How Many Restrooms “How Many Toilets Am I Required to Have?” Rarely do I get a request to have more toilets than are required. The good news is that small office buildings that have 15 or fewer occupants can provide only one handicapped restroom. Mercantile shops can have one [...]
Steps at My Back Door? “Do I Need ADA Compliance at All Doors?” Is your downtown built on a hillside? Many communities are developed up the side of a hill or on a hill that causes you back door to not be ADA compliant. The specific code states that [...]
Separation from Upper Level(s) “Apartment Above . . . Think Ahead on This One!” This topic is full of code challenges. Please discuss this topic with your local inspector and see what they will approve. There are multiple ways to provide a required two-hour fire assembly between your main [...]
My Hallway is Boring! "Safety First" The code book is full of “what ifs” on this topic. Exiting is very important, so the primary focus is to make sure there is a clear path out from all areas of your building. Hallway width starts with your occupancy load. We [...]
Main Level Ductwork Options “Forced Air Heating & Cooling” What are my options when it comes to running my ductwork on my main level? First off, if you are wanting to provide heat and air conditioning to your upper level and main level using the same furnace or fan [...]
Main Level Door Knobs! “Know What to Use When” ADA compliance dictates that we need to use lever type knobs on the main floor level. You do, however, have design options. There are many different lever designs as well as finish options. This article will define the different types [...]
Main Level Door Egress “General Door Requirements for Exiting Your Main Level” There are many factors that need to be considered when exiting your downtown building. This informational sheet provides door basics you’ll need when considering your renovation. Exiting requirements are different for Hazardous, Industrial, and Residential building uses. [...]
Exit Signs & Emergency Lights “Don’t Overlook This Need” Exit signage and emergency lighting are required in your building. It doesn’t matter how small your building is; when one is in a bit of a panic, a lighted exit sign and emergency lights are important. A lighted exit sign [...]
Drywall Finish Textures "Stay Inside the Box and Don’t Venture on This One” Historically, wall textures were simple and didn’t shout. I happen to agree on this statement, even today. I think there are many other solutions to highlight a wall than providing a drywall texture. Remember our old [...]
Door Swing Clearances “Provide Space for ADA Compliance around Your Doors” Here is another code compliant topic that will need verification from your building official. The images above represent the basics so that you can properly accommodate this code. Lots of “do it yourselfers” get these wrong. [...]
