Ramps and entries
A step-free way into the house
Front, side or garage door: we measure the rise, work out the run and build a ramp or a no-step entry you can use on a July afternoon.
A ramp is a long shape. We build to 1 inch of rise for every 12 inches of run, so a 24-inch step takes 24 feet of ramp, plus a flat landing at the top, at every turn and at the bottom. We draw it on a photo of your yard before you choose a material.
Not in the usual scope: driveway paving, tree removal and engineered drawings. When a job needs one of them it gets its own line in the estimate.
What's included
Wood, concrete or aluminum, whichever fits your lot
Landings and turns drawn to scale
Handrails 34 to 38 inches high on both sides
Non-slip surface and edge guards
Step-free entries that replace one or two steps
A level threshold at the door
What changes the cost
Four things that set the price of a ramp
We name each one in the estimate. No figures here: they depend on your door and your yard.
Height of the door
Every inch of rise adds a foot of ramp.
The material
Aluminum goes up fast and can move with you. Concrete lasts. Wood sits in between.
The yard
Slope, trees, meters, setbacks and where the car parks.
Permits and reviews
The city, your HOA and, on a grant job, VA's agent.
How it goes
How a ramp job goes
- 01
Step 1: Site walk
We measure the rise, the door and the space for landings, and photograph the yard.
- 02
Step 2: Drawing
A sketch on your photo shows the run, the turns and the rails.
- 03
Step 3: Estimate
In writing, with the material choices side by side.
- 04
Step 4: Approvals
Permit, HOA drawing and, if VA is paying, the agent's review.
- 05
Step 5: Build
Footings, frame, deck and rails. Concrete needs time to cure, and we tell you the day you can use it.
Permits and rules
Who pulls the permit, and what else has to say yes
Many ramps need a permit from the City of San Antonio. We check for your address, pull the permit when one is needed and put its cost on its own line.
In a historic district such as King William or Monte Vista, exterior changes go to the city's historic preservation office first, and we build that step into the schedule. If you have an HOA, we send them the drawing before we order anything.
Questions
Common questions
How long does my ramp have to be?
Plan on 12 inches of ramp for each inch of rise. We measure your door on the site walk and give you the number before you choose a material.
Does a metal ramp get too hot?
In a San Antonio summer, bare aluminum and dark rails can burn a hand. We texture the surface, choose lighter finishes and show you shade options.
Can a VA grant pay for a ramp?
SAH, SHA and HISA can fund adaptations like ramps. VA decides what it approves in your case; your VSO can help you ask.
Can the ramp be taken out later?
Aluminum ramps unbolt and can be moved or sold. Wood and concrete ramps come out in a day or two and the steps can go back.
Standing at the door with a tape measure?
Text us the number from the ground to the door sill and a photo of the yard. We'll tell you how long the ramp has to be.