Start with the entrance itself. Ottawa's housing stock is a real mix, and each type asks something different from a ramp. Older brick homes in the Glebe, Old Ottawa South, and Sandy Hill often sit up on raised porches with several steps, which means a longer run to keep the slope safe. Postwar bungalows and split-levels in Nepean, Alta Vista, and Orléans usually have a shorter rise but tight side yards, so the layout matters. Condo dwellers near Centretown or the ByWard Market may need building approval before anything gets installed, so ask early.
Climate should drive most of your decisions here. A ramp that feels fine in September becomes the problem in January. Prioritize a genuinely non-slip surface that still grips under snow and ice, level landings at the top and any turns, and handrails on both sides. A safe slope of roughly 1:12 for the rise is the standard our advisors look for; anything steeper gets risky when it's slick. Ask how the surface handles ice melt and whether it clears easily with a shovel.
When you compare installers, look for real senior and accessibility experience, proof of licensing and liability insurance, a written warranty, and a clear answer on how fast they respond if a handrail loosens or a board lifts after a hard winter. A local company that services what it sells beats a cheaper crew that disappears after payment.
Here's our take: for most Ottawa families, we recommend a modular aluminum ramp over a permanent wood build. Modular ramps go in faster, don't rot or need repainting, handle freeze-thaw well, and can be removed and resold or reconfigured if your parent's needs change or the home sells. The trade-off is that a well-built wood ramp can look more at home on a heritage-style porch and may cost less up front. If appearance on a character home matters more than flexibility, wood is a fair choice; otherwise, modular is the smarter long-term buy.
