ACA & Accessibility Features to Add During a Bathroom Remodel

When designing a bathroom that balances comfort, safety and accessibility, it’s all about creating a space where everyone feels both confident and independent. Many Canadians remodel their bathrooms and homes for aging parents, mobility challenges and other future-proofing purposes, so a frequent question that pops up is: Do I need to follow ACA standards at home?

This is where things often get a little confusing. The ACA (Accessible Canada Act) is technically aimed at public and commercial buildings, rather than private homes. However, the principles behind the act, space, safety and usability can also be incredibly valuable when planning a residential bathroom remodel.

At Senso Design, we help Toronto homeowners to create bathrooms which are both accessible and luxurious. Whether you are planning an aging-in-place bathroom remodel or looking to incorporate universal design bathroom features into your space, our goal is simple: to make accessibility beautiful, practical, and personal.

Key Takeaways

• ACA standards are a great starting point—not a legal requirement—for home bathrooms.
• Use CSA B651 and Accessible-Ready Housing (CAN/ASC-2.8:2025), plus provincial codes, as your reference points.
• Focus on circulation space, grab bar placement, ACA guidelines, and ACA toilet height for safety.
• Use slip-resistant materials (DCOF ≥ 0.42) and smart lighting to reduce fall risks.
• Barrier-free bathroom design adds comfort and value to any home.
• Partner with experts like Senso Design for custom, accessible renovations tailored to your lifestyle.

ACA Standards vs. Residential Best Practices

Right from the get-go, the ACA bathroom guidelines were written for public facilities, such as restaurants, offices and shopping centres. There, compliance is mandatory, compared to private homes, where there’s more flexibility.

That said, smart homeowners borrow from the ACA and Accessibility Standards Canada, such as CAN/ASC-2.8:2025 – Accessible-Ready Housing, to create bathrooms accommodating for everyone, whether children, seniors or wheelchair users.

Here at Senso Design, we use these standards as a blueprint and combine them with your unique space and design vision to create the perfect combination between form and function. Instead of some cookie-cutter compliance, you get a bathroom that is as accessible as stylish. Who said accessible design has to look institutional?

Space & Circulation Requirements

Any accessible bathroom requires adequate space to move freely. So, any ACA bathroom remodel must take into consideration the wheelchair turning radius, which should be at least 60 inches of clear floor space. With this clearance, you can ensure full and comfortable turns without bumping into any walls or fixtures.

Doorways should have at least 32 inches of clear width, but especially in older Toronto homes, this is easier said than done. If you want to avoid tearing down walls, there are swing-clear hinges or pocket doors to achieve the same effect.

If you have the space, open floor plans also make a huge difference, as fewer obstructions mean you can navigate safer, especially if you use a walker or wheelchair.

Accessible Showers & Bathtubs

When it comes to showers, a tall curb or slippery base are clear signs that it’s time for an upgrade. Look at a roll-in shower accessibility setup, which is commonly known as a curbless shower, which allows seamless entry for wheelchair users or anybody with limited mobility.

• Slope & drainage: A tub or shower should have a gentle slope of ¼ inch per foot, which directs water toward a linear drain, preventing puddles and reducing the risk of slipping.
• Grab bars: Following the grab bar placement ACA guidelines, they should be installed horizontally at 33–36 inches from the floor, with reinforced walls for secure mounting.
• Seating: Built-in or fold-down benches are a great way to add comfort and safety for users who prefer to sit while bathing.
• Shower controls: For best results, use a handheld showerhead on a slide bar, so the height can be adjusted to ensure an easy reach and flexibility for multiple users.

If you have a bathtub, a barrier-free bathroom design doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye to soaking in a nice, relaxing bath. With reinforced walls and transfer-friendly designs, you can easily enter and exit while maintaining the aesthetics and functionality of your bathtub.

Curious about project costs? Explore How Much Does a Bathroom Remodel Cost in Toronto? to get an idea of what to budget for.

Toilet & Sink Accessibility

Toilets are where you can really see how accessible a bathroom really is. ACA and ASC standards recommend a toilet height between 17 and 19 inches above the finished floor, commonly referred to as “comfort height.” This makes it ideal for seniors and anybody with joint issues.

Just like in the shower, grab bar placement is also crucial here: one on the sidewall (42 inches long, 12 inches from the rear wall) and one behind the toilet for stability.

If you want to make your bathroom fully accessible, you’ll have to think beyond appearances for the vanity. An accessible sink knee clearance of at least 27 inches high, 30 inches wide, and 19 inches deep ensures wheelchair users can approach it comfortably. It will require offset plumbing and rounded edges to add safety and style. Add to that touchless or lever faucets, and you’ll be able to work the sink even with limited grip strength.

Flooring & Slip Resistance

If you’ve ever stepped onto a wet tile floor and felt like you’re on a hockey rink without grip, you already know that slip resistance is important. The ACA recommends a DCOF (Dynamic Coefficient of Friction) of at least 0.42 for wet areas. The higher the number, the safer the surface.

The best flooring choices for slip-resistant bathroom flooring include:
Textured porcelain or ceramic tiles
Small-format tiles with extra grout lines for grip
Luxury vinyl tiles designed for moisture-prone areas

All of these options don’t just guarantee safety but also low maintenance, so it’s a win-win. During design consultations, Senso Design will help you find the best balance between traction and cleanability, so you can enjoy your bathroom and not worry about scrubbing grout lines.

