Your home is your sanctuary; your oasis; your safe place. Staying mobile is key to staying independent.
Wheelchair ramps can transform just about any home into an accessible space but the costs for wheelchair ramps can vary significantly based on an assortment of factors.
How much does a wheelchair ramp cost? Let’s take a look at the variables that determine the price of installing a ramp in your home.
Why Wheelchair Ramp Costs Vary
In short, the range of expenses for installing a wheelchair ramp in a home is anywhere between $200 and nearly $10,000. While most people can expect to pay somewhere in the lower middle of that range ($1,000 to $3,000). Below, we break down the different reasons that the prices can vary.
Ramp Size
The size of any wheelchair ramp is going to be the most significant factor in determining its cost. A short ramp that lifts you over one step will be far cheaper than a 40-foot ramp with landings and handrails.
Often, contractors estimate projects like these based on the price per foot. A general range of cost per foot for a wheelchair ramp is approximately $100 to $250 per linear foot, so the longer the ramp, the more it will cost.
Materials
The majority of wheelchair ramps that are installed in homes are made of steel or aluminum. Metal is durable — especially in the outdoors — and is generally easy to work with as a construction material, making it the preferred choice among builders.
However, some ramps are built from scratch out of wood which is particularly popular for building custom ramps in unusual spaces. Pouring concrete for wheelchair ramps is another possibility, although it’s most commonly used in commercial or industrial settings because it’s the most expensive option. You can also find smaller ramps made out of rubber, which cost less and are easy to use but aren’t as durable as all the other materials.
Keep in mind that inflation has affected the cost of building materials, including those used for wheelchair ramps. Prices have increased roughly 10% during the past year.
Type of Ramp
You can find a wide assortment of prefabricated wheelchair ramps designed for the home. Typically made out of metal, these ramps can be purchased online, delivered to your home, and installed fairly easily. This option, however, is usually reserved for houses with more direct and simple entryways.
Wheelchair ramps can be portable, modular, or permanent. Permanent ramps tend to be the most expensive option because they often require compliance with building codes and need the expertise and equipment of a professional installer.
Labor Costs
Unless your wheelchair ramp is small and portable, you’re likely going to need to hire some help to have your ramp installed properly. Safety is the number-one concern for wheelchair ramp installation, and a professional contractor will know exactly how to comply with building regulations and ensure your ramp is installed securely.
Region
Where you live can also affect the cost of your wheelchair ramp. As with many other purchases, you can typically expect to pay more in highly populated coastal areas such as New York and California, and less in regions such as the Midwest or the South. Both materials and labor costs can be impacted by your location.
How Much Will a Wheelchair Ramp Cost You?
Short of getting a customized estimate, you’ll find that the cost of installing a wheelchair ramp in your home can vary widely. However, the average homeowner can expect to pay in the neighborhood of $2,000 for a typical wheelchair ramp, or somewhere within the range of $1,000 to $3,000.
So now that you have an idea of how much a wheelchair ramp will cost you, now you might be wondering: How can you pay for it? Most homeowners need some kind of assistance for purchases like home modifications, but thankfully there are a number of options available.
If you have Medicare or Medicaid, you can typically get monetary assistance if your doctor deems a ramp medically necessary. Other programs, such as veteran assistance or state-based and need-based programs, also offer to help fund wheelchair ramps in private residences. Check with your local agencies to learn about what’s available in your area.
Let Omicelo Health Help You Find the Right Wheelchair Ramp
At Omicelo Health, our mission is to help homeowners like you navigate the world of home modifications so you can remain in your home safely and continue to enjoy the lifestyle you’re used to. We’re happy to answer your questions — such as how much will a wheelchair ramp cost you — and guide you through the process of making your home more accessible.
Contact our team today to explore your options for wheelchair ramps and other home modifications that allow you and your loved ones to remain mobile, independent, and happy.
