What Do ADA Bathroom Requirements Mean for Architects?

Bathroom architecture design is subject to a number of standards and expectations, just like any architectural project. The question comes down to what kind of standards your project will need to abide by. In most cases, bathroom architecture must follow ADA bathroom requirements, but those requirements will look different depending on your project’s specifics.

Get Educated on ADA Bathroom Requirements

Before getting started on any architectural project, take some time to familiarize yourself with the types of ADA standards that are out there and how they may (or may not) affect the bathroom architecture design you’re envisioning. For example, you’ll want to know what the ADA bathroom requirements say about:

• The dimensions of the toilet
• How far off the ground the sink can be
• Available space within the bathroom
• Shower seats
• Grab bars (inside and outside the shower)

Know What Kind of Showers Are ADA Compliant

One of the most crucial things to get right in any bathroom, but especially in ADA bathroom designs, is the shower. Thankfully, the ADA is very specific with its requirements for shower design. The factors you’ll need to consider include:

• Clearance
• Standing floor space (i.e., the size of the room)
• Grab bars 
• Seats
• Controls and hand showers
• Thresholds 
• Enclosures 
• Water temperature

It’s important to note that different types of showers are subject to additional ADA bathroom requirements. For example, a roll-in shower unit needs to be designed so someone can use it while in a wheelchair, which means it requires different accommodations than a transfer shower.

ADA bathroom requirements aren’t reserved for roll-in or transfer showers, though. Even a “traditional” shower should keep ADA compliance in mind. When selecting a shower unit for your bathroom architecture design, be sure to look for options that are either already ADA compliant or can become compliant at a later date (via the installation of a shower seat or grab bar, for example).

Work With a Professional Shower Manufacturer\

Bathroom architects are fully capable of looking into the ADA bathroom requirements they need to abide by, but working with a professional shower manufacturer can make that process far smoother. Why would you want to spend time researching standards when you could talk to a manufacturer who already knows all about those standards and can equip you with the exact model you need?

At EverFab, every fiberglass shower we make is ADA, FHA, and/or ANSI compliant. We have models that come with ADA compliant grab bars and seats pre-installed, and we have models designed to have those features installed at a later date or as needed. And if we don’t have the kind of model your ADA bathrooms need, we can work with you to make a custom solution that will! 

If you have any questions about ADA bathroom requirements and the shower models you’ll need to comply with those requirements, get in touch with us today! We are ready and waiting to help you with all of your ADA bathroom needs.