When a home has to be made easier and easily accessible, the issues that we’re trying to solve might be structural. Careful design and planning are necessary to create an inclusive environment; however, many homes do not meet the universal design guidelines.

Structural renovations are a crucial component in helping clients with accessibility requirements. What are the implications of these renovations for our work?

Structural Renovations – What Are They?

Renovating structural elements involves fixing, changing, taking away the load-bearing components in your home. “Load-bearing” could refer to any structural part that is dependent on pressure or weight, such as beams, posts, columns, walls, and foundations.

These components support loads and are vital in protecting homes. Builders and designers use these elements to aid in keeping the structure’s load and the contents. They also must support the load of external forces. The walls and roofs must withstand the force of wind and heavy snowfalls, and the foundation needs to handle the seasonal variations in the pressure of soil. A second floor with a furnished interior is more severe than an empty floor. A furnished second-floor is more substantial than one that is empty.

It is all to say that structural remodeling isn’t always easy. Making the wrong decision could render an unsafe home. What can these types of renovations aid accessibility issues?

How Can Structural Improvements Enhance Accessibility?

Most homeowners wish that their homes were more comfortable, spacious, and appealing. However, structural changes could make homes more accessible to navigate for mobility problems. You may live in an older house not designed to accommodate wheelchairs, such as many homes built from the 1940s to the 1990s, and a structural overhaul could bring the house into the 21st century.

In the case of accessibility improvements, taking down walls to open up rooms is a regular job. It opens spaces to allow for greater mobility and makes them accessible to mobility devices like walkers and wheelchairs. A smaller number of walls mean fewer hurdles for mobility issues. But, if they’re load-bearing walls, we must replace them with more sturdy components, like hidden beams, which can take the load.

When construction companies incorporate accessibility into their plans, it lowers costs, resulting in more long-lasting results. When carried out by a reputable contractor, the clients will still receive an excellent return on investment in necessary structural improvements.

Rely on an Accessibility Contractor for Your Renovation Projects

When accessibility contractors perform your renovations, any structural changes will not just be user-friendly but also attractive and comfortable. Ottawa Experts also pay attention to the home’s layout – any structural changes should fit the home’s design and match its theme.

As we’ve already mentioned, structural repairs can impact a house’s overall security. Contractors may fail to consider their responsibility to ensure that the elements they’re taking out are load-bearing components, leading to costly and dangerous accessibility upgrades.

To be confident in your structural work, Get in touch with us today at (613) 288-9145 or reach us at info@ottawahomepros.com.