Wheelchair Accessible Property listings  Find out which properties and homes  for sale in the Phoenix area have wheelchair access, aging in place accessible. The attached listings cover the Phoenix valley including Gilbert, Mesa, Chandler, Paradise Valley, Scottsdale, Sun Lakes, Sun City, Glendale, Queen Creek, Gold Canyon, Cave Creek, Goodyear, Avondale, Maricopa and more.   Searches have been set up to include features including a bathroom roll-in shower, roll under bathroom sinks and roll under kitchen sinks.

Seach Phoenix area Wheelchair Accessible/Handicap properties by the following features:     

• Bathroom Roll-In Shower
• Bathroom Roll-Under Sink
• Kitchen Roll-Under Sink
• Zero Grade Entry

Sign in and be automatically notified of wheelchair, accessible homes for sale in the Phoenix Arizona area.  Let me know what you're looking for and I can customize a multiple listing service (MLS)  search for you including accessible single family homes, condo's, townhouses, etc.    

 E-mail me accessible homes Be sure to specify the features you are looking for.

Current Trends and Direction for Accessible Homes

"Visitability" is a term that promotes three design criteria for single-family or owner occupied homes: 1.) a zero-step entrance, 2.) doors with 32 inches of clear passage space, and 3.) one bathroom on the main floor with wheelchair access.  Another definition would be the amount of ease with which a person that is disabled, uses a wheelchair or walker can negotiate a home.

"Universal Design" is concept where homes are designed today to meet the needs of tomorrow, with a vision of creating a barrier free "lifetime home". By adopting certain guidelines, universal design  promotes independent living that  allows the home to remain functional as the occupants/owners grow older and experience the disabilities that come with aging.  

Veterans:  

Be aware of special programs that are available for members with specific service-connected disabilities. You may be eligible or qualify for a Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grant or a Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) grant.  Go to VA Adapted Housing Grants for more information. 

An important feature in any home incorporating universal design is the master bathroom and shower.  In this picture the bathroom shower has no edge and therefore allows a chair to be rolled into the shower.  The shower uses a roman drain.

What makes a house wheelchair accessible friendly?

1. No step entry to the front door.

2. Doorways with at least 32" of clearance, preferrably  35" if possible.

3. Tile or hardwood floors instead of carpet.

4. Pull out kitchen cabinet shelves.

5. Support bars/handles in bathrooms.

6. Open floor plan that provides maneuverability.

7. Recessed cabinet underneath the sink with modified plumbing.

8. Lever handles instead of door knobs.

9. Roll-in bathroom shower.

Post - Purchase Accessibility Modifications

It is very unlikely that you will find a house with all the modifications needed for complete wheelchair accessibility. Some people need more modifications and features than others.  Here are some pictures done by a contractor that specializes in wheelchair/handicap remodeling:

One of the most difficult but important remodeling challenges is in the master bathroom and involves the shower.  Below you can see before and after photos of a bathroom where most people would have thought a roll in shower was not an option.

Before remodeling:  After remodeling: 

A very important criteria to be aware of when considering modifying the master bathroom to accomodate a roll-in shower is the type of foundation of the home.  A potential homeowner considering modification must understand the difference between a slab on grade and post tension slab.

A loan to finance custom wheelchair modifications

When you find a home that does not have all the modifications you need, and may not have the money to make all the upgrades, it would be a good idea to talk to a loan officer about a FHA 203(k) loan.  This is a perfect way to customize and select the modifcations you need and include them in the loan. 

Another option for handicap modification is through a program sponsored through the Arizona Bridge to Independent Living (ABIL). The Home Modification Program is for low to moderate income persons.  Through block grants in Phoenix, Glendale, Mesa, and Peoria, homeowners pay 10% of the cost of the modifications.  There is a cap on the cost of the modifications.

Sign up for a customized search of wheelchair accessible homes.  This is a specialized search that other websites do not offer.