I think that is a lot of levels for no stairs and no elevator,if the property allows I would consider one level.

Rams aree extremely impractical for inside a personal dwelling. Study ADA ramp requirements. They take up a TON of linear space to achieve even a modest height change. A 96'' ceiling height need a 96'' long ramp to get from one level to the next, 4' wide. That's a lot of wasted space and will cost more than an elevator or stair incline.

handicap ramps....

Consider building a one level or installing an elevator large enough for a stretcher, handicap ramp will not work.

From ADA guidelines:

"Any part of an accessible route with a slope greater than 1:20 shall be considered a ramp and shall comply with 4.8. The least possible slope shall be used for any ramp. The maximum slope of a ramp in new construction shall be 1:12. The maximum rise for any ramp run shall be 30 inches."

It cannot be done.

Consult an occupational therapist.

you don't know our medical physical problems ,,, so don't be or try to be funny....just trying to give my husband an easier way to be able to get around in his last few months or so....

No one is trying to be funny here, Patty. All the above advice is sound. I speak from experience.

My first hubby died from a long illness. Pushing him up hills and ramps was very hard and I was only in my 30s then. I would not like to do it now. He could not do it himself. Lifts were a godsend. Men are heavy, even when they are sick and thinner.

i have also taken care of my sister who is a stroke patient for the last ten years , all of our houses, including our beach house have ramps.. and i was taught well by Tirr hospital to move bed bound and wheelchair people , to use all source of ways to move them...but so far my eases way is on a ramp....i would love to try to design this next place for my husband , who has MDS, to get around ....even though for him as long as he can move himself an elevator is the eases, but if 911 needs to use a stretcher or me, i was hoping there was a way, but thanks for all the advice. patty

You have not had it easy, Patty.

Patty, it's fine to build whatever size condo you want, but you must plan for exiting safely, sick or not. Things are fine with your health now, but in 5 years, who knows. I am married to a great guy, 6'5", smart, handsome, but guess what? He came down with an unheard of illness. This was a man who could do anything, he desired. Our home isn't equipped for him to be comfortable. The first time he went out in an ambulance, the EMT's couldn't get him off the screened, front porch until I cleared the driveway - who knew?

Another thing, we change after 65. The body, naturally begins to wear out. I'm your age and speaking from experience. I want this to come across as helpful. Get some help planning your new home.

oh, chookchook2---all day , everyday of the week i have pt, o t ,,,speech and nurses come to our home, and Drs. twice a month to our home...and they are all helpful to us in whatever they can do... i hate getting old , but i am trying my best to make us all comfortable and some what easy......and i love all the great ideas that i come across on HOUZZ....

Handicap ramps would take up all of your space if you try to build them for a two or three story house.

We have designed homes with elevators that are large enough for a stretcher in case of emergency.

I suspect that the cost of the elevator would be less then the cost of two or three stories of ramps.

Please consider an elevator or the possibility of a single story house.

Have you consulted a local architect ? They will be able to advice you.........

not yet..putting some drawings and ideas first on paper to present..

When you look for an architect make sure that he/she understands the ADA rules. There is much more to consider here than getting from floor to floor. I am guessing that there are issues here with the size of the lot that you are considering for building. But you really need to consider a one story house.

Here are some places to look for ideas and information.
Please take from this whatever is helpful. Best wishes.

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, angle of ramps, handrails, everything.
www.ada.gov/adast94.pdf
www.ada.gov/
2.) ADA Ramps: ADA Code 4.8

Aging-in-Place
1.) Consult with a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist. You can find one through the nahb.org website.
2.) Go to Houzz Professionals and contact Brickwood Builders. They are Certified Aging-in-Place Specialists. (For you other Houzz Professionals who are CAPS, please add your name to this list!)