Category: Glen Miller The Home Doctor - page 10

The concept of aging makes many of us think about losing independence and moving to reliance on others.  This is no longer the case with increased age in place modifications to provide home safety for seniors and limited mobility, disabled, individuals.  Although nursing homes still exist it is not the idea that first flashes into the mind of aging seniors.  Independence, freedom and safety are all visions sought out and ideally funded on the principal of living in one’s home.  As caregivers it is important to grant independence to the loved ones we cherish while peace of mind is kept that the environment is safe and accessible for them.

Home modifications are best complete in progression with the age and needs of the clients.  We can all agree that the needs of a sixty-five year old senior are different from those of a one that is eighty-five.  It is also important to recognize limitations within each individual in response to mobility and ones abilities.  Home safety modifications are just the start to aging in place.  It is also important to ensure that basic independent living skills are still properly being administered for your loved ones to not only stay safe but healthy.

One major issue that comes to mind is self-care.  If an individual wishes to remain living independently they must be able to take care of their basic health needs.  Hygiene, restroom usage and bathing all become a bigger effort for aging individuals but one that is of utmost importance.  It is crucial to be able to care for one s self.

Another important matter is to discuss and deal with money matters.  They must still be empowered financially as it does take money to run a household.  Utilities will need to be paid and it is important that they are able to independently take care of this task to age in place.  It is important that they understand their banking statements, how to write a check and manage expenses.

Home skills are important as well.  Independent living entails one to be able to cook, clean and do laundry tasks.  Basic home management skills are critical to independent living.  Functions such as turning the stove off after a meal is prepared become a matter of safety and needs to still be able to be taken care of by the individuals.

Health care issues should be able to be met as well.  To independently live on one’s own they should be able to properly take medication, make and keep doctor’s appointments, even with the use of public transportation if needed, and be knowledgeable of their medical needs.  It is important that individuals know their insurance coverage and are able to retain the information making educated decisions about treatment needs.

Another area in home safety is not necessarily the modifications but the same as with young children; strangers and the need for secure information.   Independent living means knowing the dangers of telemarketing, home shopping channels and people coming to the door.  It is also important that they are able to get a hold of people in an emergency and that they are clearly able to speak their needs and where they are located.

The desire is for seniors and those facing challenges in the form of a disability to care for them independently and age in a safe, familiar place – home.  Keeping the freedoms that exist within the home environment is important and necessary to many.  As caregivers we like to keep their wants and desires in mind while maintaining safety.

Home modifications is a fairly new concept that has come along with the incarnation of seniors choosing to stay living in their homes in place of moving to assisted living facilities and nursing homes. Due to limitations that naturally occur as we age changes need to be made in order for needs to be met and safety kept at a premium.  Home modifications can range from replacing the knobs on cabinets to bathroom remodels that include barrier free entry tubs.

Seniors need home modifications in order to age in place.  They promote keeping independence in senior citizens life while keeping them safe. It is important to recognize that eighty-five percent of elderly people wish to stay in their homes and are doing so.  Out of those eighty-five percent only a small percentage are equipped with accommodations that will allow them maximum safety.

Homes without age in place modifications become harder to maintain and live in for seniors.  It is proven that a home that is perfectly safe and allows for independent living at sixty-five does not necessarily accommodate the needs of a seventy year old.  It has been proven that simple modifications done to the home can eliminate up to fifty percent of the accidents that occur to seniors aging in place.

The most common accident to occur within the home to seniors is a fall.  There are many home modifications that can be done to prevent accidental falls.  Many age in place specialists will come into the home and do a free home analysis of problem areas.  With this information homeowners can budget to make arrangements to accommodate their needs as they begin the aging process.  If their goal is to age in their homes and wish to live as independently as possible starting out early in making simple changes will ease both the financial and emotional burdens that can occur.

Below is an example of an inspection of the kitchen and bathroom space within a home.  With this general look it is easy to see how home modifications are necessary to safely age in place.

