Oakton Wheelchair Ramp Installation: What You Need to Know

Do you have a wheelchair user in your family? Perhaps your mobility has changed recently, or maybe your elderly relative needs a lot of help to get around. If your home in Oakton isn't outfitted to be wheelchair accessible, you might start to feel a bit of pressure. Naturally, you'll have a lot of questions. At the top of that list, you might be wondering: "Should I make an appointment for Oakton Wheelchair ramp installation, or do I have to move somewhere more accessible?"

Not to worry, you don’t have to leave your well-loved house because it isn't wheelchair accessible. With simple changes like a wheelchair ramp in your Oakton home, you'll be able to have peace of mind knowing that your accessibility challenged loved one will be able to move around comfortably.

Independence is important for all people, especially those that may have mobility issues. In a house that's not properly outfitted to be mobility friendly, it can be a challenge to complete basic tasks. And, sitting in the house all day is certainly no way to live. With a few simple transformations, installed by the team of experts at Mr. Handyman of Fairfax and Eastern Loudoun Counties, you or your loved one can have the freedom you need to live a satisfying life.

Alternatively, if you own a commercial property and want to make it wheelchair accessible, then our Oakton handyman experts can help with that too. Our team is here to help with both the services needed for Oakton wheelchair ramp installation, and to provide you and your family useful information during this period of change.

To help you gain a better understanding about what you need to know regarding Oakton wheelchair ramp installation services, our team of professionals have put together the following guide. In it you'll find answers to commonly asked questions, and useful information designed to help make transforming your home stress-free. We have quite a bit of experience when it comes to Oakton wheelchair ramp installation, so you can rest assured that we'll always deliver the highest standards of workmanship. Not to mention, our team is known throughout Oakton, as well as the rest of Fairfax and Eastern Loudoun Counties, for our dedication to outstanding customer service.

Is Oakton Wheelchair Ramp Installation Worthwhile?

The short answer is, absolutely. If your home is not properly outfitted for a person with mobility needs, then he or she will feel trapped in their own home. The long answer is that there are a number of benefits to adding a wheelchair ramp to your Oakton home or commercial property—but the bottom line is that accessibility gives those with reduced mobility greater freedom. It provides greater choice in how they go about their lives, and reduces the risk of being uncomfortable or unsafe.

Better Mobility

Naturally, the most obvious advantage of installing a wheelchair ramp in your Oakton home is that they provide significantly increased freedom of movement. They can also be helpful for those who aren't in a wheelchair, but have difficulty using the stairs. This could include loved ones who are seniors and not able to move as they did before, or individuals who were injured in a work accident. Or, perhaps you're thinking of aging in place and know mobility will be a concern because of your family history. Either way, with the right installation you'll feel much better knowing that anyone with reduced mobility can easily get in and out of your Oakton property.

Increased Independence

It's awful to feel as if you're trapped in your own home, and that you have to rely on others to do everything for you. Simple tasks like getting out of the house to buy groceries or enjoy some time relaxing in the backyard can seem impossible if you're in a wheelchair and can't get down a set of stairs—especially when that's your only option to get out of the house. Freedom of movement is critical for improving quality of life. With our Oakton wheelchair ramp installation services, you and/or your loved ones will have the ability to maintain your independence and sense of normalcy.

Safety First

An accessibility ramp is essential for ensuring you or your loved ones’ safety in the event of an emergency. No one wants to think about the worst-case-scenario, but being prepared for emergencies is an important safety precaution that saves lives. Not to mention, helps you and your loved ones avoid injury in the event of a flood or fire. Often, individuals who have mobility challenges operate at a slower pace. You need to accommodate for this by ensuring they have easy and safe access to an exit. They need to be able to get out of the house on their own in the event disaster strikes while the primary caregiver is out running errands.

Improved Convenience All Around

The entire point of a wheelchair ramp in Oakton is to make life easier for those who have reduced mobility. However, this change actually makes life easier for the entire household. Family, friends, care givers, healthcare workers and even furniture movers will benefit if you have a ramp. Not to mention, slopes are generally easier on the joints, which may help individuals who can comfortably use stairs, but have hip, knee or back pain.

ADA Compliance for Commercial Properties

Did you know that if you're a business owner with a commercial property that is open to the public, you are required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to provide reasonable accessibility accommodations for disabled individuals? These requirements include accessible ramps for wheelchair users.

ADA-compliant ramps need to have a 1:12 vertical rise or slope. This means it sits at about a five-degree incline. If you need help to install accessibility modifications—including continuous handrails and other handrail options—at your business or workplace, then look no further than the experts at Mr. Handyman of Fairfax and Eastern Loudoun Counties.

