Almost 14% of adults in the United States have a mobility issue that makes it difficult or impossible for them to climb stairs. Since disability affects all of us, we should all ask ourselves how we can make our homes more accessible.
One of the best ways to make your house more accessibility-friendly is to have your own wheelchair ramp. If you’re considering getting a portable wheelchair ramp for your home, you’re probably asking yourself: Is it better to build a ramp myself or buy a professionally made ramp?
This article will explain the pros and cons of each option. Keep reading to learn which one is right for you.
Building a Wheelchair Ramp
If you’re wondering how to build a wheelchair ramp, safety should be your first concern. A badly built ramp could break when someone tries to use it, causing injuries. You’ll need good building skills to create a DIY ramp that’s safe to use.
Most jurisdictions require a building permit before you start building your wheelchair ramp. Your municipality’s guidelines may have specific instructions on how to build your wheelchair ramp, including:
- Wheelchair ramp slope
- Handrail placement
- Handrail height
- Protected edges
- Width of ramp
- Wheelchair landing areas
Make sure you research your city’s building guidelines and build your wheelchair ramp according to them.
More Options for Building a Wheelchair Ramp
Building a wheelchair ramp from scratch is a lot of responsibility, so you may choose another building option. You can purchase a ready-to-build wheelchair ramp kit so you can build your own ramp from premade materials.
You can also hire a contractor to do the building for you. Hiring a contractor is more costly, but it lets you design the ramp that you want for your home.
Buying or Renting a Wheelchair Ramp
With a purchased wheelchair ramp, you don’t have to worry whether you built your ramp safely. If you purchase an aluminum wheelchair ramp, it will be light enough to move out of the way when you’re not using it.
Purchasing a ramp outright may be too big of an investment. In that case, consider renting wheelchair ramps. This option allows you to get a portable wheelchair ramp or a professionally installed ramp for short-term use. You’ll get all the convenience of a portable wheelchair ramp at a fraction of the cost.
Renting a wheelchair ramp can save you money and eliminate storage problems, while still giving you the accessibility that you need.
The Right Wheelchair Option for Your Home
Physical disability affects all of us. If you have a friend or family member who struggles to use stairs, getting a wheelchair ramp for your home is the perfect way to make your house more accessible for them.
With this article, you can understand all your wheelchair ramp options, whether buying, renting, or building a wheelchair ramp is right for you.
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