Why Steps to Most Doorways?
Todd Hawkins
Dec 9
|15:35
Look at this new house. Notice the flat lot? I’ll add the entire lot to the street is flat, and the house is built on a slab. So why that ONE step to the front door?
Ever wonder why steps are necessary on a flat or gently sloping lot? Maybe it’s necessary when a house is built atop a crawl space or basement? Nope. For water or bug proofing? Nope. Expense? Nope (Should it cost MORE to build LESS? Actually might if your builder is headstrong.)
The answer? Ta-Da….Exterior steps to many entrances are unnecessary. Architects design and contractors build out of habit, speed to completion, or it’s just the way it’s always been done, no real reason.
Certainly is NOT because steps are convenient! Who prefers carrying groceries, boxes or furniture up steps? Or pulling a baby stroller backwards or, back hunched, lowering one step at a time? Or lugging golf clubs and luggage up/down (especially after a family “vacation”)?
Steps are unavoidable only if there’s a steep grade that cannot be overcome, otherwise there are alternatives which require only proactive thought and standard construction skills but nothing fancy. Any architect or builder who insists otherwise is preach’in Bovine Scatology.
TAGS: Accessible, Aging in place, barrier-free living, CAPS, Certified Aging in Place Specialist, convenience, convenient living, Green Building Science, Livability, livable for a lifetime, no step entrance, Universal Design, universally designed bathroom, Visitability, Visitable, zero clearance, Zero step entry
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