Creating a sensory room is a fantastic way to support individuals with sensory processing needs and varied abilities, offering a dedicated space for relaxation and regulation. While some may choose to take the DIY approach to build a sensory room, there are significant differences between DIY sensor rooms and professionally installed sensory rooms.
We understand that not everyone has the funding and facilities to install a professional sensory room, but we aim to ensure the disadvantages are highlighted for safety and awareness in this blog, to help you create the most safe, and accessible sensory room that provides you the best long-term value for your investment.
Limited Expertise in Design & Planning
When we install sensory rooms professionally, it’s carefully planned to cater to the specific needs of its users. Our experts consider factors such as sensory integration, space optimisation, and accessibility. DIY sensory rooms, on the other hand, often lack the same level of detail due to lack of installation knowledge, leading to layouts and equipment that may not be as effective or user-friendly.
Without professional input, there’s a risk of:
- Overcrowding the space with too many incompatible elements.
- Missing key sensory components that could enhance engagement and/or other sensory benefits.
- Poor room layout can reduce the effectiveness and accessibility of the equipment.
- Incorrectly installed equipment could lead to safety hazards or damage to both your equipment and room structures down the line.
Safety Concerns
One of the biggest drawbacks of a DIY sensory room is the potential safety risks. All professional installations follow strict safety standards, ensuring that equipment is securely & fitted correctly, wires are contained, and materials are durable and non-toxic.
DIY setups may pose risk from:
- Electrical hazards from improperly installed lighting or interactive equipment.
- Loose wires presenting a trip hazard or unsecured items that could tip over or cause injury.
- Non-fire-retardant materials that don’t meet safety regulations.
For safety to be a priority within sensory rooms, it is important to ensure that your chosen professional installer is up-to-date with industry standard training and regulations (such as NICEIC). Regular service and maintenance will also provide that extra peace of mind that your equipment is safe and secure over the years.
Limited Durability & Quality
While a DIY sensory room may initially seem cost-effective, it may not hold up over time. Many DIY sensory rooms rely on household or lower-quality materials that wear down quickly with regular use, although understandable, this poses a much higher risk of equipment being unsafe to use or breaking.
Professional sensory room installations use:
- Heavy-duty, commercial-grade equipment designed for frequent use.
- Robust materials that are easy to use and maintain.
- Well-tested products that provide long-lasting reliability.
Over time, the cost of replacing or repairing any equipment can outweigh the investment in a professionally installed sensory space.
Lack of Support & Warranty
When investing in a professionally installed sensory room, ongoing support is included, from initial design to post-installation maintenance. We also provide warranties on equipment, ensuring that a range of faults or damages are covered.
With a DIY sensory room:
- There’s no aftercare service or troubleshooting support.
- Repairs and replacements must be managed independently, which can be costly.
- The lack of warranties on homemade or store-bought equipment means there’s a higher risk of unexpected expenses.
Final Thoughts
While a DIY sensory room may seem like a cost-effective and flexible option, it often lacks the safety, durability, and customisation of a professionally installed sensory room.
If you’re considering a sensory room for your home, school, workplace, care facility and more, contact us today to explore our professionally designed solutions and find the perfect fit for your space!
