I have a all-on-one-level comdo that has had an elderly tenant in it for a number of years. As he has aged, I (and he) have added handicapped features- access ramp, grab bars, and ADA toilet. He will likely move in with family in the next year, so I am getting ready to turn over the unit. My question is: if I make this fully a handicapped unit by changing out one tub to a walk-in shower, does that seem like a good idea? I know all RE is local, but a fully accessible handicapped unit should be worth a premium price, right? (It's in a very good neighborhood.) Anyone have any experience with handicapped units? What should I be considering? Thanks --67.172.xxx.xxx

Love your idea, but I'm not sure about your intended market. Many people who are disabled enough to need all the bells and whistles can't afford a premium price. --68.156.xx.xx

Thanks, Steve. I guess I didn't really mean 'premium price'. I was just thinking that an ADA unit should get 10-20% more than the same non-ADA unit, and if getting there is cheap enough, I could take the final step... --67.172.xxx.xxx

Test the market right now,throw an ad on craigslist that does not have your number and do not respond to anyone so they can't stay in touch with you,just put the details,neighborhood and price you want to test for and see if you get any responses,if you don't get any responses maybe not worth it but maybe you will get enough responses that it would be worth doing. --72.231.xxx.xxx

Not sure of the philosophy to charge more just bc someone needs handicapped access to be able to live in a place that someone else not handicapped would not pay more for. So renovate it and make it accessible and charge mkt rate whether handicapped or not. That way you expand your market to handicapped & non handicapped. Perhaps someone handicapped will stay longer bc of hassle of finding another place. A great selling tool. --24.178.xxx.xx

I have several 50+ (not 60 yet) women tenants with bad knees and backs who would embrace a more ADA space but not over the top. We have added grab bars in some spaces but if it's a more universal appeal place, hold off on making it like a nursing home. It's a balance. --173.22.xx.xx

BRAD --68.50.xx.xxx

When we redid my master bath at my house, we put in the support for grab bars, just in case. Getting ready to tear out a wall to put them in at mom's. Cheaper to put in the supports from behind the shower than to tear out the shower. --64.251.xxx.xxx

This is all great info! Thanks! One thing that has me thinking is that I currently have a ramp to the front door. Not sure that would appeal to everyone, but some would be very happy to have it. I think I'm going to try to go for something like 'updated nearly-ADA', since taking out the ramp would be a step backwards, and you're right - I don't want to tear out my perfectly good tub if I don't have to. I like the idea of a craigslist test to float the idea around here and see what the market will bear...I'm also right around the corner from the hospital...another draw for a certain crowd! --67.172.xxx.xxx

I think it's a great idea - one I would like to pursue as I have the opportunity. Accessible housing is hard to find, and I believe if it meets a person's special needs, they will stay a long time. --68.105.xxx.xxx