• It is important to make cabinet knobs easy to pull open.  As people age they often begin to lose the strength and ability to work door knobs that have to be turned or that are hard to pull open.
• Stove controls must all be marked with bold lettering and easy to use.  It is important that there are lights that are on the stove that signal when it is on and the stove top is hot.  This is important to prevent the stove from being left on or a hand placed on the stove while it is still on.
• Faucets should be levered instead of turn knobs. This will ease turning them on and off.
• Grab bars should be put in place in spaces such as tub and toilet areas.  It is also important to evaluate the area around the toilet and the toilet itself.  Seniors begin to have a harder time lowering and raising themselves. This issue can be resolved with grab bars and high rise toilet aides.
• Ovens are also another area of concern.  They are often heavy and hard to open.  This is something to look into.  A convection oven can be purchased to help with this issue.
• A place to sit while working in the kitchen becomes necessary.  The aging process has a strange effect on joints and the ability to stand for long periods of time.  Cutting celery and dicing carrots is made simpler with a seated work area.  The risk of falling or slipping while using a knife decreases significantly.
• The tub and shower is a large area of concern.  A barrier free shower entrance is an incredibly nice feature to have installed.  Bathroom remodels are a common renovation for homeowners.  A bit of forwarding thinking can save a lot of money later on.
• Water temperatures should be regulated to prevent burning.  This is something that is simple and does not require any renovations.
• Items that are used on a regular basis such as shampoo and dish soap should be within reaching distance.  Over reaching can lead to falls.  It is important that everyday use items are well within reach.

Home modifications can improve the lives of those aging in place.  Safety is of course the main concern however a skilled age in place contractor can blend safety and aesthetics while putting in place home modifications.

Considering that accidents happen at a fairly consistent rate it is probable that at some point a disability will hit with in the home that reduces a person’s mobility.  When an accident occurs it is likely individuals can find themselves dependent upon the use of a wheelchair, walker or scooter device.  Also, as people age the simple act of maneuvering around the home becomes trickier.  Often times these are the points in life that it is realized the space within the home and accesses in and out of the home are compromised and need to be updated.

It is rare that a home is built with the limitations handicaps and aging in place bring.  Most traditional builders do not build with the foresight that narrow doors and an abundance of stairs might eventually be difficult for maneuverability.  Builders don’t build with questions such as “How would I access this narrow door?” or “How would I access this stairway?” with the same thinking as someone with a handicap or some years under their belt.  Consumers don’t often purchase homes thinking about the golden years or the what if’s accident bring.

Accessible living solutions within the home is an industry in which is being grown out of a need that has not been filled with in the home construction industry.  Remodels of this magnitude look at all aspect of aging and handicap needs.  Handicap accessible renovations look into home modifications that make the difficulties aging and handicaps bring and work to lessen if not eliminate them.  Enhancements will improve not only daily life but overall safety as well.

Aging in place is becoming a more viable option for seniors and their loved ones.  Many times people would rather not move late in life and prefer the idea of maintaining independence and caring for themselves.  As long as caregivers can keep them safe with simple modifications this option helps many dreams of independent living a reality.  The same is true when you think of individuals in which have been handicapped naturally or accidently.  Handicap is not a synonym for unable to.  In fact it often makes one more determined to be independent.

This was true when I broke my ankle.  I was handicapped by the fact I could not walk.  Crutches hurt, wheelchairs worked well outside of my home however inside the home was a complete disaster.  I can only imagine the same is true for others with disabilities.

Everyone’s needs are a bit unique.  Some such as me only need to meet a temporary need while others need permanent solutions to everyday dilemmas.  It is important for us to be able to care for ourselves.  Privacy is a premium within the bathroom and dressing areas. Handicap construction teams come into homes and meet with clients to access their needs and values.  This in turn allows them to seek out areas modifications are necessary and ones that are not with accessible living solutions.

A prediction for the future with life spans increasing is that awareness begins within the construction industry.  Homes will be seen with easier access in and out, wider doors will become standard and open floor plans will be on the rise.  It is also important to note that homes will be built with multiple bathrooms in which at least one is built with shower access that does not involve a traditional tub.  Small modifications such as these will allow the next generation to age in place with less issues then what faces elderly and handicap individuals today.

The main concern in seniors interested in aging in place is their safety.  It is important for us as caregivers to research safety modifications to improve the safety in each room that they will be using.  Bathroom safety is of utmost importance.  The bathroom is the room in a home in which most accidents occur.  With this in mind it is important to realize the odds increase for an accident when seniors are involved.  The lack of balance and slower motor skills increases the odds ten-fold for an accident to occur.  Thankfully there are many options to increase the safety for loved ones while allowing them to age in place.

