The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulates businesses and commercial facilities, ensuring they’re accessible for the disabled patrons. If your completed commercial construction project isn’t ADA-compliant, disabled visitors can’t use your space, and you may face a discriminatory lawsuit. As you work with your building contractor, avoid some common mistakes by asking them to equip your bathrooms with the essential ADA features.

A Commercial Construction Guide to Restroom ADA Compliance

1. Grab Bars

This feature has specific installation requirements because it provides support for people sitting and standing. The bars should be at least 36 inches long and placed behind the toilet, between 33 and 36 inches above the floor. They can also be installed next to the toilet if they’re at least 42 inches long and no further than one foot from the back wall.

Grab bars must have at least an inch and a half of space around them for people to use them effectively, and you should avoid installing other features, like the toilet paper dispenser, too close.

2. Sinks

Sinks should be installed at 30” wide x 48” deep clear maneuvering floor space in front of sink. With a 8” min. knee clearance under the sink. There should be room underneath the sink to accommodate people in wheelchairs. Faucets should be easy to turn with one hand, but automatic sensor faucets are ideal because they’re more convenient. The sink should be at least 60 inches away from the toilet so that it doesn’t subtract from the maneuvering space.

3. Doors

Door handles should be easy to turn with one hand; however, lever handles or an automatic opener is ideal because it’s easier for disabled people to use. The doors should swing outward so that they don’t cut into the turning clearance inside the restroom. Doorways should be at least 32 inches wide to accommodate wheelchairs and mobility aids from all obstacles.

An experienced commercial construction team will ensure your property is ADA-compliant. Since 1969, Curtis Law Construction has helped Kauai businesses construct buildings and facilities that meet all local codes and regulations. Learn more about their commercial construction services online, or call (808) 246-0676 to discuss your project with a skilled contractor.