What is the Proper Slope for an Oakton Wheelchair Ramp?

As mentioned above, for commercial properties or a public space (such as a library or community center), the standard vertical rise is a ratio of 1:12 in inches. Essentially, this means that if an obstacle’s height is one inch, the slope's length will need to be 12 inches. This creates a gentle incline of roughly five degrees—making it easy to maneuver going both up and down for wheelchair, motorized scooter and walker users.

However, the rules are not the same for residential properties. At a private residence, you can install a structure with a maximum rise of 1:4 in inches. This is around a 15-degree incline. Although you may be tempted to install such a steep slope if you have limited space, we don't recommend going for a ramp with such a steep rise. Rather, a slope of around 10-degrees, at a 1:6 ratio, is a lot safer and more comfortable for wheelchair users, and individuals who use a walker or cane.

What if There isn't Enough Room for an Oakton Wheelchair Ramp?

Even at a ratio of 1:6, the math can really add up—resulting in an incline that's more than 20-feet long. Naturally, not all Oakton homeowners have access to this much space. You may be left feeling disheartened that you won't be able to make your property accessible. However, this is not the case! Even if you have a short front lawn, you could still make your entrance accessible for those with reduced mobility. Ramps do not have to move in a straight line. Instead, they can utilize a switchback to save space. By having the structure zig zag, permitting there is enough space for individuals to pivot, you can install an Oakton wheelchair ramp in almost any space.

But the options don't end there. If your front entrance is not an option, you may be able to attach the slope to a side or back entrance. Even if you feel fairly certain there is no hope of installing a wheelchair ramp on your Oakton property, please don't hesitate to give us a call. Remember, we are the experts. So we'll be able to look at your property through the eyes of people who are used to making even the most difficult spaces work. We're passionate about making life easier for individuals with mobility issues. We will find a way to make it happen.

What About Getting Over the Threshold?

Stairs are not the only challenge for individuals facing mobility challenges. Even a basic threshold—the area where your outdoor entrance meets the indoors—could be a challenge for wheelchair, walker and cane users. The small rise or bump where the threshold lies might even be a tripping hazard. This follows for indoor thresholds as well. Sometimes different rooms have tricky transitions—particularly if you live in a split-level home. One or two stairs may not seem like a big deal, but for someone in a chair it's impossible to get over them on their own. The solution is simple: Ask your Oakton handyman expert at Mr. Handyman to build a gentle ramp. This will make getting into and out of the house much easier—along with moving within your home's interior.

What Kind of Wheelchair Ramp Should I Install?

These days, there are numerous types and styles at your disposal. However, there are a few different factors that will dictate what model is best for your residential or commercial property. A few of these factors include you or your loved one's mobility requirements, the location and layout of the building and your personal preferences.

Common Options Include:

Permanent wheelchair ramps, generally made out of wood or concrete.
Portable ramps without railings that can be folded up for easy storage when not in use; these are traditionally made out of aluminum
Modular units, which can be either temporary or permanent installations and are typically constructed out of aluminum or steel
Small ramps for interior or exterior entrances, usually with a small maximum incline of six inches
Non-slip surfaces, which go on-top of metal or wooden ramps to avoid slips and falls

What Else Can I Do to Make My Oakton Home More Accessible?

While wheelchair ramp installation is integral for making your home safer and more comfortable for individuals with mobility challenges—not to mention, to provide improved independence and freedom of movement—there are a number of other modifications you can, and should, make. Some of these modifications include:

Widening doorways for ease of movement
Upgrading or relocating outdoor light fixtures for better visibility
Repairing wobbly handrails or constructing new ones
Changing traditional door handles to levers to make them easier to operate
Lowering or adding a peephole in the door, so it can be used from a seated position
Lowering cupboards, countertops and vanities for ease of access
Removing cupboards and storage under sinks for easier access
Tilting bathroom mirrors for better visibility, changing tubs into walk-in showers with seats and other potential changes you can make with a professional bathroom remodel.

Do You Need Oakton Wheelchair Ramp Installation Services?

Whether you're in Oakton or a nearby community such as Fair Lakes or Reston, you can rely on our expert handyman team to provide outstanding workmanship and customer service. We pride ourselves on creating expert solutions for all individuals living with reduced mobility. Our team will always strive to make your life, or your loved one's life, safer, more comfortable and more independent.

From small changes like installing a wheelchair ramp or completing basic door repairs to completely overhauling your home to improve its accessibility, count on us to always act with the utmost professionalism, courtesy and respect. We'll get the job done right the first time, so you and your family can move about your home with ease.

To get started today, we invite you to give us a call at 703-962-1202 . We look forward to hearing from you and assisting with your accessibility needs!