Reinforcement is the part nobody sees
In a 1990s or 2000s subdivision bathroom, wall cavities were framed for a standard vanity and towel bar — not for the load a grab bar or a fold-down seat needs to carry. Adding that reinforcement, and getting curb-free shower slope right, are structural questions before they're finish questions.
Build a complete scope
- Where blocking and reinforcement go in, and what they are sized to carry
- Threshold height, pan slope, and turning clearance for the fixtures chosen
- Surfaces and hardware rated for constant wet use rather than looks alone
- Whether the door opening has to widen, which reaches framing
- Permits, inspection points, and what the workmanship warranty covers
Cary context
Cary is dominated by planned neighborhoods, late-twentieth-century homes, premium renovations, and continuing infill on Piedmont clay. Homes here tend to be recent enough that structural surprises are less common than in older housing stock, which can make accessibility retrofits more predictable to scope.