A Special Company to do Special-Needs Construction / Exterior

July 2, 2012 - PRLog -- The rights of the disabled or physically challenged are protected by laws in New York State. Although legislation mandating rights and opportunities is an important first step in giving handicapped people mobility and access, it really comes down to designing and constructing barrier-free doorways and modifications outside and inside the house to ensure the quality of life and dignity that all individuals deserve.

The construction professionals at SHELLS ONLY Complete Home Improvements are experts in all of the builds and modifications necessary to accommodate special-needs individuals, both adults and children. Construction requirements are very precise; SHELLS ONLY uses no subcontractors so design specifications are followed to the letter. Many of these home modifications are useful also for any elderly people who wish to “age in place” and take advantage of the latest “Universal Design” advancements.

Here are the areas residential builders must pay particular attention to. Up first, the EXTERIOR of the residence.

Entrances

Proper modifications will ease home entry and exit for those with wheelchairs or walkers. They will also help prevent accidents caused by improper access design and hazards such as slippery conditions and bad visibility.

* Doorways should be 36” wide  (32” is generally the minimum width needed for a wheelchair to get through.)  If you can’t change the size of the opening, consider the use of offset hinges to increase the clearance.

* Provide an overhang or canopy cover to the entrance to protect against the elements.

* Install an automatic light at the main entrance.

* Install path lighting.

* Make flooring inside and outside the entrance slip resistant.

* Install a lever door handle, and consider a keyless lock system.

* Modify the threshold (step up) at the main entrance so it is less than ½”. This can be done by replacing the sill or raising the porch height.

* Keep shrubs, bushes and trees trimmed back on both sides of the sidewalk and steps and/or ramp.

In fact, if you have multiple steps, or steep angles, you should think about installing a ramp for easier access.

Ramps

Ramps can be done tastefully and complement the design of the home. Ramps should slope gently, and provide plenty of walking and turning room.

The slope of the ramp must be as small as possible – 1:12 – so every inch of rise requires one foot of run. A step that is 8 inches high requires a ramp that is 8 feet long. The maximum rise for any run is 30”. The maximum clear width is 36”, although some builders prefer 40”. Level landings are required at the top and bottom of each run. If the run is over 30’, the level landing must be 5’ long and as wide as the ramp.

If a wheelchair ramp rise is greater than 6”, it requires handrails on both sides.

The top of the handrail should be mounted between 30 and 34” above the ramp.

Emergency evacuation is always a top consideration, and even more so in the case of those who are disabled and/or elderly. Your contractor must be up to date on all of the local building codes.

There are many things to consider with ramp installation, but the independent resource AgeInPlace.com emphasizes the most important is to have a licensed contractor design and build it to your particular situation.


* Sources: www.ADA.gov; www.AgeInPlace.com; http://www.ShellsOnly.com