Has it got access ramps? Tips on buying an accessible property (Part 1)

Finding the perfect home is stressful enough at the best of times. But if you have the added challenge of buying an accessible property it can be even harder. Considerations such as location, transport, commute and schools are important. Adding the issue if disability into the mix makes finding a house even more problematic as houses with things like access ramps can be hard to come by. However, there are great accessible homes out there, and with a bit of perseverance you’ll be able to find one. Here are some tips on making the process as easy as possible.

Is the area wheelchair friendly?

Before choosing a house you need to make sure the area is suitable for a wheelchair. Very steep areas can be difficult to manage, unless you have a powered wheelchair. Houses on steep hills tend to have steep gardens, often with lots of steps. This will need to be changed to accommodate a wheelchair, which might add lots of expense to your move. The new house should at least have a flat drive or area outside the house to make car transfers easier.

Does it have access ramps?

If a home already has access ramps on the outside, life will be a lot easier. However, there are ways to make a home accessible, even if it has a lot of steps. Modular wheelchair ramps, like the ones we install at Go Access, can fit over existing structures and surfaces. This means no expensive structural changes to your new garden or home. If you are slightly more mobile but still struggle with tall or steep steps, disabled steps can also be fitted to make climbing them easier.

Can you get into the property?

Most people don’t notice that a lot of houses have high door thresholds. In some cases they can be as much as 10cm high, which makes them very difficult for wheelchair users. People who aren’t wheelchair users but have limited mobility may also struggle. Having the threshold lowered is certainly an option, but it may be expensive. However, this will probably not seem like much to pay if it will get you your dream home.

Is the inside of the property suitable for a wheelchair?

Once you’ve successfully got through the door, you may still find that the inside of the house is not navigable. A doorway should be a minimum width of 840mm to fit a wheelchair though. Newer houses may be built to this standard but most older ones will not. However, as with lowering the front door threshold, doors can be widened. It’s also important to make sure the bathroom is large enough for a wheelchair. Potentially narrow areas like hallways and corridors could also pose problems. The best approach is to take your wheelchair when viewing a property so you know for sure whether you can get around.