How to Make a Manufactured Home ADA Accessible

Manufactured homes offer an excellent foundation for creating affordable, customizable living spaces — including homes that can be made accessible for people with disabilities. Whether you’re planning for yourself, a loved one, or future-proofing your home, modifying a manufactured home to meet ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) standards is entirely possible with the right planning and upgrades.

Below are key considerations and features to help you make your manufactured home safer, easier to navigate, and ADA-compliant.

advertisement

1. Start With an Accessible Floor Plan

Many manufactured home models can be ordered or modified with open floor plans and wider doorways, both of which are essential for wheelchair access. Look for layouts that offer:

• Single-story living
• Straight, unobstructed hallways
• Rooms with a turning radius of at least 5 feet
• Optional ramps or zero-step entryways

When shopping for a new manufactured home, ask the housing consultant about ADA-compliant or accessibility-focused models. If you’re retrofitting an existing home, structural modifications may be needed to meet clearance and layout needs.

2. Add an Entry Ramp or Lift

To eliminate barriers at the front or side entry, install a ramp with a 1:12 slope — meaning for every inch of rise, you’ll need at least 12 inches of ramp. Include:

• Handrails on both sides
• Non-slip surfaces
• Flat landings at door thresholds

If space is limited, a vertical platform lift may be a more practical alternative.

3. Widen Doorways and Hallways

Most ADA standards require doorways to be at least 32 inches wide and hallways to be at least 36 inches wide. Manufactured homes may need to be modified if their original layouts don’t meet these specs.

• Replace narrow doors with wider slabs or bifold designs
• Consider removing unnecessary trim
• Reframe narrow passageways where possible

Sliding barn doors or pocket doors can also save space while maintaining accessibility.

4. Upgrade the Bathroom for Mobility

The bathroom is often the most challenging room to navigate — but it’s also one of the most important to modify. ADA-compliant bathroom features include:

• Roll-in showers with low or no thresholds
• Grab bars near the toilet and shower
• Raised toilets (17–19 inches from floor to seat)
• Wheelchair-accessible sinks with knee clearance
• Slip-resistant flooring

Pre-fab shower kits and adjustable-height showerheads can make this upgrade easier and more cost-effective.

5. Modify the Kitchen for Accessibility

Accessible kitchens require thoughtful layout and appliance choices, including:

• Lowered countertops (34″ high max)
• Roll-under sinks and cooktops
• Easy-to-reach storage (pull-out shelves, lazy Susans)
• Side-opening or wall-mounted ovens
• Lever-style faucet handles and drawer pulls

Many manufactured homes can be built with customizable kitchens, or you can work with a contractor to make post-purchase modifications.

6. Choose the Right Flooring

For wheelchair users, flooring should be smooth, level, and non-slip. Avoid thick carpets and opt for:

• Vinyl plank
• Laminate
• Low-pile carpet
• Textured tile

Thresholds between rooms should be as flat as possible to avoid catching wheels or tripping hazards.

7. Smart Home and Lighting Upgrades

Technology can greatly improve independent living. Consider installing:

• Smart thermostats, lights, and locks
• Voice-controlled assistants (like Alexa or Google Home)
• Motion-sensor lighting
• Rocker switches and touch-activated controls

Good lighting and visual contrast between surfaces also help residents with low vision navigate their homes more safely.

advertisement

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re buying a new home or renovating an existing one, manufactured housing offers flexibility and affordability for creating ADA-accessible living. By planning ahead and making key modifications, you can create a space that promotes independence, comfort, and safety — for today and the future.

If you’re ready to explore ADA-friendly manufactured floor plans or discuss accessibility upgrades, contact your local manufactured home dealer or builder. Many offer customizable options to help you build a home that truly works for everyone.