San Francisco Bay Area - How to build a ramp instead of stairs going down to the basement

by akasid

How to build a ramp instead of stairs going down to the basement

I am designing my new home and hope to start building in 2013. Instead of stairs going to the basement I want a cement ramp. I'm an avid crafts person and do some heavy duty decorating at Christmas and lugging all those tubs up and down is a real challenge. What pitch/angle and how many feet? I want half of it out in the attached garage and the second half in the basement, with a door and landing Doesn't need to be handicap approved

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Deborah Butler, Brickwood Builders As far as I know your state and local building codes will dictate what you can do with a ramp. If you're still in design stages, why can't a dumbwaiter work? http://www.dumbwaiters.com/

7 months ago · Like

Walker Woodworking You might also want to think about an elevator as well, lots of homes have them. I think a ramp is going to require and use a lot of extra space if it can even be done. An elevator may be just as economical.

7 months ago · Like

houssaon I think a ramp is going to be impractical. I like the idea of a dumbwaiter.

7 months ago · Like

Dytecture You need roughly 12 feet of horizontal length for every 1 foot of change in elevation, so if your basement is 8 feet high you'll need 96 feet of run just going down there.

7 months ago · Like

akasid I don't need it to be handicap, just a walkable slope. I've read a 4/12 to 6/12 pitch would work.
Can you imagine a ramp 96' long.....WOW Thank you !

7 months ago · Like

akasid I checked into the dumbwaiter, the size is the biggest problem...not big enough for my tubs:( But great option, thank you!

7 months ago · Like

eztia If you plan to live in this home for a long time, I would hire an architect familiar with Universal Design.

For your particular need with craft bins, I suggest a home elevator.

Here are some sites that might be helpful as you design your home:

www.universal design style.com

ergonomics.about.com

schafferconstruction.com (specializes in Universal Design)

www.udeworld.com/news.html

7 months ago · Like