Most modifications in the bathroom can be done with just a bit of forward thinking.  Many home modification companies exist to make sure age in place modifications are done correctly. The important part of the equation is to look at the space, evaluate the changes that need to be put in place and upgrade the space to create the most efficient, hazard free space possible for your loved one.

Safety modifications can be done to fit all budgets and safety needs.  Needs may arise slowly and can be addressed as they come up while other situations will require a complete overhaul from the start.  An evaluation will determine the needs of your loved ones in comparison with the space.  This way a plan can be drawn up in order to create a safe and sufficient space. As your loved one ages it is in their best interest to start adding remodeling that favors aging in place.  This is a suggestion to broach with compassion, care and understanding.  Many older loved ones don’t like to face the fact they are aging and might eventually not have the mobility they see in themselves currently.

Some simple safety modifications are;

• Extra lighting is always a good investment.  It is especially important at night when visibility is low.  Motion lighting is readily available and is helpful for those using walkers who are using their hands to maneuver.
• Rugs are incredibly common in bathrooms.  For people who are aging they are incredibly dangerous and easy to get caught up in.  Remove them for their safety.  Use an anti-slip mat for the exit of the shower to avoid slipping on tile.  A texture tile is now available and can help prevent the slick surfaces that tile normally represent.
• Faucets are another area of concern.  Make sure to remove hard to turn faucets in favor of levered ones.  It is also incredibly important to purchase faucets that clearly mark hot and cold.  Many bathroom accidents occur from scalding.  In providing bathroom safety for a senior it is also necessary to check the temperature on the hot water tank.
• Original toilets can be modified with the addition of a portable high rise seat.  If more permanent modifications can be done it is advisable.  Higher rising toilets can be bought and installed.  Adding safety grab bars to the side and front of the toilet area helps seniors gain their balance.
• Tub and shower safety is incredibly important.  There are several temporary modifications that can be used and many permanent ones as well.  If the situation calls for budget friendly, temporary solutions tub chairs, transfer benches and grab bars can be installed to promote a safe entrance and exit from the tub.  If more permanent renovations can be done it would be wise to invest in a barrier free entry tub or shower.

It is easy to enter into a new situation and go overboard with modifications that are unnecessary.  This is why it is important to contact an accessible alterations company to evaluate the situation and recommend necessary adjustments to the area.  This is true for all areas of the home and especially important in the bathroom where many hazards exist for loved ones.

As loved ones age caregivers need to start putting in place a plan against home accidents.  Aging in place is becoming more common as loved ones are living longer and are more independent than in past decades. Assisted living a popular option also however many senior prefer to maintain their quality of life and independent living for as long as possible.  This leads to aging in place safety procedures being instituted in homes.

One issue that often arises as loved ones ages is the loss of balance and stability.  This often leads to falls that then grow into large issues such as broken hips or fractures.  The best thing we can do as caregivers is to eliminate the possibilities that make our senior higher risk.  It is impossible to offer them more balance on their own so establishing the aid around the house to offer this while removing obstacles is the key element in keeping seniors safe while aging in place.

The main area to begin with is the floors.  This is obvious as it is where mobility happens.  Observe the room.  Look for obstacle as you walk through, in and around the room.  Is there furniture everywhere?  Is it too tight to maneuver with the use of a cane or walker?  Are there rugs scattered about or loose carpets?  How about magazines, papers, dog beds and extra debris that is not necessary cluttering the floor area?  Also examine any cords for lamps, phones and other miscellaneous items often around the home stored on the floor.  Even fan and humidifier cords are hazards in moving about one’s home in a safe manner.

Now that you have narrowed down what needs to be taken care of it is imperative to proceed with a plan that with alleviate the issues permanently.  Picking up newspapers and magazines is terrific however in itself inefficient.  A place to store future items safely is also needed.  Furniture that is over abundant should be scaled down to make room to maneuver safely about.  Throw rugs should not be placed on the floors of homes in which aging seniors are living.  They are just too easy to trip over when balance is already compromised.  Some safety experts allow for double sided sticky tape to be used but it is honestly a better option to rid the home of them.  Cords should be eliminated all together if they are in the path of a walk way.  You can either remove the element that needs electricity or add outlets so that cords can be secured against a wall.

Steps and stairs are tricky enough for older adults.  Make sure that there is plenty of lighting, sturdy handrails and carpets that are secured to the stairs.  Check to ensure there are light switches at the top and bottom of the stairs.  Also make sure that nothing is on the stairs that could act as an obstacle such as books, shoes or laundry baskets.

