Why Ramps and Zero-Step Entrances Are a Must for Universal Homes: Boosting Accessibility and Resale Value

Design, Product Reviews
January 7, 2025
3:11 pm

An entrance for all.

As the aging population grows at a rapid pace, it’s projected that by 2035, there will be more people over 65 than under 18. With this shift, home features that promote accessibility, such as ramps and zero-step entrances, will be essential in boosting guest experiences and increasing property resale value. These features can help set your home or rental apart, attracting multiple offers or keeping your rental fully occupied.

While factors like location, price, and size influence how quickly a property sells or rents, accessibility features welcome everyone into the home—no matter their age or mobility.

What is a Zero-Step Entrance, and Why Should You Care?

If you’re building, remodeling, or searching for your next home, now is the perfect time to consider adding a zero-step entrance. A zero-step entrance eliminates the need for stairs, making homes more accessible and safer for people of all ages and abilities.

For example, you may have a front entrance with just two steps. Depending on the space available, you could create a sloped pathway that blends seamlessly into the landscape, providing a stylish and functional entry. If the front of the house isn’t an option, consider the backyard: a patio with a ramp or a switchback ramp can serve as a zero-step entrance. Even homes with a minimal 2-inch threshold at the front door can benefit from simple, affordable solutions like rubber threshold ramps to ensure easy access for everyone, including those using wheelchairs, walkers, or crutches.

How Zero-Step Entrances Add Value to Your Home and Rental Property

Installing a ramp or creating a zero-step entrance not only increases accessibility but also brings joy to guests and your future self. The moment someone arrives at a home that is easy to enter, they feel welcomed and at ease—a powerful selling point for buyers seeking accessible-friendly homes or renters looking for family-friendly vacation accommodations.

The Benefits of Zero-Step Entrances and Ramps

Welcomes Everyone: From young children to seniors, and individuals with mobility challenges, ramps and zero-step entrances ensure everyone can enter your home comfortably.

Increases Independence: It gives people of all abilities the freedom to move in and out of the house without barriers—from toddlers to seniors.

Reduces the Risk of Falls: Whether you’re carrying big loads like groceries, equipment, or strollers, it is one less hazard removed.

Ideal for Wheeled Items: Think about how easy it would be to haul groceries with a wagon, your luggage, or or using a dolly, reducing the physical strain for everyone.

Prepares You for Life’s Unexpected Challenges: Temporary or permanent mobility issues can arise at any time. A zero-step entrance ensures your home is adaptable to life’s hurdles.

Overcoming Common Obstacles: Simple Solutions for Thresholds

Already have a zero-step entrance but facing a challenge like a 2-inch threshold? No problem! Rubber threshold ramps, available on Amazon, offer a quick and cost-effective solution. These ramps come in a variety of sizes to fit different thresholds and door widths. Many are heavy-duty and stay securely in place, while others can be fastened for extra stability. Note the height of your threshold and door width when shopping.

Need Help? Custom Joy Is Here for You

Not sure where to start with accessibility and functional upgrades? Reach out to us at Custom Joy for personalized consulting, whether on-site or virtual. We specialize in helping you select the best products and designs to make your home and rental more accessible, joyful, and inclusive for all.

A ramp allowing a zero step entrance with steps that have contrast. Handrails will provide an extra safety barrier and for those who need extra stability for the stairs and ramp. Note, ADA guidelines do not apply to residential homes however, at times, space may not allow for a fully ADA compliant 1:12 ratio sloped ramp. Therefore, discuss creative ways integrate a ramp within the landscape or available space with your landscape architect, contractor, or engineer.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission if you purchase through the links at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products we personally use or believe will add value to our readers. We deeply appreciate your support in helping us continue our mission of educating others on the importance of universal and accessible design!

Hey, It's Tiffany!

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Meet the Blogger

Hi, I’m Tiffany Dill!

