#no steps

[tendie-defender]

Forbidden can of tuna.

[homesforlife]

Ease of Use Idea # 17 - Interior Ramps

This blog entry will address whether to use interior ramps or not. Keep in mind that the slope of ramps should follow this rule: for every one inch up - go one foot out. For example, for a 4 inch step the ramp should be 4 feet long.

Does your home have changes of levels within the footprint? Like into a garage or a “sunken” living room? Consider that interior ramps may be your solution if you have any mobility issues or just want to have a home that is easier to use. Here is a picture of a solution we designed from a garage into a home.

One problem that should be fixed here is that the remodeling contractor did not put the correct threshold at the door. What is needed is something called a “low profile” threshold. 

Here is another design where a converted garage to living space was one step down from the main house. We designed an interior ramp to help with the transition.

One change that should be made is to the handrail - the ends should not be open (sleeves can get caught and cause a fall) but rather they should be turned into the wall. 

Some homes have raised foyers that step down into other main living spaces like in this photo below. This temporary aluminum ramp was not anchored to the floor and felt un-safe when walking or rolling on it. 

The solution in this case was to remove the raised foyer and re-pour the concrete level with the existing rooms to either side. Eliminating the step altogether.

Notice that the front door was re-hung with added framing above (the arched transom window remained and the space between the window and the top of the door was increased). The wheel chair user in the home can now answer the front door safely.  

So, if you have a step - consider adding an interior ramp. If you have a step - consider eliminating it if you can. Either way, your home will be more comfortable to use by all. 

[lifekicksback]

One of the perks of my current job is getting to fly in low level aircraft looking for collared animals in some pretty amazing country. My favorite is the color of some of those high altitude lakes. We flew over 'Bomber Glacier' where there is an old WWII era bomber that crashed in a training exercise and is still present and is a nice overnight hike to get to. Someone had visited lately, and one scary thought is some of their old tracks was covered with some fresh Avalanche slides. The only down part to flying all day... My daily steps went in the toilet. Still worth it every now and then though.