Kitchen safety, bathroom safety and bedroom safety are also major concerns as caregivers to those who are aging in place.  It is important to make sure everything is in reach and stools are not necessary to reach higher items.  Lighting is also important.  It is hard to maneuver around a room when the light is low.  Install extra lighting and multiple nightlights around the house for easy visibility for loved ones.  The bathroom is the number one spot in the home for an accident to occur.  Ensure safety with the use of grab bars, transfer chairs in the tub and non-slip mats installed.

Preventing falls is the main objective.  Make sure your loved one is getting plenty of exercise and keeping mobility at a premium.  Review medicines prescribed to make sure the side effects do not include dizziness or loss of balance. Have a loved one wear shoes while inside is also beneficial as they offer general support and extra grip to the floor.  If a fall does happen ensure that your loved one knows what to do.  It is important to have phones on every floor and emergency numbers programmed into them encase a fall does occur.  Aging in place does not have to be scary as long as precautions are taken and extra care is given to areas taken for granted by most of us.

Think about the one thing that we do every day and have done since the day we arrived on this good Earth?  We age of course.  Every day we get one day closer to being old.  The definition of old changes to us, of course, as we age.  In our teens we think twenty year olds are so mature and old.  By the time we are in our twenties, we are experiencing our first job; thirties we have the family and by our forties we have resigned that old is still really far off.

The truth of the matter is by the middle of our life we need to start thinking about the last stage and part of that has to do with aging and how to stay independent and living on our own for as long as possible.  With this comes a new territory to explore newly termed aging in place.  What this refers to is the fact that many people are aging well into their nineties and many people do not want to burden their children will the responsibility of caring for an elderly parent.

As we gain speed slipping fast into out golden years it is important to begin remodeling the space we live in with our future needs in mind.  For many of us this means that remodel projects start to include aging in place features that will allow us to continue to move about the home freely and safely.  The goal is to make sure that the home that we age in is safe for us, provides minimal maintenance and transcends into more barrier free living space.  There is a host of things to consider while aging.

Entering and exiting the home needs to be safe and secure.

• Better and brighter lighting is needed in garages and spaces where the vehicles are parked.
• Threshold ramps should be installed to provide a zero step entry into the home.
• Handrails should be upgraded and be provided on all entrances and exits of the home.  Upgrades should consist of heavy duty materials and hardware that will hold up without loosening with extreme use.

Kitchen changes to ease access for preparing meals.

• Faucets should be equipped with easy to use levers and an easy to use pull out nozzle.   This may come as a surprise but someday in the future it will be more convenient and easier for hair to be washed in the sink.
• Shelves that pull out should be incorporated into the kitchen design.  This eases back discomfort and back breaking bends.
• Refrigerators can be upgraded to allow for shelving to be pulled out.
• The knobs on the kitchen cupboards and drawers should be larger and easier to grab onto.

It is so easy for an accident to happen in the bathroom.

• Grab bars that are attractive yet fill the aging in place need should be installed in the shower and by the toilet.
• Faucets should again be levered, as is true in the kitchen, this helps with stiff joints that don’t turn or grasp as well as they used too.
• Showers can be modified to contain a sitting area and shower heads should be changed to removable ones that help get areas that normally are hard to reach for someone with limited mobility.
• Toilets can be purchased at a higher height to provide comfort when trying to stand.

Moving in general around the home should be made easier with each renovation.

• Make sure doorways can accommodate a walker.  This means doors should be a minimum width of thirty six inches.
• Add extra lighting throughout the house.  Eye site tends to get poorer as we age.

There are many aging in place changes to make as the aging process happens and starts to turn us into people we know longer recognize.  Pretty soon we stop thinking about what is old and start thinking about the fact that when we were fifty we were so young and able to do so much.  It’s funny how age affects our frame of mind.

Handicapped ramps need some for thought when it comes to placement and how it will affect the surrounding use of space.  Not only is landscaping affected, the aesthetics of the home but also the use of space within the yard.  It is optimal to build a handicapped ramp in a location that will have the least impact on the usable space within a yard.  Kids and adults alike use the yard space for recreation and for this reason it is best to build the ramp with these thoughts in mind.

