How to Calculate Costs on Installing a Wheelchair Ramp

Since the passage of the American Disabilities Act, businesses have been required to provide equal access to all customers. This means that those in wheelchairs must be able to get around and have access to all the facilities. Wheelchair ramps are required to enter and exit buildings. Determining the costs of such a project is necessary for planning the implementation of the project.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure

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Instructions

• 1

  Measure the height of the entrance that the ramp must access. By law, the angle of the ramp can't exceed a rise of one inch per foot of ramp. Using the measurement obtained, you will be able to determine the length of the ramp required to reach your entrance.

• 2

  Decide on a design for your ramp. There are four basic designs used for ramps: a straight ramp, a U shaped ramp, an L shaped ramp or a switchback design ramp. Each has requirements for landings which contribute to the cost of the project.

• 3

  Calculate the basic costs of lumber for the ramp and then add to that the cost of the landing. When calculating the types of lumber required, over-estimate the size of the lumber required to accommodate the added weight of the chair and an attendant to push the chair.

• 4

  Include cost estimates for hand rails. From an insurance stand point, include a hand rail in your ramp design to guard against a chair driving off the side of the ramp.

• 5

  Question a local contractor as to giving you an estimate on the cost of labor to build the ramp. Time for completion and installation are important factors and you need to consider them.