Lighting & Visibility Features

If you or a loved one has reduced vision, then you know that good lighting can be a game-changer.

Consider this:

• Overhead lighting for general illumination
• Task lighting around mirrors and vanities
• Motion-activated night lights for late-night trips

If you want to take it one step further and get some additional help visually distinguishing key features, consider adding high-contrast finishes, such as a dark countertop against a light vanity. Also, consider mounting mirrors at different heights, so both seated and standing users can use them.

As you can see, you don’t always need big, dramatic changes to reduce accidents and make your bathroom welcome and accessible to everyone.

Smart & Touchless Upgrades

Technology has also found its way into bathrooms, and just for convenience. Motion-activated faucets and touchless flush toilets reduce the need for twisting and turning. Voice-activated lighting, fans, and showers ensure a great balance between convenience and safety.

If you have children or seniors in your home, consider anti-scald thermostatic valves to automatically regulate water temperature to prevent burns.

Imagine saying, “Alexa, start the shower at 38 degrees,” and walking into the perfect temperature every time. Doesn’t get much better.

Budget-Friendly vs. Full Remodel Options

If you’re worried about the cost, you don’t have to completely redo your entire bathroom to improve accessibility. Let’s have a look at your options:

Quick Wins ($500–$1,500):

Add grab bars, swap out door handles for levers, upgrade lighting, or install non-slip mats and brighter bulbs.

Mid-Range Upgrades ($1,500–$6,000):

Install a comfort-height toilet, replace the flooring with slip-resistant materials, widen doorways, or consider swapping your vanity for one with an open knee space.

Full Remodel ($6,000+):

If your current space doesn’t allow for simple solutions or you want to go all out, you can also reconfigure the entire layout to accommodate a wheelchair turning radius, install a curbless shower, and integrate smart technologies throughout.

No matter which one is right for you, Senso Design can help you create an accessible bathroom design checklist that fits your space, budget, and goals.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Everybody approaches a project with good intentions, but sometimes, when homeowners try to tackle an accessibility project on their own, they can hit roadblocks. Here are a few pitfalls to steer clear of:

• Installing grab bars into drywall without blocking them will cause them to fail when you need them most.
• Keeping narrow doorways that limit mobility device access.
• Buying “non-slip” flooring without verifying the DCOF rating.
• Forgetting temporary accessibility solutions during construction (like portable ramps).

If you have a remodel planned, check out our blog Avoid These 8 Bathroom Renovation Mistakes: Expert Tips for even more insight from our experienced renovation team.

Post-Remodel Accessibility Audit

Once everything is done, go through this DIY quality check before moving back in with our simple, accessible bathroom design checklist to confirm that:

• Grab bars are at ACA-specified heights.
• Toilets sit between 17–19 inches AFF.
• Showers drain properly with the correct slope.
• Flooring meets DCOF ≥ 0.42.
• Doorways and circulation areas meet accessibility clearance.

At Senso Design, our experts always do a final walkthrough to ensure your bathroom isn’t just functional, but really barrier-free. We test drainage, slope, and fixture placement against ACA and CAN/ASC-2.8:2025 standards to ensure you have the best possible safety and peace of mind.

Why Choose Senso Design for Accessible Remodelling

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, as families’ needs and spaces are different, so this is where Senso Design really shines. We’ve helped countless Toronto homeowners turn cramped, outdated bathrooms into open, modern spaces that combine universal design bathroom features with the looks you want. Check our completed projects to see the transformations for yourself.

Throughout the entire process, our team will collaborate closely with you, listening, planning, and personalizing every detail, from mobility-friendly layouts to subtle accessibility solutions that blend in instead of standing out.

And if you’re ready to start planning your own remodel, 10 Tips for Hiring a Bathroom Remodelling Contractor will help you find the right team (hint: you’ve already found one).

Creating an Accessible Bathroom That’s Safe, Stylish, and Future-Ready

When looking at an accessible bathroom, keep in mind it’s not just for today but an investment in independence and peace of mind for years to come. From ensuring ACA shower requirements to choosing slip-resistant flooring and smart tech, you can add several layers of safety and convenience to your bathroom.

At Senso Design, we believe that accessibility does not have to mean sacrificing elegance. Whether you need a few efficient upgrades or a complete aging-in-place bathroom remodel, our Toronto-based team has decades of experience that your project will benefit from.

Ready to make your bathroom safe, comfortable and accessible? Contact Senso Design today for a free consultation and a custom accessibility-focused design plan.

FAQs

Is ACA compliance required in my home?

No, private homes don’t need to meet ACA codes. However, using its guidelines will ensure your bathroom is safe, functional, and future-proof.

What’s the ideal shower size for accessibility?

For a wheelchair-accessible shower, plan for a minimum of 36 x 60 inches of clear space, with an entry at least 36 inches wide.

How do I choose slip-resistant flooring?

Look for materials rated with DCOF ≥ 0.42 and avoid high-gloss tiles. Textured porcelain or luxury vinyl are great options.

Do I need special permits for an accessible remodel?

In most cases, yes, especially if you need to change the plumbing, structure, or electrical layout. Your Senso Design project manager will handle the paperwork for you.