When planning space within the entrance area of the home it is important to think about a design that encompasses the current style and landscape of the home.  If a home is very modern and has a contemporary flair you might be able to blend a metal ramp into the porch design and landscape.  However, if the home is classic or country in style a metal handicapped ramp will look out of place and a wooden one would prove to be a better option.  The nicest feature about wooden ramps is that they are stainable and will easily match or blend into décor that is in place already.

The landing of a ramp is also important and should be designed as a square or rectangle.  The ramp way should intersect with the landing head-on.  It is important for the wheelchair user to have an approach, landing, that is head on and perpendicular so that the intersection is flat.  If a wheelchair hits the landing without both wheels entering the ramps at the same time the person using the wheelchair’s safety could be compromised.  Both wheels need to pass over the landing at the same time to promote the safest entrance and exit possible.  If the exit/entrance is angles this will cause an imbalance and could potentially cause the chair to tip.

Joints within a wheelchair ramp should also be constructed with the utmost care. When joining to areas of a ramp it is important to also make the union balanced.  Never should the landing be angled.  This could be incredibly tricky if the ramp that is being built is on more than a ninety degree angle.  The landing for the ramp at the union will need to be big enough for the wheelchair user to position them to take the intersecting landing straight on.  The turning direction of a wheelchair is forty eight inches and should be considered when building the ramp and landings.

The process of putting in a handicap ramp is not one that should be taken lightly.  There are many factors to consider when looking into the materials, size and style ramp that would best suit the home and need.  Figuring out the space accommodations is only one piece of the puzzle to figure in before the installation process begins.  It is best to consider a professional handicap ramp installer for structures that are to be a permanent fixture to the home.

Who can help with the overwhelming amount of home repairs that need to be done around the house?  Sure isn’t a spouse who is working full time, coaching kid’s activities, involved in the PTO or one that would like to put a hot meal on the table at night.  Homes need a great deal of maintaining and often times there is  a shortage when it comes to the time involved in doing the little things that need to be done.  This is when the help of a handyman service company comes in handy.

Believe it or not there are many other benefits to hiring a handyman other than extra time spent with the family.  That may be the most important but certainly not the only.  It is important when looking for handyman services in the local area that you call upon friends and family members for a referral.   It will bring more comfort trusting your home maintenance to a handyman that comes from within a trusted circle.

Professional handymen are experienced in many different fields of home improvement. The first major benefit of a handyman is that no matter the size of the list they are prepared for it.  They are also prepared for the many different hats they will wear when working throughout the home.  If there is something that they don’t feel is within their realm they will know a professional specialist such as a plumber or electrician to recommend for the job.

The biggest benefit to hiring handyman services is that no job is too big or too small for them to handle.  Most of the time if a professional contractor is called upon they will not take the job unless it is bigger and worth more of a financial gain to them.  Where as a professional handyman will come out to install the privacy fence or caulk the tub.  The size of the job does not matter to them as they are able to charge per job or by the hour depending on the handyman hired.

When you do hire a handyman to come out it will be amazing how much money that is saved in comparison to hiring a larger contractor.  The savings from the multiple trips to the store if the homeowner chooses to attempt the repair on their own will be seen in just one visit from a handyman.

Whether a spouse is in the service, gone on business, working a lot or would like to spend time at home doing quality activities with the kids hiring someone to deal with routine maintenance of the home is well worth the expense.  It may cost a bit but soon the savings will be realized by the small jobs not turning into major situations.  It is funny that way.  When you fix a leak in the showerhead when it first begins rather than letting it fester money is saved.  That small leak can turn into mold growth behind the tiles and then a homeowner is looking at a bathroom remodel.  Putting out a small amount of money on handyman services will save the household money in the long run.

Building a wheelchair ramp is something that needs to be done with great care.  Ramps that have been designed and built incorrectly put the end users at risk and create situations that are hazardous.  The situation can be unsafe for not only the wheelchair user but also the care provider and all that use the ramps as a mode of entering and exiting the home.  Wheelchair ramp installers are certified and trained to install ramps that meet the ADA guidelines.  If a homeowner is going to tackle this major renovation on their own it is best that they look into classes and follow each detail in guidebooks sold on building handicap accessible ramps.

Some of the issues that an installer of a permanent wheelchair ramps might run into would be the angle of the ramp is too steep, lack of side railing and even improper slopes and landings.  Portable ramp installers might find the ramp is too short and then in turn creates a steep slope for the user.  Another issue found with temporary or portable ramps is that the anchoring system has not been installed properly which can allow for slippage.

