Top Considerations for Commercial Ramps and Stair Lifts

Posted on June 18, 2021 by bafcorp20

Whether your business provides a service that caters to the senior community, or simply has a large senior citizen following, it is it wise for you to consider improving the ease and accessibility of your commercial property with elderly and disabled individuals in mind. As a business owner, it is your responsibility to make sure your clients and customers are safe, and specialized safety ramps and stair lifts can provide this security for geriatric and disable citizens.

Continue reading for helpful information and recommendations regarding public ramps and stair lifts.

Indiana Handicap Assist Commercial Construction 317-253-0531

Handicap-Assisted Equipment For Commercial Properties

Commercial stair lifts, step lifts, ramps, and other handicap-assisted equipment are important for those with mobility issues, and make navigating a commercial property easier, safer, and more convenient for the elderly and disabled. Not only does it prevent accidents, but it also reduces the risk of your company facing potential injury lawsuits.

Commercial Stair Lifts

Stair lifts can be fitted to any size or type of interior or exterior stairwell, making them an easy choice for commercial properties. This includes staircases that are straight, curved, spiral, helical, long, short, wide and narrow. With a range like this, any commercial property or premises can be renovated with stair lifts. Whether inside or outside, they provide a safe and secure means of moving up and down difficult inclines.

With simple joysticks and buttons, they are also easy to understand and operate. Stair lifts are battery-powered, so they do not require an electric power source, saving money and energy. And with long-lasting battery life and weather-resistant designs, stair lifts are relatively low maintenance. They do require recharging to prevent accidental shut-downs, mid-operation.

Commercial Ramps

Ramps are another helpful addition to consider. They are meant to provide safety and convenience for those in wheelchairs, or for those with mobility problems. Access ramps are a quick and inexpensive way to cater to the elderly and disabled community while still remaining in compliance with the state regulations for disabled access. And they are convenient for any property since they can be installed both indoors and outdoors.

Commercial Step Lifts

Step lifts are another option that provide the same purpose as the others, but for small rise wheelchair access. Step lifts are powered by electricity and designed to lift wheelchairs up to 3 meters off the ground. In the case of a power failure, they are manufactured with a safety mechanism that automatically lowers the lift. Primarily used for public access, step lifts are a popular choice for properties since they are not overbearing in an aesthetic sense. They can provide safety and accessibility without jeopardizing the property’s décor and design.

Do you have questions about ADA compliancy or handicap-assist commercial remodeling? Contact BAF Corporation at 317-253-0531 to speak with a seasoned Indianapolis Indiana commercial general contractor, today.

You Should Also Read:

Ascertaining the Need for ADA Compliance Upgrades in a Commercial Remodel
Modern Wheelchair Accessibility Options for Commercial Properties
Primary Elements of Commercial ADA Bathroom Compliance

Indianapolis Commercial General Contracting and Design Build Services — Contact Us Today 317-253-0531

Ascertaining the Need for ADA Compliance Upgrades in a Commercial Remodel

Posted on August 17, 2020 by bafcorp20

As a commercial proprietor considering a remodel or renovation for your property, you will need to also include a consideration for ADA compliance upgrades. Often times, such needs are overlooked in a commercial renovation project, which causes liability issues down the line, both legally and financially. It is important to always remain ADA compliant as a commercial building owner, and address such upgrades when it comes time to remodel or renovate.

Continue reading to learn when a commercial remodel might call for ADA compliancy upgrades, and where to get started with a trusted bid in Indianapolis.

Indianapolis Commercial Construction Contractors 317-253-0531

ADA Compliance for Commercial Real Estate

The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) requires all commercial real estate owners to accommodate, and never discriminate against, the physically disabled on their premises. This is a federal civil rights law that applies to all public commercial buildings and businesses in the United States. Sometimes, a commercial remodeling project can prompt certain needs for ADA compliancy improvements. You see, Title III of the Americans With Disabilities Act obliges public and commercial properties to meet their minimum standards for accessibility. See our blog, “ADA Compliant Wheelchair Accessibility Options for Commercial Properties” to learn more.

