Designing around the person
Every accessible bathroom is different because every user is different. A bathroom designed for someone with reduced mobility but full standing balance is not the same as one designed for a wheelchair user. The grab rail positions, the door width, the floor space, the shower seat — all of these change based on the individual.
Where the customer is happy for us to do so, we work alongside occupational therapists to plan the room. The OT understands the day-to-day needs; we understand the construction and the trades involved. Together that produces a much better outcome than either side can deliver alone.
What we install
Walk-in showers and wet rooms
Level-access — no step over a tray. The most-requested feature of accessible bathrooms because it removes one of the biggest fall risks in the home. See our wet room service for the construction detail. We use slip-resistant tile (R11 minimum) in the wet zone.
Grab rails and support
Positioned to current guidance, securely fixed (not just into plasterboard), and finished in a way that complements the rest of the bathroom. We can supply standard chrome, brushed nickel, white powder-coated and matt black finishes.
Shower seats and benches
Wall-mounted folding seats (fold up when not needed), fixed benches, or built-in tiled benches in larger wet rooms. Properly fixed into structural backing — never just into plasterboard.
Thermostatic, lever-handle showers
Anti-scald thermostatic valves are essential. Lever handles are easier than rotating knobs for users with reduced grip strength or arthritis.
Comfort-height and wall-hung WCs
Wall-hung WCs let us set the height to suit the user — typically 450–500mm seat height for accessibility, versus the standard 400mm. Comfort-height floor-mounted WCs are an alternative where wall-hanging isn't practical.
Lever taps and accessible basins
Lever-action taps, single-control mixer taps, or sensor taps where appropriate. Basins at appropriate height, often with knee clearance underneath for seated use.
Widened doorways
Where wheelchair access is needed, we widen doorways to a clear 800mm minimum (often 850mm+ where the route requires it). Outward-opening doors are standard so the door doesn't block access in an emergency.
Slip-resistant flooring
Non-negotiable in any accessible bathroom. R11 tile in wet zones, R10 minimum elsewhere. We can also fit safety vinyl floors where tile isn't suitable.
Disabled Facilities Grants (DFG) and funding
DFGs are means-tested grants administered by Shropshire Council to help fund essential adaptations including bathroom work. The process typically involves:
- OT assessment to establish what's needed
- Quotes from approved contractors (we can provide these in the required format)
- Application submission
- Approval (or otherwise)
- Work carried out by approved contractors, paid against the grant
We've worked alongside Shropshire Council-funded schemes on accessible bathrooms in Bridgnorth and across the county. We're familiar with the documentation requirements and can break out costs in the format the council needs.
Other funding sources worth investigating:
- Independence at Home (charity grants for essential adaptations)
- Turn2us (grant search for individual circumstances)
- SSAFA (for serving and former armed forces personnel)
- RBL (Royal British Legion)
- Local trust funds — some Shropshire-specific grants exist
$Bridgnorth considerations
Older properties in Bridgnorth present specific accessibility challenges:
- Floor structure. Suspended timber floors in Victorian and Georgian properties often need reinforcement before a level-access wet room can be installed.
- Drainage. Where gravity falls to the soil stack aren't possible, we install rated shower pumps.
- Doorway widths. Older homes often have narrow doorways — widening can require structural work which we coordinate.
- Steps and thresholds. Sometimes the bathroom is on a different level — important to factor in if access from the bedroom matters.
We'll assess all of these at the site visit and tell you honestly what's achievable.
What's included
- Site visit and accessibility assessment
- Coordination with OT where applicable
- Strip-out and waste removal
- Structural work — floor reinforcement, doorway widening
- Drainage including pump installation if required
- Tanking and wet zone waterproofing
- Slip-resistant tiling
- Grab rails properly fixed into structural backing
- Thermostatic, anti-scald shower system
- Lever taps, accessible basin, comfort-height or wall-hung WC
- Electrical work — light switches at accessible height where needed
- Final clean and full demonstration
- Compliance certificates and documentation
- 12-month workmanship guarantee
Related reading
- Accessible bathroom design for elderly or disabled homeowners
- Wet room installation for wheelchair users
- Wet room installation
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an accessible bathroom cost in Bridgnorth?
Costs vary by scope. A walk-in shower conversion in an existing bathroom typically £3,500–£6,500. A full mobility-friendly wet room: £7,500–£12,000+. We provide itemised quotes after a site assessment, and we can break costs down to help with funding applications if needed.
Can I get help with funding?
Yes. Disabled Facilities Grants (DFG) are administered by Shropshire Council and can cover all or part of accessible bathroom adaptations for eligible applicants. We work with occupational therapists and Local Authority schemes and can provide quotes in the format they require. Charities such as Independence at Home and Turn2us also offer assistance.
How long does an accessible bathroom installation take?
Most accessible conversions take 10–14 working days. We plan the work carefully to minimise the period without bathroom access, and we can sometimes phase the job to keep a usable WC for as long as possible.
What features should an accessible bathroom include?
Common features: level-access shower (no tray to step over), grab rails (positioned to current standards), slip-resistant flooring (R11 minimum in wet zones), thermostatic shower (anti-scald), wall-hung WC at appropriate height, lever taps, well-positioned switches and accessible storage. The right combination depends on the user — we plan each installation around the individual.
Will the bathroom still look nice?
Yes. There is a perception that accessible bathrooms have to look clinical. They don't. Modern grab rails come in finishes that match contemporary brassware. Level-access wet rooms can be among the best-looking bathrooms in the house. We design for both function and finish.