As a mom with profound hearing loss, I know firsthand the beauty and chaos of navigating life with young kids, extended family, and all the little surprises along the way. At Blue Day 2, I’m all about creating spaces and experiences that bring joy to families of all ages and abilities. From home designs that work seamlessly for everyone to sharing my favorite picks from my LTK and Amazon shops, I’m here to make life and travel simpler, more accessible, and filled with joy. Stick around for plenty of inspiration, a little less stress, and a whole lot more fun as we embrace life’s perfectly imperfect adventures together!

Let's Get Personal!

Click on the tabs below to learn more fun facts about me. Do we have anything in common?

Tiffany, you've been married to Andrew for over 16 years now. Any special anniversary traditions?

Oh, absolutely! Every year since we got married in September 2008, we’ve worn the exact same clothes we left our wedding reception in. Yup, I'm talking my gold cocktail dress, wedding jewelry shining, and Andrew rocking his wedding suit. We’re not about to let that tradition slide. It’s been 16 years of pure anniversary magic. I guess you could say we’re "stuck" in our wedding day outfits, but in the best way possible!

Completing an Ironman and earning a doctorate in occupational therapy in the same year sounds intense. How did you pull that off?

Intense is one way to put it! But honestly, raising two energetic boys might just be the hardest thing I’ve ever done. The Ironman and doctorate were definitely tough, but mom life? That’s the ultimate endurance race. It’s the one that keeps me—and even Andrew—on our A-game, every single day. I wouldn’t trade it for the world, though. There’s nothing like their opposite personalities and they surprise you with so much joy even in the chaos, and that's where my energy goes—no finish line required.

You’ve set a pretty ambitious goal with playing ‘Sweet By and By’ on the piano. What’s the story there?

Ah, yes! I miss playing the piano. I started playing piano since second grade and even made it to an advanced level through college. But now, my life goal is to master Sweet By and By (again) before I leave earth. It’s definitely a stretch, but that’s the fun part, right? First, though, I need to add a piano in a room I’ve been dreaming of since we built our home. Playing piano was always my outlet. Until then, running is my stress reliever.

Hidden talent alert: You can read lips. How’d you discover that one?

Oh, this one goes way back! When I was four years old, I managed to fool five different audiologists during my hearing tests. It wasn’t until a doctor noticed that I wasn’t repeating what she said when she turned around (back in those days they didn’t cover their lips nor did they have tinted windows in the sound booth)! I had spinal meningitis at 13 months, which nearly took my life and left me in a coma for a week. As a result, I had to start over on a few developmental milestones and missed a lot of early speech and language development. Thanks to years of speech therapy and a knack for lip-reading, I still manage to fool people with my profound hearing loss. It comes in handy when someone wants to know what the ref said on the field or TV, or if I’m in a crowded room and want to eavesdrop—just kidding. Sort of.

On the flip side, what are some things you’re not a fan of?

Confined spaces. Cilantro. Olives. Blue cheese. I could live without all of those. And don’t even get me started on being stuck inside for hours at a time. I'm much more suited to wide-open spaces, the great outdoors, and pretty much anything that involves fresh air.

We all know you’re a planner, but what do you hold closest to your heart?

Sentiments. They’re irreplaceable. There’s something about the things that carry emotional weight—whether it’s a moment or an object—that just can’t be duplicated. I’ve learned to really appreciate the simple, meaningful stuff in life. In fact, our Christmas tree is adorned with over 20 years of ornaments symbolizing memories from a loss of loved ones to trips and even sour times. It’s like finding joy in the simple little things whether they are happy or sad or even bad memories.

You’re a busy mom and entrepreneur, but how do you manage to squeeze in family time?

Time? What’s that? Ha! Honestly, there’s just not enough of it. And the thing is, we can’t get it back. So I prioritize memory-making with my family. That’s my top priority. Whether it’s hiking, running, biking, traveling, or exploring the great outdoors with my boys, I live for those moments. In fact, I devote one day off work a week to be with my little guys and my husband and I carve out a weekly date night.