ADA standard for bathroom area?

[deaconjj]

Allen,

Cool - always good to "do the right thing" even when you don't "have to".

There are some things to watch for doing a retirement Condo project.

After a certain number of units, your state may require that a percentage of units be fully accessible (could mean elevators if none are in already). A fully accessible second means of egress is also one of the recent updates to accessibility codes. For units that need not be fully accessible, do a web-search on universal design. ADA-compliant bathrooms are square-foot killers, and you may find some neat compromises that make bathrooms useable for the elderly without losing too much valuable space.

Parking also (van-accessible spaces in addition to ordinary accessible spaces) could become a planning issue.

Lastly, you may want to check with your professional liablity insurance carrier regarding the impact of condos on your premium (if this is your first townhouse/condo, it could be a shocker). If you're premium goes up, get it back in your fee, as it was caused by this particular project. You may also want to get input from your local zoning and building officials (regarding ADA stuff), as this seems like a sizeable project (and getting them familiar will help down the road with filing).

Insurance goes up because condos and townhouses are among the highest litigated construction projects (high exposure to multiple users, who likely will form an association - less legal costs to the individuals; and a lot of players to sue - designer, developer, builder, investors....).

Just trying to give some heads-up from experience. Sounds like a great project - just dot your i's and cross your t's!