Ramp installation in Exmouth

Good to Know

Building regulations apply to permanent accessibility ramps, particularly for commercial properties or new installations. For domestic properties and temporary ramps, regulations are less stringent, but following them creates safer, more usable ramps. Grant funding is sometimes available for accessibility modifications including ramps. Local councils have Disabled Facilities Grants that might help with costs. Worth investigating before paying for everything yourself. Modular aluminum ramp systems are expensive to buy but can be configured for various situations, are weatherproof, and can be disassembled and moved if needed. They're worth considering for temporary situations or rentals. For front doors with limited space, a switchback ramp (like a zigzag) can fit a long enough ramp into a shorter linear space. These are more complex to build but solve space limitations. Some properties simply don't have space for compliant ramps. In these cases, platform lifts, stairlifts, or moving the entrance to a different access point might be alternatives worth considering. Handrails need specific height and grip diameter to be useful. Building regulation compliant handrails are 900-1000mm high and 40-45mm diameter for comfortable grip. These details matter for usability. Anti-slip paint needs reapplying periodically - usually every 1-2 years depending on wear and weather exposure. It's maintenance cost to factor in for outdoor ramps. Ramps in very exposed positions might need wind-bracing or heavier construction. Lightweight ramps can be caught by strong winds, especially in coastal areas. For wheelchair users who need to access vehicles, portable ramps exist specifically for car boot access. These are different from building access ramps and much shorter. Don't confuse the two - building access ramps are too long and heavy for vehicle use. Some wheelchairs are manual, others are electric. Electric wheelchairs are significantly heavier, which affects ramp strength requirements and gradient tolerances. Ask what type of wheelchair will use the ramp. For properties with multiple steps at different entrance points, sometimes creating one good ramped access is better than trying to ramp every entrance. Main access properly ramped is more useful than multiple inadequate solutions. Consider future needs when building permanent ramps. Someone who currently uses a walker might need a wheelchair in future. Building to wheelchair-accessible standards now avoids rebuilding later.