As a business owner, you have a responsibility to ensure that your business complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act(ADA). Not only is it a legal requirement, it’s a way of creating a safe environment for everyone including those with disabilities.
ADA compliance spans every part of your business, from the accessibility of your business to your website usability. All of these can seem like a challenge especially if you’re just starting your business. At this point, hiring an ADA-certified inspector for your business is your best bet. You need a professional who can assess your business and provide the right guidance on achieving compliance. But when is the right time to hire one? Read on to know more!
When to hire an ADA-certified inspector for your business
When starting a new business
If you’re about to start your business, that’s the best time to hire an ADA-certified inspector. ADA-compliance starts at the very beginning and having an expert involved during the planning or construction phase can save you from costly mistakes later. An inspector can assess your layout, parking, entrances, restrooms and other facilities to ensure they meet ADA requirements before you open your doors to the public.
When renovating or expanding your business
Major renovations or expansions often require you to update your facilities to meet up with ADA standards. Even if your business was previously compliant, new changes to the layout can affect its accessibility. Hiring an ADA-certified inspector during this process ensures that all new additions or modifications align with legal requirements. This approach prevents potential accessibility issues and avoids the need for re-modifications in the future.
After receiving a customer complaint
If a customer has made complaints about accessibility at your business, it’s a sign that you need to reevaluate your compliance. Rather than waiting for a formal complaint or lawsuit, hiring an ADA-certified inspector can help you identify and address these issues.
Before a government audit or inspection
If you’ve been notified of an upcoming government audit or inspection, hiring an ADA-certified inspector beforehand can help you make appropriate preparations. They can conduct a thorough assessment, identify any areas that need to be modified and provide recommendations for corrections. This ensures you pass the audit and gives you peace of mind knowing your business meets all the legal requirements.
When buying or leasing a property
Before you purchase or lease a commercial property, the best thing to do is hire an ADA-certified inspector to evaluate its accessibility. This helps you discover any issue that could lead to non-compliance and the potential cost of keeping the property up to standard.
Conclusion
Hiring an ADA-certified inspector is the best thing you can do for your business. You need these experts from the initial setup to routine maintenance. Working with them protects your business from legal issues and also creates a compliant and accessible space for everyone. Don’t wait till problems arise before you schedule an inspection.