Accessible Bungalow Features to Plan When Building or Renovating

The most valuable accessible bungalow features are a no-step entry, 36-inch doorways, wide hallways, a curbless walk-in shower, main-floor laundry and lever handles throughout. They are far cheaper to include during construction or a major renovation than to add later. Because a bungalow already puts daily living on one floor, it is the easiest home style to make fully accessible.

Why build accessibility into a bungalow?

Accessible design is not only for people who use wheelchairs. It helps parents with strollers, anyone recovering from surgery, older relatives who visit and you in the decades ahead.

A bungalow gives you a big head start, since there are no stairs between the kitchen, bedrooms and bathroom. Add a few smart decisions during construction and the whole main floor can work for almost anyone. The thinking behind this is called universal design, explained in our post on universal design principles for bungalows.

Entrances and exterior

The entrance is the first barrier, so get it right early.

• No-step entry: set the main floor and grading so at least one entrance has no steps. The garage entry is often the easiest place.
• Wide entry door: plan a 36-inch door with a low threshold.
• Covered landing: a roof over the entry keeps snow and ice off.
• Lighting: bright, motion-activated lights at every exterior door.
• Smooth paths: firm, level walkways from the driveway to the door.

Doorways, hallways and floors

Inside, think about how someone using a walker or wheelchair would move through the house.

• 36-inch interior doorways for main rooms and the main bathroom.
• Wide hallways with room to turn.
• Lever door handles instead of knobs.
• Flush transitions between flooring types, with no raised thresholds.
• Pocket or barn-style doors where a swinging door would block space.
• Firm, slip-resistant flooring such as vinyl plank, tile with a matte finish or hardwood.

Accessible bathroom design

The bathroom is where planning pays off most.

Feature	Why it matters	Cost to add later
Curbless walk-in shower	No step-over; works with a shower chair	High: floor must be recessed or sloped
Wood blocking in walls	Grab bars can be added anytime	Medium: walls must be opened
Handheld shower on a slide bar	Seated or standing use	Low
Comfort-height toilet	Easier to sit and stand	Low
Open space under the vanity	Seated use at the sink	Medium
Clear floor space for turning	Room for wheelchairs and helpers	High: walls may need to move

Ask your builder to recess the shower floor during framing. A curbless shower is simple to build at that stage and costly to retrofit.

Kitchen and laundry

Kitchen

• Drawers instead of deep lower cabinets.
• Wall oven and microwave at counter height.
• Cooktop with front or side controls.
• Some counter space at a lower height, or space to sit at the sink.
• Wide clearances between the island and counters.

Laundry

Put the laundry on the main floor near the bedrooms. Front-loading machines on raised pedestals reduce bending. This is one of the features buyers ask about most.

Controls, electrical and future-proofing

Small electrical decisions make a big difference later.

1. Light switches a little lower and outlets a little higher than standard.
2. Rocker switches and lighted switches in hallways.
3. Wiring for a future stair lift to the basement, or space for a small residential elevator.
4. Smart home wiring for video doorbells, smart locks and voice control.
5. A main-floor room that could become a bedroom for a caregiver.

Talk with your designer about which Ontario Building Code requirements apply and which features go beyond code. Building permits are required for new construction and most major renovations. An occupational therapist can also review plans if a household member has specific needs.

Do accessible features affect resale?

Accessible features can widen your buyer pool. Downsizers, retirees and multigenerational families actively look for no-step entries, main-floor laundry and walk-in showers.

The key is good design. Features that look like clinical equipment can turn some buyers off. Features that look like stylish, open design appeal to everyone. You can see which accessibility-friendly layouts are on the market using our home comparison tool.

Frequently asked questions

How wide should doorways be for accessibility?

A 36-inch doorway is a common target for wheelchair and walker access. Ask your designer about clear-width requirements for your specific plan.

Is a curbless shower worth it?

For most new builds and major renovations, yes. It is much cheaper to build in during construction than to add later, and it looks clean and modern.

Can an existing bungalow be made accessible?

Usually, yes. Bungalows are among the easiest homes to adapt because living is on one floor. The entrance and bathroom are the most common projects.

Build it once, live in it longer

Accessible features cost the least when they are part of the original plan. Focus on the entrance, doorways, bathroom and laundry, and the rest follows.

If you are planning a new build, our new bungalow construction timeline shows when each decision needs to be made.