The Americans with Disabilities Act’s purpose is easy to understand. The law is designed to prohibit discrimination and pave the way for those with disabilities to enjoy equal opportunities. Unfortunately, figuring out how to comply can be tough. ADA compliance must be reached in all new building construction as well as if you’re renovating a commercial facility. Working with an experienced ADA compliance commercial contractor is the best way to avoid trouble.
An ADA Compliance Commercial Contractor Can Help
Understanding Your Responsibilities Under the ADA
The Americans with Disabilities Act was enacted in 1990. All facilities built after that date automatically have to comply with its codes. Even though everyone knows that all new buildings should be ADA compliant, sometimes, people don’t understand exactly what that means. More compliance questions arise when you’re renovating older buildings that are open to the public. According to Title III of the ADA, these facilities are required to remove barriers that are “readily achievable” and “easily accomplished without much difficulty or expense.” That standard can be difficult to interpret, so having an experienced ADA compliance contractor to guide you is invaluable.
Why is ADA compliance so important?
It isn’t just a moral issue or a matter of ensuring that you don’t discriminate. Failing to comply with this federal act can lead to lawsuits, negative publicity, and serious financial penalties in the form of fines for noncompliance. In addition, you’ll have to pay to correct the issue. Clearly, working with an ADA compliance commercial contractor for your commercial renovations is simply good business.
Exploring Possibilities for ADA Compliance
If people travel to your location, there are a lot of areas that need to be compliant. Most are obvious such as curb cuts in sidewalks. But what about having wider doorframes? All new buildings will have these features, but a commercial renovation sometimes trigger ADA compliance issues. Parking lots, entryways, reception areas, hallways, and offices are all areas where specific renovations can improve accessibility. Restrooms are another area ripe for improvement, but ADA bathroom compliance is complicated. Determining how to pull together the necessary pieces in an effective design can be challenging.
Relying on experience to improve ADA compliance can make it easier to prepare for discussions with your contractor. There are a wide range of possibilities:
Outdoor ADA Compliance
- Creating accessible parking
- Installing curb cuts in sidewalks
- Installing ramps and handrails
Building ADA Compliance
- Widening doorframes or installing offset hinges to widen doorways
- Providing systems that allow heavy doors to be opened by pushing a button
- Fitting accessible door hardware
- Ensuring alarms include both flashing lights and sound
- Trading high-pile carpeting for friendlier flooring
- Placing counters or tables at user-friendly heights
- Adding raised markings to elevator control buttons and other vital signage
- Rearranging furnishings
Bathroom ADA Compliance
- Fitting grab bars in bathroom stalls
- Installing a raised toilet in the restrooms
- Reorganizing the restrooms to improve maneuverability
- Placing full-length mirrors in the restrooms
- Adjusting sink heights
Are you searching for an ADA compliance commercial contractor in Pennsylvania, Ohio, or New York? CBF Contracting Incorporated is committed to doing the job right the first time. It’s a philosophy that’s helped us build a lengthy list of satisfied clients for over 40 years. We’d be delighted to add your name to it. Contact us today to discuss your project.
