What you need to know: ADA Compliant Builds
Cost, Features, and What to Expect – ADA Compliant Builds
When homeowners call us about an ADA renovation, the first question is almost always the same:
“What’s this realistically going to cost?”
And honestly, that’s the right place to start.
Some projects involve a few smart safety upgrades like grab bars or a ramp. Others require full bathroom rebuilds, widened doorways, or complete layout changes so the home actually functions for long-term mobility but also so that they are able to use the entire home. The scope makes a big difference.
Additionally, building here in Myrtle Beach and Horry County brings its own considerations. Between humidity, coastal materials, inspections, and storm-rated construction, accessibility work isn’t always as simple as what you see in national cost guides.
At Stroudswood Construction, we’ve handled everything from small accessibility updates to full-home ADA renovations — including Tunnel to Towers veteran projects where durability, safety, and independence had to be built in from day one. Below is a realistic breakdown of what we see locally and how to budget properly.
Quick Cost Snapshot (Horry County Averages)
| Project Type | Typical Local Cost Range | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|
| Basic accessibility upgrades | $800 – $8,000 | Grab bars, lighting, hardware |
| Bathroom accessibility remodel | $10,000 – $30,000+ | Curbless shower, plumbing relocation, tile |
| Kitchen accessibility remodel | $12,000 – $35,000+ | Lowered counters, layout changes, cabinetry |
| Multi-room renovation | $30,000 – $75,000+ | Bath + kitchen + doors + entries |
| Elevator or lift installation | $15,000 – $60,000+ | Multi-level access solution |
National comparison data:
https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-it-cost-make-my-home-handicap-accessible.htm
Most full-home accessibility renovations we complete locally land somewhere between $20,000 and $60,000, depending on finishes and how much structural work is involved.
Why ADA Renovations Cost More Than Standard Remodels
Unlike cosmetic upgrades, accessibility work usually means changing how the home functions, not just how it looks.
That often includes:
- widening doorways
- moving plumbing
- reinforcing walls for grab bars
- increasing turning space
- modifying floor heights
Furthermore, multiple trades overlap — framing, electrical, plumbing, tile, cabinetry — which adds coordination and labor time.
So you’re not simply remodeling a room.
You’re redesigning it to make everyday life safer and easier.
Bathrooms: Usually the Largest Investment for ADA Compliance
In our experience across Horry County homes, bathrooms almost always account for the biggest share of the budget.
Once you remove tubs, rebuild showers, move drains, waterproof everything correctly, and install slip-resistant materials, costs rise quickly — but these changes are what make the space truly usable.
Common upgrades include:
- Curbless / zero-threshold showers
- Wider openings
- Built-in seating
- Reinforced grab bars
- Comfort-height toilets
- Handheld shower heads
- Slip-resistant tile
Majority of accessible bathroom remodels in Myrtle Beach fall between $10,000–$30,000+.
ADA design standards:
https://www.ada.gov/resources/2010-ada-standards/
Kitchens Require Layout Changes, Not Just New Cabinets
Kitchens are less about looks and more about reach and clearance.
That typically means lowering sections of countertop, switching to drawers instead of deep cabinets, improving turning space, and choosing easier-to-operate appliances.
Because cabinets usually need replacing or heavily modifying, these projects tend to be more involved than homeowners expect.
Majority of accessible kitchen remodels locally land in the $12,000–$35,000+ range.
Smaller Upgrades Still Add Up
Even smaller improvements matter — and when you combine several rooms, they add up fast. Furtherm
| Feature | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Grab bars | $150–$600 each |
| Door widening | $700–$2,500 per opening |
| Ramp installation | $1,000–$4,000+ |
| Non-slip flooring | $3–$12 per sq ft |
| Stair lift | $3,000–$10,000+ |
Individually manageable. Collectively significant.
Coastal Building Considerations (Often Overlooked)
Theirs something many online guides miss: coastal durability matters.
Salt air and humidity can corrode hardware, damage cheaper finishes, and shorten the life of lower-grade materials.
Therefore, we often recommend:
- stainless or corrosion-resistant hardware
- moisture-resistant flooring
- better ventilation
- higher-quality waterproofing
Although these upgrades cost a bit more upfront, they save money long-term and prevent callbacks.
Permits & Local Requirements
Many structural ADA renovations require permits/Engineering, especially when plumbing, electrical, or framing is involved. Its also good just to cover yourself for the future in case you decide to sell your property down the road.
Horry County permit info:
https://www.horrycountysc.gov/departments/code-enforcement/permits/building-permit/
Working with a licensed local builder helps avoid delays and ensures everything meets both code requirements and accessibility intent while also managing expectations. Furthermore it gives you peace of mind knowing a professional is working to give you the best product possible.
How to Budget Smartly
To keep projects smooth and predictable, we usually advise homeowners to:
• plan a 10–20% contingency
• prioritize safety and mobility features first
• choose durable materials
• think long-term (aging-in-place vs temporary fixes)
• work with contractors experienced in ADA work specifically
Proper planning upfront saves frustration later.
Final Thoughts
An ADA renovation isn’t just another remodel — it’s an investment in independence, comfort, and peace of mind.
Done right, these upgrades make daily life easier now while also allowing homeowners to stay in their homes longer.
If you’re considering an ADA-compliant renovation or accessible home build in Myrtle Beach or Horry County, Stroudswood Construction has the local experience to guide you through realistic costs, smart design choices, and a smooth construction process, we also do repairs and fixes.
Reach out anytime to talk through your project — we’re happy to walk you through the options.
Comments are closed