Bathrooms Built for Safe Independent Use

ADA compliant bathroom construction and renovation in Des Moines

You need a bathroom that allows you or a family member to move safely without assistance, and in Des Moines, that means installing fixtures, layouts, and supports that meet federal accessibility standards. Whether you are adapting a home for aging in place or accommodating a wheelchair user, the difference between a standard bathroom and one built to ADA guidelines shows up in door width, floor clearance, grab bar placement, and the height of every fixture.

Brinkerhoff Construction LLC works with homeowners in Des Moines to build or remodel bathrooms that comply with ADA requirements, including barrier-free showers with roll-in access, toilets mounted at the correct height with reinforced backing for grab bars, and sinks installed with knee clearance underneath. We measure turning radius, verify slope on shower floors, and confirm that controls and accessories fall within reach ranges defined by the code.

If you are ready to plan a bathroom that supports independence and meets accessibility standards in Des Moines, reach out to discuss your layout and requirements.

What Changes During an ADA Bathroom Build

Your project in Des Moines starts with measuring existing space and identifying which walls need reinforcement to support grab bars rated for 250 pounds of force. We remove standard tubs or shower stalls and install curbless shower pans with slip-resistant surfaces, then position a fold-down bench and handheld shower head within the correct zones.

After the work is finished, you will notice wider doorways that allow a wheelchair to pass without obstruction, lever-style faucet handles that operate with minimal grip strength, and a toilet positioned so that transfer from a mobility device happens without awkward reaching or twisting. The sink sits high enough to roll under, and the mirror tilts or extends low enough to be used from a seated position.

We also install blocking behind drywall even if grab bars are not immediately needed, verify that all thresholds sit flush or below the half-inch maximum, and use nonslip flooring rated for wet conditions. The layout follows turning radius requirements so that maneuvering inside the room does not require backing out, and all hardware is installed at heights that match ADA reach range charts.

Questions that come up during planning

Homeowners often ask about the specific measurements and fixture choices that separate an accessible bathroom from a standard remodel, especially when working within the footprint of an existing room.

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What makes a bathroom ADA compliant?
A compliant bathroom includes at least 60 inches of clear turning space, grab bars anchored into blocking, a roll-in or transfer shower with controls no higher than 48 inches, and a toilet with the seat between 17 and 19 inches from the floor. Door width, sink height, and mirror placement must also meet code.
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How much space do I need for a wheelchair-accessible shower?
You need a minimum of 36 by 36 inches for a transfer shower or 30 by 60 inches for a roll-in shower with no curb. The shower must include a fold-down seat, grab bars on three walls, and a handheld spray unit mounted on a sliding bar.
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Why do grab bars require blocking in the walls?
Grab bars must support at least 250 pounds of force, which standard drywall cannot handle. We install plywood or solid blocking between studs during construction so the bars anchor securely and do not pull free under weight or sudden movement.
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What is the correct height for an accessible sink?
The rim of the sink should sit no higher than 34 inches from the floor, with at least 27 inches of clearance underneath to allow a wheelchair user to roll close. Hot water pipes must be insulated or positioned to prevent leg contact.
Black line drawing of a house with a hammer above it, implying home repair or renovation.
When should I plan an ADA bathroom remodel?
You should plan the remodel before mobility limitations make the current bathroom unsafe or before a family member returns home from a hospital or rehabilitation facility. Early planning allows time to apply for permits, order correct fixtures, and complete the work without rushing.

Brinkerhoff Construction LLC builds ADA compliant bathrooms in Des Moines using the measurements, materials, and reinforcement methods required by federal guidelines, and we coordinate inspections to verify that the finished space meets code. Contact us to review your floor plan and start the permitting process.