Wichita Wheelchair Ramp Installation: What Local Homeowners & Business Owners Need to Know

Do you have a wheelchair user in your family? If your mobility has changed recently, or you’re welcoming a family member with reduced mobility into your home, that doesn't necessarily mean you have to leave a familiar, well-loved house just because it isn't wheelchair accessible. With Wichita wheelchair ramp installation services, a professional handyman can alter your home to make it more safe and comfortable, so you can remain right where you want to be.

While you or a loved one may have mobility issues that make it difficult to get around, sitting in the house all day, every day, is no way to live. Accessibility modifications such as a wheelchair ramp can transform your home or commercial business property, and give those with reduced mobility the opportunity to enjoy a more independent lifestyle. We’re here to help with information—and services—for Wichita wheelchair ramp installation.

If you need Wichita wheelchair ramp installation services, you likely have many questions on your mind. This guide answers commonly asked questions with expert advice from the Wichita handyman team at Mr. Handyman of the Wichita Metro Area. We have quite a bit of experience with wheelchair ramp installation in Wichita and surrounding areas, and you can rest assured that we’ll deliver the highest standards of workmanship and customer care.

Is Wheelchair Ramp Installation Worth It?

There are some huge benefits to having a wheelchair ramp installed at your Wichita home or commercial property, which range from the obvious to advantages you may not have thought of. Above all, accessibility gives those with reduced mobility greater choice in how they go about their lives, and enable them to move around safely and comfortably while maintaining a sense of independence and free will.

Better Mobility

Of course, the biggest and most obvious advantage of wheelchair ramps is that they greatly improve wheelchair users’ mobility. They can also be helpful for those who aren’t in a wheelchair, but have a difficult time using stairs. Whether you or your loved one use a manual wheelchair, a mobility scooter, or a walker—or you own a commercial property—you’ll feel so much better knowing anyone with reduced mobility can get in and out of your Wichita property freely.

More Independence

No one wants to feel like they have to rely on others for absolutely everything. From getting out of the house to take care of errands and visit friends, to simply enjoying the weather outside whenever you feel like it, the ability to move around freely is critical to improving quality of life. Our happy customers tell us that our Wichita wheelchair ramp installation services provide great relief, because it gives them the ability to maintain their independence.

Emergency Escape Route

It’s unpleasant to think about what would happen in the event of an emergency such as a house fire, but being prepared for emergencies is an important safety precaution that can save lives and help your household avoid injury. If someone with reduced mobility is alone when a disaster occurs, they need to be able to exit the house on their own and get themselves to safety. Our Wichita wheelchair ramp installation services enable wheelchair users to do exactly that, and to avoid the serious consequences of smoke inhalation and other hazards.

Convenient for Everyone

The main point of a wheelchair slope is, of course, to make life easier for those who need accessibility options. But the change isn't an inconvenience for typically-abled people—quite the opposite. Family and friends, care workers, delivery drivers, furniture movers, and emergency responders will be able to make use of it to transport heavy or awkwardly-shaped items easily and efficiently.

ADA Compliance for Businesses

If you are a business owner with a commercial property that is open to the public, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates that you provide reasonable accessibility accommodations for disabled persons. These requirements include commercial ramps for wheelchair users. ADA-compliant ramps need to have a 1:12 slope, which means it sits at about a five degree incline. Our team has installed many commercial accessibility modifications, and we can figure out how to make it work—even for a business with limited space outside.

What is the Proper Slope for a Wichita Wheelchair Ramp?

For any Wichita commercial property or public space, the standard slope incline on a wheelchair ramp is a ratio of 1:12, in inches. That means if the obstacle height is one inch, the structure’s length should be 12 inches, which is compliant with ADA recommendations. The 1:12 slope creates a gentle incline of about five degrees, which is easy to maneuver over for both motorized and manual wheelchair users.

That being said, an inclined plane on your residential property can go up to a maximum slope of 1:4, which is about 15 degrees of incline. This can be helpful in a very limited space, but is generally not recommended because it can be difficult for electric wheelchairs to power up a slope with a steep rise. It’s typical for Wichita homes to have a slope of around 10 degrees, at a 1:6 ratio. Motorized chairs will be able to get up a 1:6 incline easily, and it’s also not too much to handle for those using assisted-walking devices such as walkers and canes.

How Long Should a Wheelchair Ramp Be for 3 Steps?

The exact length will depend on how high your particular steps are, but a standard stair is 7.5 inches. Three standard-height steps would have a combined height of 22.5 inches. Using the 1:6 ratio with a roughly 10 degree angle, the ramp would need to be 11.25 feet long. For a 1:12 ratio, which is more suitable for a commercial business or public-use building, a rise of 22.5 inches would require a wheelchair ramp that is 22.5 feet in length.

