Start with the entrance you actually use most. In Richmond, many older homes in areas like Broadmoor and Seafair are single-level ranchers, so the rise is often just a step or two, which suits a modular aluminum ramp nicely. Split-entry and raised homes, common through Steveston and East Richmond, need more length to keep a safe, gentle slope of roughly 1:12, and that changes where the ramp can turn and where the level landings go. Get someone to look in person before you commit to a design.
We lean toward modular aluminum ramps for most Richmond families, and here's why. The climate is the deciding factor. Rain is the constant here, so an open, slip-resistant aluminum surface that drains and doesn't rot beats a wood build over time, and it needs almost no upkeep. Modular systems are also removable and resaleable, which is a real advantage if a parent's needs change or the home sells. Ask specifically about non-slip surfaces, sturdy handrails on both sides, and flat landings at the top and at any turn. Those details are what keep a ramp safe when the boards are wet.
Choose an installer with genuine senior and accessibility experience, not just a general contractor. They should be licensed and carry liability insurance, stand behind the work with a clear warranty, and be reachable if something needs adjusting after a wet winter. For condos and stratas near Richmond Centre, confirm early who approves exterior changes, since strata rules can shape what's allowed at a shared entrance.
Our honest recommendation: go modular unless you have a very short single-step rise where a permanent build looks cleaner and costs less. The trade-off is that a quality aluminum ramp usually costs more up front than wood. We think the drier, lower-maintenance safety through Richmond winters is worth it, and you can often recover some value by reselling the modular sections later.
