Asking someone that knows about home repair costs

debodun

debodun

SF VIP
Location
way upstate in New York, USA
I was thinking of getting a ramp to go from the house to the garage level. The height from the house down to the garage is 20 inches at there's only one step. I find it very jarring to my knees. I was thinking of getting a ramp to replace the step. I just had a contractor here and he recommended that instead of a ramp, a new stair step be constructed that would include an extra step so there not such a distance to step down between them. He gave me a verbal estimate of $200.

I hadn't considered an extra step instead of a ramp. Which would be better? Is $200 reasonable?

steps, garage.jpg
 

I'd prefer the extra step since it seems less risky than sliding down a ramp. I can't get much of anything done at my house for $200, so offhand, I'd say it's reasonable. In the photo, looks like the extra step is already there, unless that's just a little bench you placed there temporarily.

Knowing me, I'd probably just place two 8" cinderblocks side by side to make the extra step. They can be bought for less than $20 each at the hardware store, and since it's just a garage area, the appearance wouldn't matter.
 
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CallMeKate said:
A few months ago, I had a professional here for an estimate... charged $140 to say "sorry, I can't do that." :mad:
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I noticed that, too. They can make a living just giving estimates and not have to do a lick of work. One time a plumber charged me $80 (without telling me ahead) for an estimate and that was around 25 years ago.
Of course, from their standpoint, they can lose a lot of money driving around and wasting time giving quotes to people that aren't serious, or hire someone else.
 
debodun said:
It seems too far down to step (about 10 inches) and it jars my leg joints.
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A ramp will be a slip / fall hazard. cement in 12" sq. pavers. You will have more step room to do one at a time more gently.
There is plenty of space in that hall like area, also add a railing to hang onto is wise. Stronger better and safer. You $$$ win/win.
I did that for mom years ago. She had one step, with pavers she had 3. Not so much forward momentum to jar her ankles/knee.
Easier to see down to the lesser depth step too. Lowes, Home Depot / Menards have plenty to choose from, a handyman can do it.IMG_0978.jpeg
 
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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
 
debodun said:
I was thinking of getting a ramp to go from the house to the garage level. The height from the house down to the garage is 20 inches at there's only one step. I find it very jarring to my knees. I was thinking of getting a ramp to replace the step. I just had a contractor here and he recommended that instead of a ramp, a new stair step be constructed that would include an extra step so there not such a distance to step down between them. He gave me a verbal estimate of $200.

I hadn't considered an extra step instead of a ramp. Which would be better? Is $200 reasonable?

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In this instance I would not do a ramp. There are rules about ramp slope. If done properly it would stick out way too far.
If the slope is too steep it will be a fall hazard. In the future if you need a wheelchair, I would do a wheelchair lift instead of a ramp.

$ 200 seems reasonable for new steps. What you have now is not to code. That why its uncomfortable.
Risers should be 4-7 inches max. Treads should be at least 11 inches.
And all the treads and risers need to be the same widths not randoms.

If these were my steps, I would build them walker friendly just in case you need to use one later on.
The top step to be wide platform, so I have a place to stand while opening and closing the door.
Walker friendly steps should be at least 22" deep to accommodate all four legs. Rise should be 4" tall.
Handrails on both sides of the door.
 
It didn't bother me until I had my garage sale a few weeks ago. For some reason, this year it seemed more effort to carry heavy boxes down those steps. My knees still ache. There's a high threshold at that door, that I have to step over even before the first step down when makes it seem even higher than it is.
 
Steps are typically around 7" rise. Having just one step with a 20" drop in height is way too much. If I were you, I would go with 5" riser per step, and it will be a breeze. That would mean 3 steps.

From the garage floor to the top of the first step is 5", then 5" to the top of the second, and another 5" to the top of the 3rd step, and then 5" to the landing. Ask the handyman/carpenter if he has built steps before, because it can be a bit tricky to get it right, depending on the thickness of the tread, whether you have the risers enclosed, how much overhang per tread, and the tread depth desired.

Before he fastens the treads down, have him lay them in place to make sure the measurements come out right, and you are happy with everything. If he screwed it up, it's easy to change at this point by just cutting new stringers.
 
I would make sure that the $200 quote is for custom stairs spaced equally. I say this because you can buy pre cut stair stringers where I believe each step is 7", that may not work out correctly for your situation but is an easy approach for the contractor. A custom set is going to work best for your rise but takes a tad more effort on the contractors part because he needs to think it out.

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. I still think custom spacing is your best option though, better than a ramp for sure.

Also have a handrail installed.
 
Personally, I would go for a ramp. I have both and I much prefer the ramp. Also, a fall on a ramp is much easier than steps. Ask me how I know that. $200 for ANYthing is a very reasonable price. As others have said, the height, depth, etc. of stairs is a big consideration. Ask the $200 quote guy exactly what he plans.
 

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