07 2024
In today's society, creating an inclusive environment for everyone, especially for people with disabilities, is more critical than ever. This goes for every aspect of our daily lives, and the Americans with Disabilities Act ensures that public places as well as buildings conform to the ADA to create a better environment for people with disabilities. Failure to comply with ADA accessibility rules can result in costly lawsuits for property owners, particularly those in commercial or residential multi-family units. Unfortunately, there are certain accessibility issues that are frequently overlooked in buildings by owners and during inspections. Understanding ADA regulations and implementing essential improvements early on will help protect your investment and assure compliance with federal law, whether you're renovating an existing property or building a new one.
It is important to incorporate accessible features into your home, especially if you’re making a renovation.
Staircase and stairs accidents are one of the most common reasons behind injury. If you have a two-story home, you might wish to consider installing an elevator. Planning for a future home elevator does not have to be expensive; simply create a place for it and frame it out, then keep it empty until you need it. Even this can be a great way to incorporate accessibility to your house. Even if there’s no second story, there are usually at least a few steps that lead from garage slab level to the first floor. When this is the case, you should think about how you could replace these stairs with ramps.
This is a relatively easy step. Making your entrance more accessible is one of the most basic but important steps you can take. There are a variety of portable ramps on the market, and you can easily find a wheelchair-accessible ramp suitable for your home. If you want something more permanent, you may consider building a ramp. For ramps, there are certain dimensions that are strongly recommended.
Open space is critical for persons who use mobility aids like wheelchairs and walkers. In most cases, turning around is a big issue for people who use a wheelchair, so inside your home, a minimum of a 5-foot turn radius should be present so a full turn can be made by the person without colliding with objects such as walls and doorways.
In addition to steps, using the restroom can be dangerous and uncomfortable for those with disabilities. Installing step-in bathtubs is one of the finest ways to accomplish this. Without the need to step, you eliminate the chance of slipping and falling, making your experience safer and more enjoyable. Also, you can make the bathroom flooring slip-resistant to avoid falls.
Unfortunately, most of the time, property owners don’t even know what they’re violating when it comes to ADA. The only safe and sure way to know is to work with professionals home inspectors who are knowlegable in the area. That’s why professionals at Atlanta Property Inspection are here to help. During our home inspections, we can observe the specifics of what the law requires and tell you about the changes that need to be done. This way, you can avoid future potential ADA lawsuits. If you think your property might not be compliant with the ADA, call us today and learn more.