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Daycare Center and Family Home Forum>Ramps for DC
Josiegirl 04:31 AM 04-06-2018
Maybe this is a state by state thing but I was wondering if ramps simply going into my backyard, has to adhere to state rules? I asked my licensor and she said I don't think so. I asked a contractor and he said yep. But then I don't think he really wanted to take on the job I was seeking; he's more into building homes. Then I asked a handyman and he said you didn't need to have a ramp like that to follow the strict criteria. But his quote was so low and he acted kind of unprofessional that I didn't trust him to do a good job. I just don't want to go with stairs because it'd be another safety concern.
Any help or ideas are appreciated!
Any help or ideas are appreciated!
LysesKids 04:45 AM 04-06-2018
Originally Posted by Josiegirl:
Maybe this is a state by state thing but I was wondering if ramps simply going into my backyard, has to adhere to state rules? I asked my licensor and she said I don't think so. I asked a contractor and he said yep. But then I don't think he really wanted to take on the job I was seeking; he's more into building homes. Then I asked a handyman and he said you didn't need to have a ramp like that to follow the strict criteria. But his quote was so low and he acted kind of unprofessional that I didn't trust him to do a good job. I just don't want to go with stairs because it'd be another safety concern.
Any help or ideas are appreciated!
The guys that did my deck & stairs (including custom gates to keep littles from getting to stairs) said any professional contractor has to build to state code, including ramps; eventually I will be changing my back steps to a ramp, so I asked. Here in TN, rules change by county even for codes, so my deck, while legal in Blount Co, isn't in Sevier lol. Think about it, if you go to sell, a ramp that isn't to code my be a drawback. Also, having a ramp to code could be in your favor as you can say you are Handicap accessible. Just my take on itMaybe this is a state by state thing but I was wondering if ramps simply going into my backyard, has to adhere to state rules? I asked my licensor and she said I don't think so. I asked a contractor and he said yep. But then I don't think he really wanted to take on the job I was seeking; he's more into building homes. Then I asked a handyman and he said you didn't need to have a ramp like that to follow the strict criteria. But his quote was so low and he acted kind of unprofessional that I didn't trust him to do a good job. I just don't want to go with stairs because it'd be another safety concern.
Any help or ideas are appreciated!
DaveA 05:10 AM 04-06-2018
How far of a drop is it? That might have a bearing on the answers.
Blackcat31 06:59 AM 04-06-2018
Originally Posted by Josiegirl:
Maybe this is a state by state thing but I was wondering if ramps simply going into my backyard, has to adhere to state rules? I asked my licensor and she said I don't think so. I asked a contractor and he said yep. But then I don't think he really wanted to take on the job I was seeking; he's more into building homes. Then I asked a handyman and he said you didn't need to have a ramp like that to follow the strict criteria. But his quote was so low and he acted kind of unprofessional that I didn't trust him to do a good job. I just don't want to go with stairs because it'd be another safety concern.
Any help or ideas are appreciated!
I would google your city building codes. Maybe this is a state by state thing but I was wondering if ramps simply going into my backyard, has to adhere to state rules? I asked my licensor and she said I don't think so. I asked a contractor and he said yep. But then I don't think he really wanted to take on the job I was seeking; he's more into building homes. Then I asked a handyman and he said you didn't need to have a ramp like that to follow the strict criteria. But his quote was so low and he acted kind of unprofessional that I didn't trust him to do a good job. I just don't want to go with stairs because it'd be another safety concern.
Any help or ideas are appreciated!
It should list some guidelines about that type of thing
storybookending 08:15 AM 04-06-2018
One of my best friends is in a wheel chair. In my city you do need a building permit to build a ramp but the work does not have to be done by a contractor. In my friends case his dad built all the ramps, he had to submit plans to the city to approve but could do the work himself. We talked about adding a ramp to my property as him getting into my house is a chore but we’ve got it down to a pretty good science. As far as licensing the wood for the sides of the ramp just had to be no more than 4 inches apart just as the sides of a deck or porch would.
hwichlaz 10:12 AM 04-06-2018
You need a permit to build one in most areas. But you do NOT need a permit to purchase a prebuilt ramp. 
Annalee 10:15 AM 04-06-2018
The fire marshall dictates my railings, etc. Licensing has no input on that. Railings are included in my fire codes. 
Josiegirl 10:25 AM 04-06-2018
Originally Posted by DaveA:
How far of a drop is it? That might have a bearing on the answers.
I'm not sure how far off the ground it is(maybe 6') and that's why stairs were suggested instead of a ramp, because if I had to build them to code they'd go way out all over my backyard. LolHow far of a drop is it? That might have a bearing on the answers.
But does it make a difference if they're built to NOT be used as handicap accessible? I just cannot picture trying to help toddlers down the stairs and bringing strollers up/down.
LysesKids 10:41 AM 04-06-2018
Originally Posted by Josiegirl:
I'm not sure how far off the ground it is(maybe 6') and that's why stairs were suggested instead of a ramp, because if I had to build them to code they'd go way out all over my backyard. Lol
But does it make a difference if they're built to NOT be used as handicap accessible? I just cannot picture trying to help toddlers down the stairs and bringing strollers up/down.
If the ramp is too steep it will defeat the purpose also won't it? I mean a toddler could tumble if they don't have proper balance - that's why Ramps are done to code; so you can roll up & down them without falling or having to push as hard uphill. Personally I would still check city/county & fire regulations because they will trump licensing. And if you do stairs, just have a custom gate done like I did (I can even padlock mine when I go out of town).I'm not sure how far off the ground it is(maybe 6') and that's why stairs were suggested instead of a ramp, because if I had to build them to code they'd go way out all over my backyard. Lol
But does it make a difference if they're built to NOT be used as handicap accessible? I just cannot picture trying to help toddlers down the stairs and bringing strollers up/down.
DaveA 11:20 AM 04-06-2018
I was wondering if it was just a couple inches or a single step. That big of a drop will need a pretty substantial ramp. I doubt you would find a contractor willing to do ramp for that height that didn't meet ADA standards or local codes.
hwichlaz 02:26 PM 04-06-2018
What about a portable ramp on hinges so you can flip it up against the side railing or house when you aren’t using it?