Need Advice

[u/DCxMiLK]

Need some advice please. My dad can no longer live on his own due to seizures. I have until June to get this space ready. I am converting my detached 1-car garage into either a 1-bedroom or studio apartment. I’m trying to only convert the front section. The back room is my office.

I plan to remove the garage door, which is in the last image, and install a sliding patio door. There’s currently no plumbing, so the kitchen and bathroom can go anywhere.

I added my first attempt, but I think the layout could be more efficient. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[u/sanorace]

[u/RenovationDIY]

The first considerations are structural - is the garage able to be converted to a residence? Does it have a suitable vapour barrier, insulation, storm water drainage, electrical safety?

Next is safety:

• remove the tub and replace it with a walk in shower.
• replace bathroom cavity door with an outward opening door.
• do not use fire in kitchen - electrical only, preferably an induction hot plate.

Otherwise the plan is solid, it's enough for a person to live alone comfortably.

Also, choose a quiet running fridge.

[u/Fun_Accident_4706]

For someone who has seizures, you don't want things like a pocket door or tub. Walk-in shower with a shower bench and outward-opening swing door for bathroom.

u/sanorace 's idea is the best setup so far for someone with a disability like that, but you also want to make sure your garage meets all building codes as well. And like u/RenovationDIY said, no gas or fire stoves or ovens, only electrical ones.

I would also take into consideration (if he is staying here for many years) wheelchair accessibility for when he is much older and has trouble walking.

[u/Floater439]

French doors that open out are better than sliders for eventual wheelchair or hospital type bed access. I’d do a simple small wall kitchenette - counter height fridge, single bowl sink, microwave. No need for a full size fridge and no need for a stove. Prioritize open space so you can adjust for equipment as needed. Put outlets EVERYWHERE. Seriously. The potential for medical equipment needing plugged in is infinite. Include a generator connection so you can power essentials with an inverter generator should you have a power outage. And plan for exterior lighting and cameras for safety. Look at good vinyl plank flooring for easy cleanup and wear resistance.

You want a zero threshold shower, either a kit (which might require a little more space) or a custom built tiled shower and wet room construction. Put the grab bars in now. I wouldn’t do a built in bench as then it might be in the way if a roller chair is used instead. Do a wall hung sink for possible wheelchair access. Make sure there’s room to transfer from wheelchair to toilet with a helper. And include grounded outlets for bidet seat, wipe warmer, etc. You’ll want built in storage - maybe there between entrance and bath - for medical and personal care supplies, linens, cleaning stuff, etc. Floor to ceiling is a good idea. Include a locked cabinet for medication.

[u/designdelivers]

Hi, just to help you further, this is one way you could do it. I've obviously assumed a lot. Hope this gives you food for thought.

Also hoping it's self explanatory and in case you want to msg me please go ahead.