ADA Compliance: Working with the Best Accessibility Consultant for Your Project

Meeting up with ADA standards and requirements can feel like a difficult task, especially with all the evolving codes and design changes. So, whether you’re building a new house or making renovations, it’s important that you get things right from the start.

That’s where working with an accessibility consultant comes in. These professionals are familiar with how the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) work, and they can ensure your projects meets the standards. Not only legally, but in a way that works for you and your business. 

In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about hiring an ADA-certified inspector for your business.

Why Work with an Accessibility Consultant?

ADA compliance isn’t just about following guidelines. There are specific requirements involving measurements, clearances, entrances, ramps and restrooms, and these are just a few. There are other factors such as state and local variations, and as you move on things get even more complex. An experienced accessibility consultant helps you avoid costly mistakes, failed inspections and legal issues. They can:

  • Help you identify areas that don’t meet up with ADA compliance and can become a problem.
  • Offer design solutions that fits your business and improves its aesthetics and functionality.
  • Help guide your team towards building a space that’s accommodating and safe for everyone.

What to Look for in a Great Consultant

In the consulting workforce, some consultants outperform others and provide better solution. So when choosing someone to guide you on your ADA compliance journey, here are some things you should be looking for:

  • Certifications and experience 

Look for credentials like CASp (Certified Access Specialist), and make sure they’ve worked on similar projects.

  • Knowledge of local codes 

ADA is federal law, but states and cities also have their own rules too. Your consultant should have knowledge of both federal and state laws.

  • Track record

Before working with an ADA consultant, ask for references, case studies or portfolios. A good consultant should have examples of past work they’ve done for different clients.

  • Communication skills

When choosing a consultant, choose someone who is easy to talk to and can explain technical things easily for you to understand.

  • Problem solving mindset

The best consultant provide solutions to problems. They are creative and think out of the box.

Consultants with these qualities are the ones you want to work with.

Questions to Ask Before You Hire

To avoid running through several incompetent consultants, here are some questions to ask them to have an idea of their competence:

  • What types of properties have you worked on?
  • Do you work with both federal ADA guidelines and local/state accessibility codes?
  • Can you share any success stories or references?
  • What’s your process from assessment to final recommendations?
  • How do you stay current with code updates and industry trends?

The answers to this question will help you determine how much they know about their job and how they work with clients like you.

A professional accessibility consultant can save you time, money and stress. Also, they helo ensure that your space is accessible, comfortable and safe for everyone including clients, customers, employees or residents.

Conclusion 

ADA compliance is compulsory and should be done immediately you start your building construction or begin renovation. Getting an expert to help you early on in the process make the journey easier and more successful. Take your time, do your research and choose a consultant who really understands your goals. Because when there’s accessibility in your building, everyone benefits.

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