ADA BUILDING COMPLIANCE CHECKLIST—YOUR KEY TO A SAFE AND SUCCESSFUL RENOVATION

Thinking about modernizing your office? Whether you want to remodel the bathrooms or perform an extreme makeover of the entire floorspace, a commercial renovation can revitalize your working environment. But before you break ground on new construction, you need to understand what each project warrants. The most important thing to remember is to keep your alterations compliant with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA).

In this blog, we reveal how to keep your building up to code during renovations. We discuss what ADA compliance is, break down its essential guidelines, and show you what needs to go into a contractor’s checklist. 

WHAT IS ADA COMPLIANCE?

The Americans with Disabilities Act was established in 1990 to prohibit discrimination against people with disabilities. This federal statute enforces standards that help keep public spaces safe and accessible. They apply to places of public accommodation, commercial facilities, and state and local government buildings. 

ADA BUILDING CODE REQUIREMENTS

To achieve ADA compliance, your building must meet these design specifications:

• Site access: The main entrance must be close to designated parking spaces.
• Entrances: There must be a dedicated entryway for people with disabilities.
• Hallways: Aisleways cannot be blocked and elevators must be easily accessible.
• Meeting rooms: There must be accessible spaces in meeting rooms for wheelchairs, walkers, canes, and other equipment. 
• Sinks and faucets: Fixtures and hoseheads cannot be mounted too high. People should be able to use one hand to control the lever-operated or touch-free sink.
• Bathroom stalls: Accessible stalls should have grab bars and hang a maximum of 17 inches from the floor.
• Doors: All doors should open with minimal force and have handles that are easy to grab.

WHAT TRIGGERS ADA COMPLIANCE? 

It’s easy to disrupt ADA compliance with new construction and alterations. Whether you’re moving into a new building or renovating an existing facility, you need to keep each space safe and accommodating for people with disabilities. The following projects often trigger compliance reviews:

• Floor replacements
• Water fountain installations
• Parking lot expansions
• Furniture rearrangements
• Railing installations and adjustments
• Public bathroom upgrades
• Door frame construction

WHAT IS AN ADA CHECKLIST?

ADA approval isn’t something you achieve overnight. You need a well-thought-out plan. Here’s what needs to be prioritized during renovation:

• Keep public and company bathrooms upgraded according to ADA restroom standards.
• Door frames must allow wheelchair access (the width must be a minimum of 32 inches and a maximum of 48 inches between the face of the door and the stop of the frame).
• Accessible hardware must be installed on all doors and entries in the facility (e.g., handles, pulls, latches, locks, exit devices, and other operable parts).
• Water fountains must accommodate people with all disabilities, including people who use wheelchairs. Wall-mounted drinking fountains need clear knee space of at least 27 inches high, 30 inches wide, and 17- to 19 inches deep. There must also be minimum floor space of 30- by 48 inches for wheelchair accommodation
• Replace problematic flooring. (The best types of flooring for wheelchairs are hardwood, rubber for grip and comfort, and ceramic tile for durability.)
• Handles and grab bars should be mounted at least 1.5 inches adjacent to the space between the wall. Grab bars must be mounted between 33- and 36 inches above the floor.
• Accessible parking must be available, and spaces need to be at least 96 inches wide and should have an adjacent access aisle.
• Stairway entrances also need entryway ramp options. Wheelchair ramps must be a minimum of 36 inches wide and have a maximum slope of 1:12.
• Rearrange furniture to reduce barriers to service for people with disabilities.

MAKE THE UPGRADE SIMPLE

When it comes to construction and alterations, Skilled Services makes sure your building complies with all ADA standards issued by federal, state, and local governments. We’re proficient in several industrial area upgrades. Our specialties include:

• Signage and striping
• Surface slopes
• Concrete ramps
• Handrails
• Walkways and landings
• Wheelchair lifts
• Elevators

ADA regulations change frequently, but our experts are here to keep you compliant with the proper guidelines. Reach out today to get started with an ADA compliance inspection.