There’s so much to explore—getting there shouldn’t be an adventure. If you have limited mobility or use a powerchair or wheelchair, ramps can help you gain access to elevated floors or in and out of your home. But the question is: how do you choose the right ramp? With so many styles and types, it may seem overwhelming to begin your search. That’s where we come in. Enjoy the freedom to move confidently with a Harmar ramp. Here’s everything you need to know about choosing the right ramp for your home.
How Do I Choose a Wheelchair Ramp for My Home?
Installing a wheelchair ramp for yourself or a loved one can significantly improve their quality of life. This increased mobility allows greater independence, safety, and comfort. Ramps offer easy access to homes, buildings, and outdoor spaces, eliminating the need for stairs. When selecting a ramp, it’s essential to tailor it to your or your loved one’s specific needs and lifestyle. For example, consider factors like the width of the ramp for ease of maneuvering, the slope to ensure safety, and the material for durability.
Remember that the benefits of installing a ramp extend well beyond physical access. A wheelchair ramp fosters a sense of inclusion, allowing you or your loved one to participate in activities they might otherwise be excluded from. Ultimately, installing a ramp is a small but powerful change that supports autonomy and independence.
Why do I need a ramp?
It might seem like an easy answer, but it’s an important question. Consider the following:
- Are you trying to get your loved one in and out of their home?
- Are they heavily dependent on their mobility device?
- How high is the elevation from the ground to the doorway?
- Would another method, like an outdoor platform lift or stairlift, make more sense for your space?
Overall, a ramp is essential if you’re trying to help your loved one get in and out of their home safely and independently. Unlike stairs, ramps provide smooth access for wheelchairs, walkers, and other mobility aids, allowing your loved one to move independently without relying on you or others. Installing a ramp can empower them to navigate their environment on their own.
While alternatives like platform lifts or stairlifts might seem like options, ramps are often more cost-effective, easier to maintain, include less mechanics, and offer a quicker installation. Platform lifts can be expensive, while stairlifts might not work well for everyone, especially in homes with narrow stairs or sharp turns (or for those heavily reliant on their scooters or wheelchairs). A ramp offers a reliable, long-term solution that provides both accessibility and safety, ensuring your loved one can enjoy their home and daily activities with greater ease and comfort.
What should I consider when choosing a ramp?
Next, consider how you will be using the ramp. You want your ramp to provide safe, easy, and reliable access to your home or other spaces. However, it’s important to ask yourself: how many steps does it need to help with? How long will it be needed? What is the size of the doorway you’re trying to help your loved one through? Are there obstacles in the way before you can install a ramp? This series of questions will help you narrow down the type of ramp that best suits your needs.
What are the different styles of wheelchair ramps for homes?
Harmar offers a range of options so that you can choose a ramp that meets your specific needs.
Threshold Ramp: Every home and situation is unique—and Harmar’s threshold ramps have your back no matter the situation. Offered in a variety of sizes, dimensions, and materials, our non-slip threshold ramps are ADA-compliant and can hold up to 850 lbs., depending on the model.
Modular Ramp: Seeking a way to get in and out of your home easily without needing to leave your mobility device? A modular ramp may be a great option for you. Our ADA-compliant modular ramps are custom-built to specifically fit your property and needs, providing you with easy entrance and exit points to and from your home.
Portable Ramp: No matter where your travels take you, keep the world accessible with our portable ramps. With their lightweight, slip-proof design and folding capabilities, accessing friends’ and families’ homes has never been easier. Our portable ramps require no tools for assembly and can hold up to 600 lbs.
Ramp Installation
When considering ramp installation, one of the most important factors to consider is the rise, which refers to the height you need to cover with the ramp. This will determine the length and design of the ramp. If you’re dealing with a couple of steps, the rise will be lower, but for a whole flight of stairs, the rise will be much higher, requiring a longer ramp.
The ADA recommends a 1:12 ratio, meaning for every 1 foot of vertical rise, the ramp should be at least 12 feet long. For example, if you need to cover a 2-foot rise, you would need a ramp that is at least 24 feet long. This recommended ratio ensures the ramp is not too steep and can be safely navigated by someone using a wheelchair or other mobility device. The exact length and design of the ramp will also depend on available space, local building codes, and any additional features like landings or handrails.
How long does it take for the ramp to be installed?
The installation time for a ramp can vary depending on several factors, such as the type of ramp, the complexity of the site, and the materials used. On average, the installation of a basic, pre-fabricated ramp can take anywhere from a few hours to one day. For more customized ramps or if significant adjustments are needed to the existing entryway (like adding landings or modifying the slope), it could take 1-2 days or longer.
Pre-fabricated ramps tend to be quicker to install, while custom-built ramps, which require measuring, design, and sometimes permits, can take more time. It’s a relatively quick and easy process compared to other home modifications, and the benefits of having a safe, accessible entryway are immediate once the ramp is installed!
Ramp Cost & Financing
The cost of a ramp can vary greatly depending on a range of factors such as the dimensions, materials, and construction style. Prefabricated ramps tend to be more affordable, typically costing between $1,000 to $3,000 depending on the length and material (wood, aluminum, etc.). Custom-built ramps can be more expensive, ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 or more, especially if there are complex site conditions or specialized design features required.
There are a variety of financing options that can help:
- Veterans may be eligible for financial assistance through programs such as the Veterans Administration (VA), which can help cover the cost of home modifications, including ramps. The Veterans’ Compensation and Pension Program offers grants for accessible home improvements.
- In some cases, Medicaid may also help finance ramps for individuals with disabilities, particularly if they’re deemed medically necessary. However, Medicaid coverage varies by state, so it’s important to check local eligibility requirements.
- In addition, local government grants or non-profit organizations might provide funding or assistance programs for home accessibility modifications, so it’s worth exploring those options as well.
Harmar Can Help
Enjoy the best of both worlds inside and outside your home. It’s time to simplify your entryways with a ramp that ensures easy access to your home. From suburban homesteads to urban landscapes, our U.S.-assembled ramps are designed to empower your outdoor adventures. Explore Harmar’s products and services to find the perfect solution that supports your loved one’s journey toward improved mobility and a greater sense of freedom.
If you have more questions about which ramp is best for you or need help locating a dealer, call 1-800-833-0478 to speak with a customer service representative. We’re always thrilled to talk to our customers about the devices we offer to help them enjoy independent living. Stairs and entryways won’t be an obstacle now—ready to get going?
