Affordable Sensory-Friendly Bathroom Upgrades for Inclusive Design

Costello & Care

When it comes to inclusive design, you shouldn’t have to choose between beauty, function, and affordability. At Costello & Co, we specialize in intentional, behavior-informed home remodeling—creating spaces that support the needs of neurodivergent individuals and their families.

What sets us apart?

We’re women-owned, family owned, LGBTQ-inclusive, and one of the only remodeling companies in the region to offer consultation from a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Lauren, our in-house BCBA, works directly with our team and your family to guide layouts and features that actually support independence, safety, and sensory regulation. Whether your child has been diagnosed with autism, other neurodivergent disorders, or is simply learning to navigate the world in their own way, we’re here to build a space that works for them.

And you don’t need a full gut renovation to do it.

Here are some affordable, impactful upgrades that can transform your bathroom into a supportive, inclusive space—without a major overhaul.

Sensory-Friendly Shower Solutions

Walk-In Shower with Bench and Grab Bars

You don’t need a custom tile job to make your shower more accessible. A slimline bench and strategically placed grab bars can reduce anxiety around transitions and promote independent bathing routines.

Rain Shower Head with Handheld Hose

Ideal for those with sensory sensitivities, rain shower heads offer gentle water flow, while a handheld hose adds flexibility for caregivers and supports self-care routines.

Adjustable Shower Head with Variable Pressure Settings

Families can test out what works best—whether a soft mist or a firmer spray. A great entry-level sensory upgrade.

Lighting for Mood and Function

Bluetooth Light Fixture with Sound

Install a Bluetooth-enabled light that plays calming music or white noise to make daily routines more peaceful and predictable.

Dimmer Switches and Soft, Warm Lighting

Harsh lighting can trigger sensory overload. Adjustable, natural-toned lighting helps create a calm, spa-like environment.

Motion Sensor Night Lights Helpful for children learning nighttime routines, these reduce trip hazards and support independent toileting.

Layout and Organization Upgrades

Wall-Mounted Soap Dispensers

Keeps clutter to a minimum and supports motor planning for kids with fine motor delays or executive functioning challenges.

Towel Warmer Rack

An added sensory comfort, especially helpful for individuals who need extra motivation or sensory input during self-care routines.

Visual Schedules or Routine Boards

Designate a wall or cabinet space for laminated checklists or visual supports. These subtle additions promote autonomy and reduce verbal prompting.

Behavior-Informed Bathroom Modifications | From a BCBA's Perspective

Separate Toilet from Sink or Shower

when possible

This can reduce competing contingencies, a term Lauren uses often with families when working on potty training goals. Less distraction = better focus on learning.

Install a Toilet Rail or Support Frame

Adds safety and encourages confidence, especially for kids or adults who require extra balance or support.

When a Walk-In Tub Makes Sense

If your loved one struggles with fear of water, balance challenges, or overstimulation in the bath, a walk-in tub can be a transformative upgrade. Compact models exist for tight spaces, and some can be installed without a full bathroom demo.

What Makes Costello & Co Different?

We believe inclusive remodeling should be just that—inclusive. That means flexible to your family, your lifestyle, your goals, and your budget.

What truly sets us apart is our behavior-informed design approach, rooted in Lauren’s expertise as a BCBA. She’s spent over 10 years within the field of Applied Behavior Analysis and has worked inside many family homes, working with neurodivergent children, teens with sensory needs, and adults building independent living skills. She knows how a space can make or break a routine & Michelle, our founder, knows how to build it.

Whether you’re updating a kid’s bathroom for safety and accessibility or creating a more peaceful routine space for a sensory-sensitive teen, these small upgrades can lead to big changes.

Were here to help!

Whether that’s through full-service remodeling or a one-time consultation to guide your next steps.

Contact us today to learn more about our inclusive, behavior-informed remodeling services.Serving Oakland County and beyond.

Every family deserves a space that works.

Let’s start with what you have, and build from there.

Proudly serving Michigan and the Metro Detroit & Oakland County area including: Birmingham, Royal Oak, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield, Rochester Hills, Beverly Hills, Troy, Ferndale, Rochester.