Making changes to your home to make it accessible for wheelchair use can seem daunting, but with the right information, and a specialist and experienced contractor, it can be done quickly and safely.
A wheelchair-friendly front entrance can make all the difference for any wheelchair users in the household, giving them independence and respect. It’s an essential first step – or rather, first slope – in making your home the welcoming sanctuary it should be.
Here are the seven stages to creating an inclusive wheelchair-friendly front entrance.
Assessing Your Current Entrance
Planning is essential to getting this right. Don’t make any changes until you’ve evaluated the existing entranceway. Look for problems such as:
- Steps or uneven surfaces that are an immediate and obvious concern
- Narrow doorways and entrance hallway that will need to be widened
- General manoeuvrability around the doorway
Consider that the wheelchair needs room to get to the doorway and to turn around. That means you need to check the path for cracks, uneven paving, gravel, or any other problems that could make a wheelchair-friendly front entrance pointless – after all, if you can’t get to the entrance, then it’s not going to help.
Assessing the area and existing doorway thoroughly is essential to make sure you create a smooth, accessible entrance.
Installing Ramps or Lifts
Ramps are, of course, the most common and most effective solution for wheelchair access to the front door. They must, however, be properly made to ensure they are safe and usable.
The primary considerations are:
- Gradient – The slope should have a 1:12 ratio (which means it goes up 1 cm (or inch, if you prefer imperial) for every 12 cm (or inches) of length. This is the optimum gradient for safe and easy wheelchair use.
- Materials – The ramp has to be durable and be made of non-slip materials to prevent accidents. Remember, as it’s outside, the ramp will often get rained on, and it has to function as well in the wet as it does in the dry.
There are different types of ramps, including modular ramps, permanent concrete slopes, and portable ramps. Discuss these with your specialist contractor so that you make the right choice for your individual needs.
As an alternative solution, you may want to consider a platform lift. These are compact and can form a better solution if space is limited or the incline is steep.
Widening Doorways
The doorway has to be 82 cm wide (that’s 32 inches) to accommodate a standard wheelchair. If your existing door is too narrow, then some construction may be necessary to widen the doorway itself. In some cases, however, you can use a door with offset hinges that can swing clear of the frame and give you that extra clearance.
It is important to consider how this will affect the inside of the house as well as the doorway itself, as in some cases, hallway or room walls may also need to be changed.
Levelling the Threshold
Often, the threshold itself will have a bump or uneven surface. The aim is for a fully step-free transition between the outside and inside space, and even the slightest height difference can become an unyielding barrier for a wheelchair.
Small threshold ramps can level out a minor height difference and are easy to install, while a fully flush or recessed threshold will permanently eliminate the problem and provide the accessibility you need.
Enhancing Safety Features
Safety is a primary consideration for any wheelchair-friendly front door. With the ramp considered, you should turn your attention to:
- Surfaces – Not just the ramp, but any other aspects of the path and entryway should be non-slip for both the wheelchair and those who are less steady on their feet.
- Handrails – Handrails on both the ramps and any adjacent steps will improve the overall level of safety for all users.
- Lighting – It’s essential you don’t overlook lighting – front entrances are often used in the dark! With such a wide range of effective lighting available, that can be switched on through timers or motion sensors, it’s easy to light your doorway to make it truly wheelchair and accessibility friendly.
Designing for Aesthetics and Functionality
Just because it’s a ramp doesn’t mean it has to be ugly! Modern accessible ramps come in a range of styles that will complement your home. Use natural materials like stone or wood if that fits into the building aesthetic, and consider framing the entranceway with flower beds or shrubbery to soften the look.
Your wheelchair-friendly front entrance can improve access to the house, without making it off-putting!
Planning for Future Needs
Remember, the needs of today may not be the same as the needs of tomorrow. When undertaking a considerable reconfiguration project, such as making an accessible front door, think with the future in mind and be flexible enough to accommodate potential changes. For example, you may want to look at modular ramps that can be adjusted or expanded as needed, or leave space for expanding the pathway in the future – or even a step lift at a later date.
When you plan ahead, you make sure that the project doesn’t need revisiting a few years down the line, with additional costs and disruption.
A Wheelchair-Friendly Front Entrance With JFG
At the John Ford Group, we have the expertise you need to create a wheelchair-friendly front entrance without any chaos. Our specialist team will help you evaluate the current situation, determine the least disruptive way forward, and undertake a tailored construction project with efficiency and professionalism.
For advice on your home alterations for wheelchair use and accessibility, why not speak to one of our experts? We’re always here to help, so contact us today.
Together we’ll make your property the safe and inclusive home that it’s meant to be.