need handicap entry

13 years ago

I would like a handicapp entry which does not look like a handicapp entry and I need to add curb appeal---need lots of help

Featured Answer

nasmijati

13 years ago

Universal Design and Handicap Access
I have been interested in Universal Design for some time, now. I have collected some of the ideas that I have posted and that others have posted on Design Dilemmas such as yours.

Please take from this whatever is helpful. (see especially ADA code 4.8)

Houzz
1.) Go to Houzz Ideabooks and enter "Universal Design" in the search box.
2.) Go to Houzz.com/Handicap-accessible
3.) Go to Houzz Design Dilemma and enter "handicapped" in the search box

Universal Design
1.) www.universaldesignstyle.com
2.) www.schaefferconstruction.com specializes in Universal Design

Handicap Access
1.) The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) site has specific measurements for wheelchair turning radius, placement of grab bars, everything.
www.ada.gov/adastd94.pdf
www.ada.gov/

2.) ADA Ramps : ADA Code 4.8
[Thanks to Houzz contributor S. Thomas Kutch for finding this.]

Bathrooms
1.) For decorative grab bars that do not look institutional, look at www.faucets.efaucets.com
[Thanks to Houzz contributor Sense of Space for link]

2.) Commercial Bathroom Handicap Guidelines
www.eHow.com# ixzz2Og8QNIff
www.houselogic.com#ixzz2OgAPANpb

3.) Here are some Houzz Ideabooks about Universal Design in bathrooms:
741559 The No-Threshold Shower: Accessibility with Style
1562246 Houzzers Say: Dream Features for the Bath and Closet
1061289 Bathroom Safety Features that Support Your Style
2504909 Doorless Showers Open a World of Possibilities
4492518 How to Design and Accessible Shower
2507115 Houzz Tour: Universal Design in a San Francisco Home
5008400 Make a Powder Room Accessible with Universal Design

Kitchens
1.) America's National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA)
2.) www.starcraftcustombuilders.com for Guidelines for rules for accessibility in kitchens and baths
3.) National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Enter "Universal Design" in the search box.
4.) www.ergonomics.about.com/od/kitchen/qt/Galley_design.htm

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Comments (7)

apple_pie_order
13 years ago
Do you mean a ramp or an electric lift? Does it have to be in the front or is the back door entry an option, too?
PRO
Yarbro Home Improvement LLC
13 years ago
Handicap entry is challenging. Assuming wheelchair. Its been years since I've done one ( Christmas in April project )and can't remember the codes. 1 " rise for every 12 feet of run? Lots of switch backs and took up the whole back yard. There has got to be some exterior type lifts on the market. For a ramp, you have 5 step risers @ say, 7" per. Let's round up and call it a 36" total vertical rise. So, 36 feet of sloped ramp. Anyway, I'm making assumptions. If you don't mind, can I ask more about the disability? If a ramp is needed, it does not need to be a eye sore and can be designed with great curb appeal?
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PRO
McCabe By Design LLC
13 years ago
Not knowing the dimensions of the landing at the top of the stairs and what your budget is, it is a bit hard to opine. However, one idea would e to eliminate the current stairs all together and create a serpentine path that gradually makes it way to the front door. This will minimize the institutional look some ramps can have. You will be surprised the added benefit of the ease of getting furniture and appliances into the house.
denton728
Original Author
13 years ago
I think it would be wise to get rid of the steps---he walks with a cane but has fallen several times---ramp would be the best---but how do you have a ramp and curb appeal??
kathleen MK
13 years ago
This looks to be about the size of my Dad's house. They added a small wood deck enlarging the landing (or stoop) and the ramp angled down toward the drive. Shrubs and roses hide most of the railing so it's not an eyesore. Lattice can hide the covered up steps and support a flowering vine.
libradesigneye
13 years ago
Build a front porch that is about 12' deep at door height. Run your ramp from drive all the way across to the left end of the porch. You will need a landing at the end of at least 4' square and a landing in the center at least 5' wide. Center steps will go from entry path to ramp landing and step from the ramp up into the porch in front of the door. This porch will take up a lot of the existing front area, but it will camoflauge the ramp, add a lot of charm to your house and also be a nice place to sit and watch the world. Narrow the front stairs to 5' when you redo stuff. Ramp will be around 42" wide. Skirt the porch and ramp with cedar exterior siding painted the same as your house.

Check the codes for setbacks and ask for a variance for the practicality if you need to, they will give it.

The front gable has an extension that is sheltering the front door. If you build a wood trellis at that height above the new porch (less expensive than a roof, but a roof is also a good option) and integrate it into the porch and stair railing (hold it up with corner posts, etc.) then your home will gain tremendous charm. Use nice posts at the base of the stair. Paint the railings and trellis white like your windows. Use charming rafter tails on the trellis. Change the plum trim on your house to periwinkle blue and keep the entry door plum purple so it pops.

Plant shrubs in front of the ramp that grow higher than the ramp but lower than the top of the new porch railing. Plant something like society garlic at the edge of all the remaining walk and driveway like a border around what lawn remains when this is finished.