Hi,
Looking into a ramp for my mom who currently uses a rollator walker and trying to be proactive in case a wheelchair is in the future. She can get up and down the 5 stairs to the deck plus 1 to the apartment hallway now. But I or my dad also have to carry the walker up and down those stairs.
I've gotten a quote from Amramp a franchise. Modular and expensive! But nice looking, and can go around the back in the yard and out to the driveway so kind of hidden away. I could rent it for a month to see how she likes it also which is a plus.
Waiting on a quote for a build out of pressure treated wood using cement footings along the driveway. Probably less, but reduces room for parking, and could be a pain the winter (less room for snow to go). Also more permanent.
Residential can be less length apparently than commercial as far as pitch while still being compliant.
Anything I should be considering in deciding which way to go?
If you research most places that sell them will have a chart you can use that will give you the length of ramp you need for the height. This is what "code" would require for safety.
The aluminum ramps are fairly easy to move around. They are a bit heavy but do come apart and they also fold so you can take them with you.
If you live near a "farm store" many sell ramps for the bed of a pick up truck so people can get mowers or other equipment in the truck. These might work well but some may not connected so you would have to be careful that they do not move. But they could be mounted to a board that would keep them in a fixed distance apart.
As far as the incline goes. If you do shorten the ramp that can make it more difficult to walk up if the person is weak and it can make pushing a wheelchair up difficult if the person you are pushing is heavy.
You mention you are in an apartment.
Before you do any modifications you might want to check with the Property management. Some may not want you altering the entrance or building anything that might be considered permanent structure.
AND
It is possible that you could request that they provide a ramp to make the building accessible. there may be ADA compliance regulations they have to follow in order to provide safe, livable conditions for the residents.
Let them foot the bill for the ramp if at all possible.