When ADA Compliant Improvements are Necessary During a Commercial Remodel

Does your building have a primary function space? This is the area of your property where the majority of relevant business operations take place. Such spaces can include a wide range of areas, both interior and exterior. Examples include lobbies, auditoriums, cafes, bathrooms, entry ways, exits, and more. When preparing to initiate a remodel of a primary function space, such as a lobby or office, you will likely need to adjust your plans to accommodate ADA guidelines. If any barriers to accessibility exist after developing a remodeling plan, such barriers must be redesigned in order for the property to be ADA compliant.

Here are some examples of areas that might need to be addressed in a commercial remodel:

♿ Door Frame Widths
♿ Water Fountain Heights
♿ Hand Railings and Grab Bars
♿ Handicap Ramps
♿ Automatic Doors
♿ Doors With Accessible Buttons
♿ Accessible Parking
♿ ADA Bathrooms and Break Rooms

Keeping a commercial property ADA compliant is not a one-and-done project, but rather, and ongoing initiative as guidelines and technologies evolve in the construction and building industry. Enlist the advice of a trusted and esteemed Indianapolis commercial general contractor to learn exactly which upgrades your property might require now, and how to accommodate them into your remodeling budget.

Indianapolis Commercial General Contracting You Can Trust

Contact BAF Corporation at 317-253-0531 for trusted commercial construction services in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding locations. Our skilled and experienced commercial general contractors serve all corporate, commercial, and industrial industries in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding districts. Call today to request free information or to schedule a consultation.

Modern Wheelchair Accessibility Options for Commercial Properties

Posted on March 27, 2020 by bafcorp20

As a commercial property owner, the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) is something you need to fully appreciate and consider when it comes time to plan a major remodel or renovation, especially for multi-story buildings. ADA compliancy and adequate wheelchair accessibility are two key factors that must be addressed and incorporated into your commercial building in order to remain non-delinquent under the civil law requirements for public accommodation.

Not sure where to begin with your new ADA compliancy and wheelchair accessibility plan? Continue reading to learn some of the most popular options for commercial buildings, and how to get started on the right track in terms of planning and construction.

Indianapolis Design Build Commercial Construction 317-253-0531

ADA Compliant Options for Disabled Individuals

There are plenty of options you can choose from to ensure your commercial property is adequately accessible to those in wheelchairs, as well as those who are disabled. Some of the most popular ADA compliancy and wheelchair accessibility options include wheelchair lifts, ADA ramps, and ADA elevators. Often times, commercial buildings owners will incorporate more than one method to achieve optimal accessibility. To learn more about ADA standards for accessible design, visit ADA.gov.

ADA Ramps

There are very strict and specific state requirements for ADA ramps. First, wheelchair ramps have to be at least 36 inches wide, and retain protective edges to prevent falling accidents. Furthermore, such ramps must be constructed with perfectly level platforms at both ends to ensure stability. These landing areas must be as wide as the ramp, and at least 5 feet long. Aside from width and length, ADA ramps are required to meet certain criteria for slope as well. Maximum slope allotment for wheelchair ramps are 1 inch of rise to every 12 inches of length. More commonly, ADA ramps are constructed with 1 inch of rise to every 20 inches of length.

Wheelchair Lifts

As you just learned, ADA ramps must have the correct slope and height ratio to deliver a safe and comfortable passageway for disabled individuals. But sometimes, a commercial building does not have the space to accommodate a ramp. In really tight quarters, such as spiral staircases or multi-story lobbies, commercial construction specialists will recommend using a wheelchair lift. Wheelchair lifts are similar to elevators in that they mechanically transport a wheelchair from one level to another. Such lifts are compatible with most high-level spaces, and do not require invasive construction. Best of all, they can be applied to interior staircases, exterior stairways, and even swimming pools.

ADA Elevators

When ramps and lifts are not a compatible solution to ADA compliancy and wheelchair accessibility, a great option are ADA-approved elevators. ADA elevators are different from standard elevator systems because they are designed with greater dimensions to allow safe and easy access for those in wheelchairs. Furthermore, their doors must remain open for at least 3 seconds prior to closing. ADA elevator compliancy also requires easy access to buttons and controls on the inside of the elevator and on the wall outside of the elevator, as well as, visual and audio cues that signal elevator availability and movement.

Indianapolis Commercial Construction Company You Can Trust

Contact BAF Corporation at 317-253-0531 for trusted commercial construction management in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding locations. Our skilled and experienced commercial general contractors serve all corporate, commercial, and industrial industries in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding districts. Call today to request free information or to schedule a consultation.