What if There isn't Enough Room for a Wichita Wheelchair Ramp?

If you’ve done the calculations and realized you need an incline that’s more than 20 feet long, that may feel pretty daunting or even downright impossible—especially if there simply isn't that much room between your front door and the curb. But, remember that the ramp doesn't necessarily have to go in a straight line. It can switch back on itself or turn at 90 degrees—as long as there’s adequate space for electric wheelchairs, or chairs that are being pushed by a second party, to pivot at the turning point.

There may be other options as well, such as connecting the accessibility slope to the side door, back door, or wrap-around porch. Even if you’re 100% certain there’s no way to install a wheelchair ramp on your Wichita property, give us a call anyway. Our team would be happy to come out and take a look at your property. We’ve encountered this issue before. If there is a way to design and install a modification that will make life easier for a disabled person, we will find it and make it happen.

How Do I Get a Wheelchair Over the Threshold?

People tend to think of an incline as something that is only needed for stairs, but even a basic threshold can pose a serious problem for someone with reduced mobility. The best solution is to have your Wichita handyman install modifications that create a gentle incline up and over a raised threshold. Even indoor thresholds between rooms can have raised transitions that create issues for wheelchair users. Split-level homes may have a step or two between rooms, and we can take care of that as well to provide greater ease of movement through the entire house.

What Options are Available for a Wichita Wheelchair Ramp?

There are a number of different types and styles available in Wichita, and the kind best suited for your residential or commercial property will vary based on factors such as your mobility requirements, the location and layout of the building, and your personal preferences.

Common Options Include:

Permanent wheelchair ramps, which are usually constructed with wood or concrete
Portable ramps without railings that are typically made out of aluminum, and can be folded up for easy storage when not in use
Modular units, which can be temporary or permanent installations and are usually aluminum or steel
Threshold ramps for entryways with a raised jamb or small incline of about six inches maximum

Whether you have a metal or wooden ramp, it’s very important that it includes a non-slip surface, so wheels and feet stay where they are supposed to in icy or wet conditions.

Will a Wheelchair Ramp Block Off My Entry Stairs?

Not necessarily. Some units are installed in such a way that they effectively replace entry stairs with a ramp. But if you want to keep the stairs accessible, there’s often a way to make that happen. The ramp could connect to the side of the stair landing, leaving the stairs open for use. If you have stairs that are double width, the ramp can go up one side and leave the other half accessible. Or, you may choose an option such as a portable aluminum ramp that can be brought out and put in place as needed, and folded up for convenient storage.

Will Wichita Wheelchair Ramp Installation Decrease My Home’s Curb Appeal?

If the ramp is well-built, sturdy, and attractive, it will not have a negative impact on your curb appeal at all. In fact, it may even enhance your home’s appeal and could increase its property value if you’re thinking of selling in the near future, because it shows prospective buyers that they won't need to add accessibility modifications. Consider having your Wichita handyman finish the ramp with paint or wood stain that complements the colors and style of your house. Looking for more ways to improve your home? Check out six home repairs to boost curb appeal and property value.

Are Ramps Only for Wheelchair Users?

No, ramps are not just for wheelchair users. They can be incredibly helpful for people who use assistive mobility devices such as walkers. Some people don't use walkers and still have a difficult time raising their feet high enough to get up the stairs. If using stairs is uncomfortable for you, or makes you feel unsafe, a ramp may be the ideal solution to put your mind at ease and help you experience less discomfort when moving around.

What Else Do I Need to Make My Wichita Home More Accessible?

Wheelchair ramp installation is a key service for anyone with accessibility needs, but your Wichita commercial property or residence may need additional modifications to make it safe and comfortable for those with reduced mobility.

Additional Modifications our Wichita Handyman Team can Tackle Include:

Widening doorways
Upgrading or relocating outdoor light fixtures
Repairing wobbly handrails or constructing new ones
Changing the type of door handle and/or door lock to make them easier to operate
Lowering or adding a peephole in the door, so it can be used from a seated position

Does Your Home or Commercial Property Need Wichita Wheelchair Ramp Installation Services?

Whether you’re in Wichita or a nearby community such as Haysville or Park City, you can count on top-quality workmanship, outstanding customer service, and expert solutions from the team at Mr. Handyman of the Wichita Metro Area.

Pick up the phone and call us today at 316-285-1217 to schedule an appointment, or to chat with our friendly customer service representatives about what we can do to get your Wichita home or commercial property in perfect condition for you. We can help with everything from Wichita home accessibility improvements, to basic door repairs and other home remodeling projects.