#no steps

This blog entry will address whether to use interior ramps or not. Keep in mind that the slope of ramps should follow this rule: for every one inch up - go one foot out. For example, for a 4 inch step the ramp should be 4 feet long.

Does your home have changes of levels within the footprint? Like into a garage or a “sunken” living room? Consider that interior ramps may be your solution if you have any mobility issues or just want to have a home that is easier to use. Here is a picture of a solution we designed from a garage into a home.

One problem that should be fixed here is that the remodeling contractor did not put the correct threshold at the door. What is needed is something called a “low profile” threshold. 

Here is another design where a converted garage to living space was one step down from the main house. We designed an interior ramp to help with the transition.

One change that should be made is to the handrail - the ends should not be open (sleeves can get caught and cause a fall) but rather they should be turned into the wall. 

Some homes have raised foyers that step down into other main living spaces like in this photo below. This temporary aluminum ramp was not anchored to the floor and felt un-safe when walking or rolling on it. 

The solution in this case was to remove the raised foyer and re-pour the concrete level with the existing rooms to either side. Eliminating the step altogether.

Notice that the front door was re-hung with added framing above (the arched transom window remained and the space between the window and the top of the door was increased). The wheel chair user in the home can now answer the front door safely.