What work can be done to make existing housing accessible to PRMs?

2023-11-05 23:00:00

Know accessibility standards

First of all, know that if you own accommodation in an old building, you have no obligation (unless the building is intended for major renovation work) to make it accessible to PRMs. You can still take this step in a house or apartment that you ownon your own initiative, whether for your benefit or that of your tenant.

To do this, you can follow the accessibility standards that govern the construction of new buildings. It is often possible to have them applied as part of a renovation. To be sure, ask an architect or building professional for a BIM demo. This is a computer modeling which can allow, in your case, to‘evaluate the constraints linked to a building. This way you will know if this work is possible. For more details, you can consult the definition of BIM on batiadvisor.fr.

Here are the standards issued by the Construction and Housing Code:

Standards	Mandatory requirements	Requirements for common areas of collective buildings	Other additional amenities
Front door width	0.90 meter minimum	–	–
Width of stairs	0.80 meters minimum	–	–
Access to balconies and terraces	No hindrance by a threshold	–	–
Health room configuration	Installation of a shower suitable for PRMs	–	–
Switch at the entrance to each room	Height between 0.90 meters and 1.30 meters	–	–
Electrical connections and sockets	Maximum height of 1.30 meters	–	–
Places de parking	Minimum width of 3.30 meters	Located less than 30 meters from the accommodation	–
Building access ramp	Illuminated, signposted, maximum inclination of 5%	–	–
Accommodations accessible by elevator	Mandatory for building permits following October 1, 2018	–	–
Accessible elevators	Dimensions and controls adapted for disabled people	–	–
Accommodations on the ground floor or accessible by elevator	20% must comply with PMR standards	–	–
Wheelchair access to accommodation, living room and toilets	Mandatory	Simple adaptation work is enough	–
Recessed thresholds at sliding patio doors	–	–	Facilitate access
Accessible low storage	–	–	Equipped with sliding doors
Automated or remote arrangements	–	–	Improve accessibility
Handy door handles	–	–	Make doors easier to handle

The key elements of accessibility

The elevator, an essential installation

One of the problems most frequently reported by people with reduced mobilitywhether or not they are in a wheelchair, is the absence of a functional elevator. If you own an apartment and want to make it accessible, start there. For install an elevator in an old building, you will need the agreement of the co-ownership (and that of the neighborhood if the device is installed on one of the facades). We also come back to the technical constraints linked to the building, which will require a simulation before the start of the work.

The stair lift, for two-story houses

Stair lifts are a less expensive solution for make it easier to go up and down stairs. It is ideal for individual homes.

Access ramps

The access ramp allows a person using a wheelchair to cross a drop (threshold, step, small staircase). They are essential to allow PRMs to travel in complete safety.

A suitable bathroom

Using a conventional bathroom can be a real ordeal for people with reduced mobility. To make this room accessible, you can do the following:

• Installing grab barswhich must be securely fixed and judiciously placed (near the toilet, at the entrance to a shower);

• Replacing the bathtub with an accessible shower, with level access, much more practical for disabled people than the traditional bathtub. Italian showers are an interesting solution.

Generally speaking, furniture, switches and equipment should be installed at a suitable height for a person in a wheelchair.

How much does accessibility work cost?

As for the budget, it is very difficult to quantify the cost of the work. It all depends on the adjustments you want to make. For exemple :

• Installation of a standard shower, including accessories and labor of qualified craftsmen: between 3,000 and 6,000 euros;

• Stair lift: around 3,000 euros;

• Lifting platform: from 5,000 to 10,000 euros.

Please note that you can obtain state aid for these renovations.

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