How to Replace Entry Doors to Meet ADA Compliance

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that public buildings be accessible for anyone, regardless of any disabilities the individual may have. This means that doors must be usable and meet certain compliance standards. They must be wide enough, straight enough and have push-button access on both the outside and inside. If you need to update your doors to be ADA compliant, read on.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Obtain a building permit. Talk to someone at your city offices for more specific information about what kind of permit you need to remodel an entry door to your building. Get a list of specific compliance codes.
2. Find the most current set of guidelines and instructions to follow for your design. The ADA homepage has the most current compliance guidelines as well as a section devoted to new or proposed restrictions (see Resources below).
3. Hire an engineering and design team. Though your new entry still must be functional, you also want it to be inviting and beautiful. There's no need to sacrifice aesthetics, and the engineers can determine the best way to deal with the adjustments to your doors.
4. Remodel your entry doors, and do your best to keep your building as easy to use as possible for anyone who needs access.

Tips & Warnings

• The accessibility guidelines from the ADA don't only apply to entry doors. Make sure you have all of your necessary ramps both inside and outside.