A spinal cord injury often makes your home inaccessible. Comprehensive home modifications are essential for independence, safety, and quality of life—and defendants must pay for these necessary adaptations.

Entry and Exit Modifications

Ramps

  • Permanent ramps—concrete or wood, properly graded (1:12 slope)
  • Modular ramps—aluminum systems for flexibility
  • Platform lifts—vertical lifts for higher entries

Cost range: $2,000-15,000 depending on height and materials

Doorway Modifications

  • Widened doorways—minimum 32" clear width, 36" preferred
  • Offset hinges—add 2" to existing doorways
  • Automatic door openers—power-operated for independence
  • Threshold modifications—eliminating trip hazards

Cost range: $500-3,000 per door

Bathroom Modifications

Bathrooms require the most extensive modifications:

Shower Access

  • Roll-in shower—zero threshold entry for wheelchairs
  • Shower bench or transfer seat
  • Handheld showerhead—on adjustable slide bar
  • Grab bars—properly positioned and anchored

Toilet Access

  • Raised toilet—or toilet riser for easier transfers
  • Grab bars—beside toilet
  • Clear floor space—for wheelchair approach

Sink Access

  • Roll-under sink—knee clearance for wheelchair users
  • Lever faucets—easier operation
  • Insulated pipes—protect legs from burns

Total bathroom renovation: $15,000-50,000

Kitchen Modifications

Counter and Cabinet Access

  • Lowered counters—sections at wheelchair height
  • Roll-under work areas—knee clearance
  • Lowered upper cabinets—or pull-down shelving
  • Pull-out shelves—in lower cabinets

Appliance Modifications

  • Side-by-side refrigerator—accessible shelves
  • Wall oven—at accessible height
  • Cooktop with front controls—no reaching over burners
  • Accessible sink—with knee clearance

Kitchen modification range: $10,000-40,000

Bedroom Modifications

  • Hospital bed—for positioning and transfers
  • Ceiling track lift—for bed-to-wheelchair transfers
  • Accessible closet systems—lowered rods, accessible storage
  • Environmental controls—for lights, temperature, electronics

Bedroom modification range: $10,000-30,000

Environmental Control Systems

Technology enables independence for those with limited hand function:

  • Voice-activated controls—lights, doors, thermostats
  • Smart home systems—integrated control of all systems
  • Automatic doors—interior and exterior
  • Emergency response systems—for safety monitoring

Environmental control systems: $5,000-25,000

Floor and Surface Modifications

  • Hard surface flooring—removing carpet for easier wheelchair mobility
  • Threshold elimination—smooth transitions between rooms
  • Floor leveling—correcting uneven surfaces

Vehicle Modifications

Cars with Hand Controls

  • Hand controls—for brake and accelerator: $1,000-3,000
  • Steering modifications—spinner knobs, reduced effort
  • Wheelchair storage—roof carriers, trunk lifts

Wheelchair Accessible Vans

  • Converted minivan—lowered floor, ramp: $40,000-70,000
  • Full-size van conversion—for larger wheelchairs: $50,000-80,000
  • Replacement every 7-10 years

Total Home Modification Costs

Typical range for comprehensive modifications: $50,000-200,000+

Higher costs for:

  • Older homes requiring extensive renovation
  • Multi-story homes needing elevators
  • High quadriplegics needing environmental controls
  • Custom modifications for specific needs

Building New vs. Modifying Existing Homes

Sometimes building an accessible home is more cost-effective than extensive modifications:

  • New construction can be designed accessible from the start
  • May be comparable cost to major renovation
  • Better accessibility outcomes

Life care planners evaluate the most appropriate solution.

Documenting Modification Needs

Home Assessment

A certified home modification specialist assesses:

  • Current home accessibility barriers
  • Specific modifications needed
  • Cost estimates from contractors
  • Alternative solutions if needed

Life Care Plan Integration

Home modifications are documented in the life care plan:

  • Initial modification costs
  • Replacement costs for equipment
  • Maintenance and repair allowances

Conclusion

Home modifications enable spinal cord injury survivors to live safely and as independently as possible. These are necessary, compensable expenses that defendants must pay. Proper documentation through home assessment and life care planning ensures your settlement covers your actual accessibility needs.