Residential Ramp Installation for Columbus and Central Ohio Seniors

Exterior Entry Ramps

Front porch, side entry, or rear door ramps that replace or bypass exterior steps. Built to the 1:12 ADA slope standard, proper width for wheelchair or walker use, non-slip surface, and handrails where required. Constructed from pressure-treated lumber, composite decking, or aluminum modular systems depending on the application and preference.

Most common application. May require a building permit depending on size and attachment method.

Interior Ramps and Threshold Modifications

The single step from the garage into the living space. The raised threshold at a doorway. The half-step at a split-level entry transition. These interior barriers are often overlooked until someone cannot navigate them safely. Paul installs interior ramps and threshold ramps to address each specific obstacle with a solution sized to fit the space.

Common in ranch homes and split-levels throughout Central Ohio. Typically does not require a permit.

Garage and Outbuilding Access

Detached garages and outbuildings often have entry steps that become barriers as mobility changes. A ramp to the detached garage allows a person to access their vehicle, tools, and outdoor space independently. Paul evaluates the specific structure and entry configuration and builds accordingly.

Evaluated case by case. Permit requirements depend on structure and local jurisdiction.

What slope does a residential accessibility ramp need to be?

The ADA standard for accessible ramps is a maximum slope of 1:12, meaning one inch of rise for every twelve inches of horizontal run. In plain terms, a porch with an 18-inch total rise requires at least an 18-foot ramp run to meet this standard. Steeper slopes are acceptable only for very short runs and in limited circumstances. Paul calculates the required run based on the actual rise at the estimate visit before any design decisions are made.

Do you need a permit to build a ramp in Columbus or Central Ohio?

Permit requirements for exterior ramps depend on the local jurisdiction and the scope of the ramp. Columbus Building and Zoning Services requires permits for structures attached to the home that exceed certain size thresholds. Interior ramps and threshold modifications typically do not require permits. Paul determines the applicable jurisdiction and permit requirement at the estimate visit based on your specific address and the size of the proposed ramp. He addresses this before any work begins.

What materials do you use for exterior ramps?

Exterior ramps are typically built with pressure-treated lumber for durability in Ohio’s weather conditions, composite decking material for lower maintenance, or aluminum modular ramp systems for situations where a permanent structure is not appropriate. The right material depends on the application, the home’s existing exterior, and the homeowner’s maintenance preferences. Paul discusses the options at the estimate visit with the specific application in mind.

Can you build a ramp for an interior step as well as exterior?

Yes. Interior ramps for the single step from a garage into the living space, split-level entry transitions, and raised door thresholds are a common application. Interior ramp solutions are sized to fit the specific space and typically do not require permits. Paul looks at the full entry picture at the estimate visit, including interior barriers that are often overlooked until they become a serious problem.

How long does ramp installation take?

Timeline depends on the size and complexity of the ramp. A threshold ramp or single interior step modification can be completed in a few hours. A full exterior entry ramp with handrails is typically a one to two day project. Paul provides a realistic timeline at the estimate visit based on the actual scope of work, not a generic schedule. If a permit is required, that adds time to the overall project before installation can begin.