Asking someone that knows about home repair costs

I built this ramp for my dog that kept tripping on steps and hurting his foot. It took me only an hour or so. And the carpet over the top eliminates slipping. I also used this to move a full sized refrigerator. Two 2x4s covered with thin plywood and carpet. I had all the materials at hand but if I had to purchase it might go $80 - $100 in materials.

But my ramp has about a 31% slope, which is way more than a wheelchair ramp. Your ramp would have to extend 20ft to be at an acceptable wheelchair slope of 8.3%! To even get the 31% slope you would need a ramp extending more than 6 ft back.

If you go with the extra step, make sure to have a guard rail. An extra step might also produce a tripping hazard.
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debodun said:
I emailed the first contractor asking for specifications. This is all he gave me:

Two steps instead of one, built to the width of the doorway, and a small hand rail on the left.
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how deep is each tread? Make sure the depth is at least as long as your shoes/feet!
 

I just received another estimate from a contractor who did it just by looking at the photo and not actually looking at the stairs. He also said ± $500 and that didn't include a handrail.
 
I had contacted another handyman and had an appointment for him to come at 3:30 pm yesterday. Never showed up. I probably should have just written him off, but I like to know reasons for things and PMed him for an explanation. He didn't answer until just now and said he "got tied up on a job." Yeah, well thanks for letting me know - you just lost a prospective customer!
However, I didn't say that in my reply, just thank you and I now have all the estimates I need.
 
hollydolly said:
I have the same issue with the step down from my kichen floor t the back door to the putisde path... i's 10 inches so I bought Half step from Amazon... for about £20...

..because I have OA in my knees if I step down from a high high ..it is exactly as you say.''jarring''... so I've had this 1/2 step for years...

Now I know you don't shop online, but many mobility places sell these things.. have a look at this link and you can see what's available... a lot less than £200

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=1/2+step&crid=10Y0BOTKL3239&sprefix=1/2+step,aps,143&ref=nb_sb_noss_1
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I also have a steep step down from house to garage - never even thought about buying a step. I'll have to do some measuring to see if this will work, but will also keep C50's advice in mind:
C50 said:
The other thing to realize is the spacing may feel weird and could even pose a bit of a hazard. We are creatures of habit and if you have other stairs in your home that have a standard rise you create muscle memory going up and down those stairs, then you hit custom spaced steps and it throws your timing off, which can cause a stumble.
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Thanks for pointing this out, @C50!
 
StarSong said:
I also have a steep step down from house to garage - never even thought about buying a step. I'll have to do some measuring to see if this will work, but will also keep C50's advice in mind:

Thanks for pointing this out, @C50!
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Where the back door step is.. where there are no other steps ..for example the regular indoor staircase... then there shouldn't be any memory of spacing involved...

I would not put a 1/2 step at the bottom or top of a regular flight of stairs for that very reason.. but where there is only one step down... from a front or back door.. or a high step in a garage... there shouldn't be any problems. I never have had and i've had these steps for at least 15 years if not more.. it makes a huge difference to prevent hip or knee pain while stepping up into the kitchen or down to outside......
 
Deb, you may not be getting many responses. It’s prime construction season and yours is a tiny job. They may just throwing high numbers out there to discourage you.
 
Jules said:
Deb, you may not be getting many responses. It’s prime construction season and yours is a tiny job. They may just throwing high numbers out there to discourage you.
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Why don't they just say that? When I contact them I say it is not an urgent job. After all, I've been dealing with it for almost 4 years, but this year, for some reason, it bothers me more to use these steps.
 
I am getting quotes from $200 to $750 for the same job, but most do not specify what that includes. The ones that do break it down, the materials are relatively inexpensive, it's the labor that cost the most - just like auto repairs - that always mention it's "labor intensive". One said $500 and I have to supply the materials. How am I supposed to know what to get and how much?
 
You could buy pre-made handrails and install them yourself. There numerous styles. Even if you just put one on the wall side, you’d feel more secure.
 

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Handrails aren't much help if my arms are full carrying things in or out.

I haven't heard back from the guy that quoted be the $200, even though I sent him a reminder.

For what some of the contractors would charge me, I could get an escalator or elevator installed. ;)
 
debodun said:
Handrails aren't much help if my arms are full carrying things in or out.

I haven't heard back from the guy that quoted be the $200, even though I sent him a reminder.

For what some of the contractors would charge me, I could get an escalator or elevator installed. ;)
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The same thing happened to me with a different project - I got a great price, but he never came back. They probably get to thinking about it and realize they bid too low.
 
For the northern half of the country, most contractors already have more jobs than they can finish this year. That could be the reason for higher bids. Early spring is a better time to ask. I know a lot of tradesmen and it is the same no matter which trade. They are always racing the weather.
 
I see you havent lined up a step maker yet. Just poking around and found some metal RV steps.
Never used them myself. Might be something to look into though.
I found some on Amazon for $99.99. Not sure about shipping.
Three steps with handrail that can go on either side. 18 W x 20 tall. Had a nice wide landing at the top.

Maybe your local RV place would have some you could look at.

https://www.amazon.com/Upgrade-Anti...tdoor+Metal+Stairs&qid=1757796935&sr=8-6&th=1
 
debodun said:
I emailed the first contractor asking for specifications. This is all he gave me:

Two steps instead of one, built to the width of the doorway, and a small hand rail on the left.
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really reasonable price.
Steps per code need to be 10"
Pre made two step stringers usually about $50.00 8' 2" X 10" X8ft. probably close to $20.00 Hand rails pre made can be expensive. So including a hand rail is a plus for you. Given his time, travel & custom fitting to your garage all in all looks like you are getting a bargain.

If the wood is not stained that really shouldn't be a problem. Just make sure the side stringers are anchored firmly to the walls.
 

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