Rule of thumbRecommended
Aging-in-place blocking
AGING-IN-PLACE-BLOCKINGDescription
Install solid blocking in bathroom walls during framing to allow future grab-bar installation. Costs nothing at framing; expensive to retrofit.
Why this exists
Universal-design best practice. Most homes will eventually need it.
Categories
Accessibility
Source
AIA Residential Knowledge Communityno manifest entry
Best practices for residential design (—)
Section: Compiled professional consensus
Published 2024-01-01 · last verified 2026-05-09
Solver enforcement
Browsable only — the solver does not currently enforce this directive (no spec-level data to check against). This entry exists so the architect personas can cite it in conversation and the user can read what the rule says.
Related directives
- Switch height: 44 in AFF (universal-design optimum), 48 in (code max), 36 in (kids) · ROT/EXT-SWITCH-HEIGHT
- Zero-step entry: at least one entry with NO step from grade to threshold (≤ ½ in lip) · ROT/EXT-AIP-ZERO-STEP-ENTRY
- Roll-in shower readiness: blocked walls for grab bars, linear drain, slip-resistant floor, OR install at construction · ROT/EXT-AIP-ROLL-IN-SHOWER-READINESS
Last reviewed 2026-05-09.