The bathroom is where most home falls and injuries happen, and for Colorado Springs homeowners managing mobility changes, chronic pain, or planning ahead for aging in place, it is often the first room that needs to change. A properly designed accessible bathroom does not have to look clinical or institutional. Done well, it is a functional, safe space that holds up over time and works for everyone in the household.
ThriveStar Remodeling builds accessible and aging-in-place bathrooms throughout Colorado Springs. Chris Shannon and his team work with homeowners, family members, and caregivers to understand the specific needs driving each project and design solutions that fit both the space and the people using it. Every project is handled by a licensed general contractor with full permits pulled where required.
Call (719) 602-1307 or request your free estimate.
Accessibility work ranges from straightforward additions like grab bars to full bathroom redesigns with new plumbing layouts and structural modifications. Here is what ThriveStar Remodeling handles:
A standard shower curb is one of the most common tripping and stepping hazards for older adults and people with limited mobility. A curbless shower eliminates the step entirely, creating a flush transition from the bathroom floor into the shower. We waterproof, tile, and finish curbless showers to the same standard as any custom shower installation. Linear drains are commonly used to manage water flow in a zero-threshold configuration.
Grab bars need to be installed into wall studs or with proper backing to hold under load. Decorative grab bars installed into drywall alone are a liability. We install grab bars at toilet, shower, and tub locations using proper blocking or into structural framing, positioned at heights that make functional sense based on the user's needs.
Walk-in tubs include a door entry that eliminates the need to step over a high tub wall. Walk-in showers with low or zero-threshold entries achieve a similar result for showering. Both are significant upgrades for homeowners with limited mobility or balance concerns. See our walk-in tub page and walk-in shower page for more detail on each option.
Smooth tile and polished surfaces become dangerous when wet. We install slip-resistant tile and flooring options appropriate for wet bathroom environments. Smaller mosaic tiles with more grout lines also provide better traction than large-format smooth tile and are a common choice for accessible shower floors.
Standard toilet heights sit around 15 inches, which can be difficult for people with limited knee or hip mobility to use. Comfort-height or ADA-compliant toilets sit between 17 and 19 inches, making it easier to sit down and stand up without requiring a separate toilet riser.
Standard interior doorways are typically 24 to 28 inches wide, which does not accommodate a wheelchair or walker. ADA guidelines recommend a minimum clear width of 32 inches, with 36 inches preferred. We widen bathroom doorways as part of an accessible remodel when clearance is needed.
A built-in shower bench or fold-down shower seat allows someone to bathe while seated, reducing fall risk and fatigue. We build custom tiled benches into shower enclosures or install fold-down wall-mounted seats depending on the available space and preference.
A handheld showerhead on an adjustable slide bar allows someone seated in the shower or in a shower chair to bathe without difficulty. This is a lower-cost addition that makes a meaningful functional difference and is often included as part of a broader accessible shower remodel.
For wheelchair users, standard vanity cabinets block the ability to roll under the sink. A roll-under or wall-mounted vanity creates open knee clearance beneath the sink so the basin is accessible from a seated position. We build and install these as part of a full accessible bathroom redesign.
These two terms are related but not the same thing, and it is worth understanding the difference before starting a project.
ADA stands for the Americans with Disabilities Act. ADA guidelines are a specific set of dimensional and structural requirements that apply to public buildings and commercial spaces. Residential homes are generally not legally required to meet ADA standards, but the guidelines are widely used as a benchmark for accessible residential design because the measurements are well-established and practical.
Aging-in-place design is a broader concept focused on designing a home to remain livable and functional as a person's physical abilities change over time. It draws on ADA guidelines but also incorporates comfort, aesthetics, and personal preference. The goal is a bathroom that works today and continues to work ten or twenty years from now without requiring another major remodel.
ThriveStar Remodeling builds to both frameworks depending on what each homeowner needs. For clients who need a specific level of ADA compliance, we build to those specs. For clients who are planning ahead and want a bathroom that ages gracefully with them, we design around aging-in-place principles. See our full bathroom remodeling page for an overview of our general remodeling services.
Accessible bathroom projects require more upfront planning than a standard cosmetic renovation. The specific needs of the person using the space drive nearly every decision, from grab bar placement to shower entry height to doorway width.
We start with a free in-home estimate and a conversation about what is driving the project. Whether that is a recent fall, a mobility diagnosis, a family member moving in, or simply planning ahead, understanding the full picture lets us design something that actually solves the problem rather than just checking a box.
From there we develop a scope, walk you through material and fixture selections, pull any required permits, and handle the complete build. Most accessible bathroom remodels complete in two to three weeks depending on scope. We give you a clear schedule before work begins and a written workmanship warranty when the project is done. See our warranty page for details.
ADA bathrooms meet the specific dimensional standards established by the Americans with Disabilities Act, which is primarily a commercial and public building standard. Aging-in-place bathrooms use similar principles but are designed for residential use, balancing safety and accessibility with comfort and aesthetics. Most homeowners benefit from an aging-in-place approach rather than strict ADA compliance.
Yes, or into proper blocking installed behind the drywall. A grab bar anchored only into drywall will pull out under load and is a serious safety hazard. ThriveStar Remodeling installs all grab bars with structural backing, positioned at heights appropriate for each individual user.
In most cases, yes. A curbless shower requires proper waterproofing and a sloped floor to direct water toward the drain, which our team handles as part of the installation. The feasibility depends on the existing plumbing configuration and floor structure. We assess this during the free estimate.
Cost depends heavily on scope. A grab bar installation and comfort-height toilet swap is significantly less than a full accessible bathroom redesign with a curbless shower, wider doorway, and roll-under vanity. ThriveStar Remodeling provides free, itemized estimates so you know exactly what your project will cost before work begins. Request your estimate here.
This depends on your specific plan and circumstances. Some Medicare Advantage plans, Medicaid waiver programs, and VA benefits cover home modification costs for qualifying individuals. A licensed occupational therapist can sometimes provide documentation that supports coverage. We recommend checking with your insurance provider or a benefits coordinator directly. ThriveStar Remodeling does not handle insurance billing but can provide documentation of the work performed.
Grab bar installation typically does not require a permit. Widening a doorway involves structural work and generally does require a permit. Any project involving plumbing or electrical changes also requires permits. As a licensed general contractor, ThriveStar Remodeling handles all permit applications and inspections when they are required.
We serve Colorado Springs and surrounding communities within approximately 20 miles, including Manitou Springs, Monument, Falcon, Black Forest, Fountain, Broadmoor, and Woodland Park.
Whether you are planning ahead or responding to an immediate need, we make it straightforward to get started. Call (719) 602-1307 or request your estimate online and we will schedule a time to visit your home, assess the space, and talk through your options.