Start with the entrance itself. A lot of Edmonton homes, especially older bungalows in areas like Glenora, Bonnie Doon, and Ritchie, have a few steps up to a covered stoop, which is a good candidate for a modular ramp. Split-levels and raised bungalows in Mill Woods or Castle Downs often need more run to hit a safe slope of roughly 1:12, so plan for a switchback or a longer approach. Measure the total rise before you fall in love with a design, because the rise decides everything else.
Winter should drive most of your choices here. A ramp that's fine in July can be treacherous in January. Prioritize an aggressive non-slip surface, sturdy handrails on both sides, and level landings at the top and any turns so your parent can pause and open a storm door without balancing on a slope. Ask installers how the surface handles snow and ice and whether it can take a shovel or ice melt without corroding. Aluminum modular ramps shed snow well and don't rot, which matters through our freeze-thaw cycles.
On the big call: for most Edmonton families we lean toward a modular aluminum ramp over a permanent wood build. Modular ramps go in fast, need almost no maintenance, and can be removed and resold or reconfigured if needs change or the home sells, which suits condos and rentals near the university or downtown. The trade-off is honest: a permanent wood ramp can look more built-in and may cost less up front, and if this is a forever home you may prefer that permanence. Whichever you choose, hire someone with real accessibility experience, not just a handyman. Confirm they're licensed and insured, ask about the warranty on both parts and workmanship, and check how quickly they respond if a handrail loosens mid-winter. A ramp is safety equipment, so the after-install service matters as much as the build.