It is important for the end user to be safe. Wheelchair ramps must be safe, stable and resistant to slips.  It is also important that at any surface entering, on or exiting the ramp that is not part of the whole be marked with florescent tape or paint to give individuals with less than stellar vision the heads up that a transition is about to happen.

In regards to the slope of the ramp or sometimes referred to as the rise it is general knowledge that the less of a grade the easier it is for the user.  The basic principals here are that for every one inch the ramp need to go up a foot of ramp is needed.  When processing the slope remember the user must be able to maintain control throughout the entire ascend and descend.  If the wheelchair user, walker user, cane user or caregiver looses their footing at all it could be an incredibly dangerous situation.

The length of the ramp is also something that needs to be considered.  It is important that the ramp be a safe length.  That length is determined by the user and the only other thing to consider when thinking about the length is maintenance and turns required for the length of the ramp to fit into the space allowed.

The minimum recommended width of a ramp is thirty six inches.  This will accommodate wheelchairs and walkers.  If the ramp needs to accommodate two-way traffic a minimum should be about one hundred twenty inches.  It is often recommended that wheelchair ramps should be made to accommodate larger wheelchairs which are often used for the comfort of the patient.  In this case the thirty six inches may be too narrow.  Consider this before starting the design and location for the ramp.

Ramp landing must be level and be able to accommodate a forty eight inch turn radius.  Regulations state that landings must provide a sixty inch landing for the wheelchair user to rest especially if the ramp rise is over two and a half feet.  With this in mind it is also wise to include railings on all ramps.  However it is not law.  Only in cases where the rise is over six inches with a seventy two inch projection are ramps required to have railings.  It is important to remember that anything can happen and even a short fall can damage an already fragile body beyond repair.

Consider the weather conditions in the area in which the ramp will be located.  If the area is particularly rainy or will be in a snowy location take extra precautions to provide a slip resistant floor to the ramps.  It is all about keeping loved ones safe.  Do the research before the ramp is built so that every safety angle can be worked through to provide the safest most aesthetically pleasing wheelchair ramp in the neighborhood.

When beginning any home improvement project it is important to ask yourself questions before the project starts.  This means before your buy the materials, before you come up with a final design and before you start any type of demolition.  It is hard but important to wait until the details have been worked which often include waiting on permits.   Before the construction of a wheelchair accessible ramps begins the project manager should find out the answers to some important questions.

1)      Who is the ramp being built for?

2)      What type of equipment does the person using the ramp require?  Is it a standard wheelchair, an oversized wheelchair, a scooter, an electric scooter, cane or crutches?

3)      Will there be changes after the ramp is installed?  Will the patient have more or less mobility?

4)      What requirements are set forth by local ordinances?  Are their special permits needed to accommodate building a ramp?

5)      What features that exist in the landscape and home that need to be kept verse what can be changed?

This is a very general over view of key points to think about when installing a ramp.  There are many key points that need to be examined that are critical to the design.  One of those important elements has to do with the exact point of entrance, the area that is available for the ramp, the slope of the ramp and specific codes for the local municipalities.

First is entry into the home.  Which doorway will the ramp lead to our will a new one need to be made to accommodate placement of the ramp.  This will be determined by the ease of accessing the rest of the house from each entry point for the user of the wheelchair. It is also important to consider the width of the wheelchair in comparison to the doorways width along with the any obstacles that are present such as stairs, platforms and porches.

Another major issue is space issues with the yard, landscaping, porch or garage space that is present.  U shaped ramps cover more distance and can accommodate a smaller space.  When a homeowner has a great deal of slope to contend with and minimal space this is a terrific option in wheelchair ramps.

Building codes in local municipalities vary greatly.  Check with homeowners associations and local government officials to determine what codes need to be followed and paperwork obtained before moving forth with a wheelchair accessible ramp project.

Consider materials next.  What type of material will be used to build the ramp, metal or wood?  Both have pros and cons so this is left up to personal choice and regulations within your neighborhood.  It is important to make sure that the materials you choose are for the climate in which the ramp will be built.  Extra skid resistant measures should be taken in colder regions where snow, ice and rain are part of daily life.  As well as taking into consideration using metal in climates where the sun rays can cook eggs.