The Ultimate ADA Home Design Guide: Features for Every Room
When people hear ADA home design, they often assume it’s just ramps and wider doors. In reality, accessible homes include dozens of features—some obvious, some subtle, and some surprisingly innovative. What’s “typical” to a builder isn’t always typical to a homeowner and that’s why the best approach is education first. At Stroudswood Construction, we’ve completed ADA-focused renovations and full home builds throughout Horry County, including Tunnel to Towers home renovations, where accessibility had to be comprehensive, durable, and thoughtfully designed from the ground up. Its also important to know all the different features that could be included in your new home/Renovation.
Below is a complete, room-by-room breakdown of standard, recommended, and optional ADA features—so homeowners can see everything that’s possible.
🚿 ADA Bathroom Features (Standard + Advanced)
Bathrooms are one of the most important spaces in an accessible home but they are often overlooked.
| Feature | Category | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Curbless / zero-threshold shower | Standard ADA | Eliminates trip hazards |
| 36”+ shower opening | Standard ADA | Improves mobility access |
| Slip-resistant flooring | Standard ADA | Reduces fall risk |
| Grab bars (properly placed) | Standard ADA | Stability and safety |
| Comfort-height toilet | Standard ADA | Easier transfers |
| Handheld shower head | Standard ADA | Flexible bathing |
| Built-in shower seating | Recommended | Stability without add-ons |
| Touchless faucets | Recommended | Reduces strain |
| Smart toilets with bidet | Advanced | Independence and comfort |
| Thermostatic mixing valves | Recommended | Prevents scalding |
| Motion-activated night lighting | Advanced | Improves nighttime safety |
| Heated floors | Optional | Comfort and circulation |
| Anti-fog mirrors | Optional | Better visibility |
ADA bathroom guidance:
https://www.ada.gov/resources/2010-ada-standards/
🍽️ Ulitmate ADA Kitchen Features/design (Standard + Smart)
Kitchens should be functional for everyone.
| Feature | Category | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 36”+ clear walkways | Standard ADA | Wheelchair clearance |
| Lever-style handles | Standard ADA | Easier operation |
| Lowered countertop sections | Standard ADA | Seated usability |
| Pull-out drawers instead of cabinets | Recommended | Easier access |
| Pull-down upper shelving | Recommended | Access without reaching |
| Touchless faucets | Recommended | Hands-free control |
| Side-opening wall ovens | Recommended | Safer cooking |
| Induction cooktops | Recommended | Reduced burn risk |
| Smart plugs & switches (Alexa) | Advanced | Voice-controlled appliances |
| Motorized upper cabinets | Advanced | Button-controlled access |
| Appliance status alerts | Advanced | Cognitive support |
Smart home accessibility:
https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/devices/how-alexa-can-help-make-homes-more-accessible
🛋️ Living Areas & Hallways (Flow & Function)
Open, predictable spaces reduce physical and mental effort but also help keep peace of mind.
| Feature | Category | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 36”+ doorways | Standard ADA | Mobility clearance |
| Open floor plan | Recommended | Easier navigation |
| Flush flooring transitions | Standard ADA | Trip prevention |
| Lever-style door handles | Standard ADA | Easier grip |
| Reinforced walls for future grab bars | Recommended | Future-proofing |
| Smart lighting switches | Recommended | Easier control |
| Motion-activated lighting | Advanced | Hands-free safety |
| Voice-controlled lighting scenes | Advanced | Reduces effort |
| Sound-dampening walls | Optional | Sensory comfort |
Accessibility features overview:
https://comfortalife.com/accessibility-enhancements/accessibility-features/
🛏️ Bedrooms & Private Spaces
Bedrooms should be designed to support comfort, rest, and independence.
| Feature | Category | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Wide doorways | Standard ADA | Mobility access |
| Clear turning radius | Standard ADA | Wheelchair maneuvering |
| Lowered closet rods | Standard ADA | Reachable storage |
| Drawer-based closet systems | Recommended | Less bending |
| Smart lighting controls | Recommended | Nighttime safety |
| Voice-activated blinds | Advanced | Hands-free control |
| Bedside control panels | Advanced | Centralized controls |
| Emergency alert systems | Recommended | Added peace of mind |
🚪 Entryways, Doors & Multi-Level Access
Access into and through the home is critical.
| Feature | Category | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Zero-step entry | Standard ADA | Seamless access |
| Non-slip exterior surfaces | Standard ADA | Safety in wet conditions |
| Lever door hardware | Standard ADA | Easier operation |
| Power-assisted doors | Recommended | Independence |
| Stair lifts | Recommended | Maintains multi-story access |
| Residential elevators | Advanced | Long-term solution |
| Smart locks & video doorbells | Advanced | Visual + voice control |
| Covered entryways | Recommended | Weather protection |
Visitability concept:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visitability
👁️ Sensory, Cognitive & Neurodivergent-Friendly Features/design
Accessibility isn’t just physical.
| Feature | Category | Who It Helps |
|---|---|---|
| High-contrast finishes | Standard | Low vision |
| Adjustable lighting tones | Recommended | Sensory sensitivity |
| Visual alarm & doorbell alerts | Recommended | Hearing impairments |
| Voice-controlled home hubs | Recommended | Limited mobility |
| Color-zoned rooms | Optional | Cognitive orientation |
| Smart routines & reminders | Advanced | Memory support |
| Sound-masking systems | Optional | Autism, PTSD |
Smart home accessibility research:
https://www.meegle.com/en_us/topics/smart-home/smart-home-automation-for-accessibility
🌿 Outdoor, Garage & Utility Spaces
Often forgotten—but just as important.
| Feature | Category | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Level patio transitions | Standard ADA | Outdoor access |
| Motion-lit walkways | Recommended | Safety |
| Smart garage door control | Recommended | Remote access |
| EV chargers with reachable height | Optional | Future-ready |
| Raised garden beds | Optional | Outdoor usability |
| Accessible storage layouts | Recommended | Safer organization |
Why This Matters in Myrtle Beach & Horry County
In coastal South Carolina, accessibility must work alongside:
- Humidity control
- Storm-rated construction
- Long-term durability
- Aging-in-place planning
When accessibility is designed from the beginning, homes feel intentional and not adapted later.
At Stroudswood Construction, we combine ADA knowledge, coastal construction experience, and real-world accessibility projects (including Tunnel to Towers renovations) to build homes that truly work for everyday life.
Final Thought: Show the Options
Most homeowners don’t know what’s possible—until they see it.
By including standard, recommended, and advanced ADA features, you also empower people to make informed decisions and design homes that support independence now and in the future.
If you’re considering an ADA home renovation or accessible home build in Myrtle Beach or Horry County, Stroudswood Construction is ready to walk you through every option and build a home that fits your life.
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