Whether you are thinking about new construction or simply renovating an existing commercial space, ADA compliance is crucial for more than one reason. The law requires equal access for Americans with disabilities, and your business will improve its reputation and revenue by offering that access to all potential customers.
That fact, of course, leaves a question that’s important for you and your construction partner to consider: just how should you adjust your project to achieve ADA compliance? Here are 3 ADA-related updates and improvements you can make that will help your business and keep you within the law.
1) Prioritize Access
The overarching goal of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 is to provide access to commercial and public facilities for people who have trouble getting around. For your construction project, that means prioritizing access to your building.
If you have engaged in commercial construction before, you likely know some of the ways in which you can make your building ADA required. Handicap parking, along with ramps and automated doors, are all crucial parts of ensuring that people in wheelchairs or otherwise limited movement can take advantage of your services as much as their non-impaired counterparts.
But don’t forget about seemingly smaller aspects of sufficient access, as well. For example, your doors need to have a width between 32 and 48 inches to be ADA compliant. Talk to your construction companies about other details of the law you may not be aware of.
2) Plan Your Interior
Just as the law requires sufficient building access for people with disabilities, it compels businesses to provide equal access to products and services you offer. Details like the heights of your counters and display cases may seem random at first, but actually follow very strict guidelines to achieve compliance.
Access to your goods and services becomes especially important if your building does not consist of a single, level floor. Anytime steps or escalators are involved, you need to think about alternative ways to move from one level of the building to another.
3) Consider Your Restrooms
To be ADA compliant, your restrooms have to be easily accessible and usable by all of your patrons – including those with disabilities. Sufficient space to maneuver around, along with details such as the height of your sink, all play an important role in making sure that your guests and customers can easily use your restrooms.
Particularly if your business encourages customers to stay for a longer amount of time, this update is a great example of the importance of ADA compliance. Staying within the law not only means avoiding legal trouble, but can also make a tangible, positive difference for your business.
If, for example, you are engaging in restaurant construction, building restrooms that are as easy to use for Americans with Disabilities as they are for other patrons can positively impact your revenue. Your guests will be more likely to stay for longer amounts of time thanks to their increased comfort level, leading to a higher bill per customer and more income for your business.
The Importance of Partnership in ADA Compliance
Of course, the above are just a few of the many updates your business should make to ensure its ADA compliance. This checklist gives a more complete overview of the standards your construction project has to follow.
But above all, you need a successful partnership with your construction company to ensure you comply with the ADA and improve your business. The details of the law have to be incorporated into your building, but can be difficult to keep track of. A reliable construction partner can help you stay on course and build or renovate a building that is equally usable and beneficial for all potential customers. For help in that regard, contact us.
