clearance into your home design. And if  your space is already completed before including it in your design, you can renovate your home to meet ADA standards.