ADA Survey & Requirements for New Construction Guide

ADA surveys involve a detailed inspection of how accessible the facilities are so that they may declare they have fulfilled any obligation. Before the visit, the subjects must gather all relevant documentation and at least review some basic ADA-related information. On position, the certified surveyor will assess critical points such as the visitor parking space, the main entrance door, and interior paths. The surveyor will also assess restrooms, counters, and signage to some extent.    They check for the minimum specifications of the door width, ramps, grab bars, height of service counters, and any objects that may hinder an individual's access to persons with disabilities. An ADA survey shall help identify potential legal risk incidents and make for a more comfortable and inclusive experience for any customer.   In this blog, we will explore the pre-survey phase, on-site evaluation, key areas surveyors focus on, and the long-term advantages of regular ADA surveys.   The Pre-Survey Phase-The Preparation-Setting Stage for a Smooth Process   Before the ADA survey is underway, several steps should be taken to set the stage for a smooth process:   1. Gather Existing Documents Start by putting together any blueprints, floor plans, previous ADA audits, and records of any renovations made to the building. These documents help the surveyors understand your property's present structure and layout, which may affect compliance.    2. Study the ADA Checklist Learn the basic ADA compliance standards. You do not have to be an expert. Still, understanding the general requirements, such as the width of doorways, parking space measurements, and the availability of restrooms, will help note potential issues at an early juncture.   3. Let the Staff Know Inform them about the survey. Staff may be questioned or called on to help the surveyor access particular areas of the facility. Preparation helps reduce disruptions and shows professionalism.   4. Schedule for Off-Time Schedule the survey to the extent it is possible, during off-peak hours. This would allow the surveyor to go about his business with some reasonable degree of liberty and without much interference from potential customers.   On-Site Inspection: Areas Typically Reviewed   The ADA surveyor will complete a thorough walkthrough of your premises and focus on areas that bear on accessibility. Here is a little insight into what they generally examine:   1. Lot for Parking Accessible places should be available with the proper signage. Proper slopes must be provided next to accessible pathways to ensure that individuals with disabilities can safely enter or exit their vehicles. These are usually the first glaring red flags for ADA violations.   2. Entry and Exit  The door should be 32 inches wide and very easy to open, but automatic doors would be better so that they would have lever handles.   3. Walkways and Corridors The pathways and corridors must allow a 36-inch minimum clear space for wheelchair moving. There should be no abrupt level change unless a proper ramp with handrails is provided.   4. Restrooms Grab bars must be firmly installed, sinks and dispensers shall be at a proper height for use by disabled persons. Surveyors will inspect everything from toilet placement to turn radius.   What the Surveyors Are Looking For   An ADA surveyor is not an inspector to levy a fine but rather a facilitator to identify barriers preventing the person with a disability from accessing your services. Here are some things they look at:   1. The 2010 ADA Standards  Surveyors look at the 2010 ADA standards for accessible design, which are the technical requirements for accessibility. Any slight variation, meaning a ramp being a little too steep, rejects the notion of being compliant.    2. Readily Achievable Barrier Removal The surveyors want to look into some accessibility issues that can be fixed with little or reasonable effort and expenses. To put it simply, the ADA does not require businesses to perfect their accessibility status overnight. However, companies are required to remove barriers when it is readily achievable.   3. Functionality Above Everything Else Surveyors are not interested in visual conformity; practical access is their concern. For example, a grab bar that looks aesthetically pleasing but lacks sufficient durability would be deemed inadequate.   4. Consistency Compliance has to be maintained evenly and constantly throughout all areas open to the public—a lobby, restrooms, dining area, or checkout counters. One compliant entrance to a facility is not enough if the rest of the facility is not accessible.   Long-Term Benefits of Regular ADA Surveys   ADA surveys may seem like a box to check, but regular evaluations offer long-term benefits well beyond compliance with the law:    1. Reduced Legal Risk Proactively identifying and remedying compliance issues can significantly mitigate your exposure to lawsuits and DOJ investigations. Incurring settlements is an expensive route, while ADA surveys are an economical alternative.   2. Customer Experience An accessible place is an inviting place. ADA-compliant places are a boon for persons with disabilities, the elderly, and young families.   3. Better Business Reputation Being a passionate advocate for inclusive practices better positions you in the eyes of the public. Customers love a business that tries to treat anybody the same way.   4. Financial Incentive Small businesses may avail of certain federal tax credits while implementing accessibility improvements. This includes those related to ADA requirements for new construction. Your ADA consultant can advise you on qualifying for these incentives.   Summary   The loss of ADA compliance may seem huge to an individual, but it should not be that way. An ADA survey is an essential proactive, practical measure to help the business identify potential issues, plan necessary upgrades, and truly make the enterprise accessible for an individual. From inspection of parking lots to measuring counter heights, much will be accomplished via the survey process. However, the process supports businesses willing to do right rather than punish them. The list of benefits is long, winning the community's trust and goodwill along with reputation enhancement. It will drive more people through your doors for your business.