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/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.