“Accessibility isn’t a feature. It’s a basic expectation.”
When did you last verify if the building entrance is wheelchair accessible? Or, if a person with limited vision safely finds their way inside your business? It's easy to assume that once a place is built, it's good to go. The ADA construction standards are not about merely checking a few boxes. These standards are about real people, real experiences, and real barriers that need removal.
The question remains: Is your property quietly failing in ADA construction checks without you ever knowing?
What ADA Construction Actually Means
ADA construction is not just adding a ramp or widening a doorway. It is a very structured set of legal criteria connected to the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act), which governs commercial structures, public spaces, and a looser connection in the case of digital accessibility. ADA in terms of construction speaks to actual physical accessibility - restrooms, entrances, elevators, signage, etc.
A surprising number of properties - new and old - are not even close without knowing it. And therein lies the issue. Just because it looks accessible certainly does not mean it passes inspection. You cannot confuse looking accessible versus being accessible.
ADA Checks: Why Businesses Should Take Them Seriously
Compliance with the ADA isn’t optional. It’s the law. And, to violate the ADA? Court cases, fines, and reputational damage. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, there have been increasing numbers of accessibility court cases recently, focused on businesses that thought they were doing enough.
It’s more than just a potential for trouble. Complying with ADA regulations for business opens your doors - literally, to additional customers. In the U.S., it is estimated that 1 in every four adults has a disability. That’s millions of potential customers who appreciate, acknowledge, and typically opt for brands that respect their access needs.
And here’s something business owners often miss: ADA-related complaints don’t always come from customers. Sometimes it’s an inspector. Sometimes it’s a third-party tester. And once that flag is raised, the clock starts ticking on expensive corrections.
Common ADA Construction Issues That Go Overlooked
You might think your place is in the clear, but a surprising number of compliance issues fly under the radar. Here are some real-world problems businesses often overlook:
Incorrect ramp slopes – A ramp that’s even slightly too steep fails the standard.
Restrooms – Are grab bars installed at the correct height? Can a wheelchair user turn around inside?
Door pressure – If your door requires too much force to open, that’s a red flag.
Improper signage – Missing braille or improperly mounted signs are violations.
No accessible parking – Or maybe it's there, but the space isn’t marked correctly.
These may sound small, but every one of them is a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and each one can be enough to trigger a compliance lawsuit.
What Happens If You Fail a Check?
Failing an ADA construction certificate of inspection doesn't always mean disaster if you tackle the issues to make the improvements quickly. But if you wait to take action, you could incur fines or lawsuits that could cost you thousands of dollars.
Here’s what typically happens:
A formal complaint is filed – This could be by a customer or an ADA tester.
You’re contacted by a lawyer or federal agency – They may ask you to make corrections within a certain timeframe.
An accessibility expert inspects your property – Usually, they’ll document violations and provide a compliance roadmap.
You correct the issues – Sometimes this is a simple fix. Other times, it’s a major renovation.
The longer you wait, the more expensive it gets—not just financially, but legally and reputationally too.
How Can You Know Where You Stand?
A good place to start is a full ADA construction audit from a qualified consultant or inspector. This will give you a checklist of what’s wrong, what’s borderline, and what’s already compliant.
You can also grab the ADA regulations for businesses directly from the Department of Justice website, but honestly, those guidelines can be dense and full of technical terms. Having a human expert walk through your property is faster and more accurate.
And don’t forget: ADA isn’t one-size-fits-all. A small business might be held to slightly different standards than a federal building, for example. That’s why professional audits are tailored to your space and your use.
Digital Access Matters, Too
While this post addresses ADA construction physically, it is also important to point out that many enterprises are falling short on the digital side, too. If your website is not accessible by screen readers or does not allow keyboard navigation, you could still be found in violation of the ADA regardless of the compliance of your building.
A full accessibility strategy should address physical accessibility and digital accessibility barriers.
Final Thoughts
So, back to the original question: Is your property failing ADA construction checks?
If you aren’t sure, then you need to find out because the upside-down consequences of ignoring ADA compliance will be consequences no business or organization wants to face: fines, lawsuits, and negative public reaction.
Making your property accessible isn’t just good compliance—it’s good business, good ethics, and good design.
For those who want to get serious about it, companies like ADA Compliance Network offer exactly the kind of support that makes this process smoother. With decades of experience and a sharp understanding of ADA construction, they’ll help ensure your space welcomes everyone the right way.
Companies like ADA Compliance Network are the place to go if you're a business or organization seeking to not only meet the legal standards for compliance but also to create inclusive and barrier-free spaces. For questions, consultations or audits, contact their lovely team in Columbus, Ohio, or their website to schedule an interview. Because compliance is not a headache - it is a responsibility.
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