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Accessibility Upgrades Demystified: Key Insights for Brokers

  • daisyj4
  • Feb 18
  • 2 min read

Updated: Feb 19

Q: If a tenant space needs upgrades, do all areas of the property need to be brought up to ADA compliance? 


A: Not necessarily. Accessibility upgrades are typically triggered when alterations or renovations are made to a property. The scope of these upgrades depends on the extent of the work and the cost relative to the building's overall value. Generally, the focus is on areas impacted by the renovations and ensuring access to the altered space. However, there are key requirements to keep in mind: 


  1. New Work Areas: All new work (in this case, a tenant space) need to be built to current accessibility codes. This includes providing an accessible path of travel to and from the new work area.  

  2. Threshold Costs: An exception to providing an accessible route to the primary area is allowed if the cost of providing an accessible route is greater than 20% of the total project cost of that area. 

  3. Primary Path of Travel: If tenant improvements affect usability, accessibility upgrades may be required for common areas, such as restrooms, hallways, and entrances, to provide equal access 

Solera and Astra
Solera and Astra

What ADA Requirements Might Be Triggered? 


  • Entrances and Exits: Ensure at least one accessible entry with proper ramps and door hardware is provided. If a minimum of one entry is accessible, any other existing entrances are not required to be altered. 

  • Restrooms: Renovations may require accessible restrooms, including grab bars, sink heights, and clear floor space. If existing restrooms cannot be made accessible, providing one accessible single-occupancy restroom is allowable. 

  • Parking: Designated accessible parking spaces must meet width and signage requirements. 

  • Paths of Travel: Hallways, doorways, and walkways must accommodate wheelchair users, typically requiring a 36-inch width. 


    Living Computer Museum + Labs
    Living Computer Museum + Labs

Understanding these requirements early can help brokers advise clients effectively and avoid costly surprises. For detailed guidance tailored to your project, consult an accessibility expert or your local building department. 


Contact Kate Reef at kater@tiscareno.net for further questions about ADA upgrades and tenant improvements. 

 
 
 

7 Comments


Jasmine Brooks
Jasmine Brooks
Oct 30

This article sparked a memory of when I was buried under research, trying to make sense of intricate regulations and my own scattered thoughts. During that crunch time, I quietly turned to assignment help online not to outsource my work but to gain a little clarity and find a structure so my arguments wouldn’t feel so chaotic. That quiet support behind the scenes helped transform confusion into direction and confidence.

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John Williams
John Williams
Oct 20

That was a very useful post. I liked how it explained accessibility upgrades in a practical way—it shows how small design decisions can make a big difference. It reminded me of how researchers focus on structure and clarity when preparing papers through Web of Science Journal Publication Services, making sure their work is accessible and understandable to a wide audience. In both fields, thoughtful planning helps create something that benefits everyone.

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Dora Prieto
Dora Prieto
Oct 18

Reading this insightful piece on accessibility upgrades from the architect’s lens felt like stepping into a space where bricks meet behaviour and design meets dignity. It made me reflect on the essence of Ranked Design the idea that each ramp, doorway, and pathway isn’t just function but story, a quiet blueprint of inclusion where every line matters and every user is seen.

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Nancy Smith
Nancy Smith
Oct 18

I really appreciated your breakdown of accessibility upgrades in architecture it made me think of a night myself, eyes heavy after hours of textbooks, when I almost just handed over the reins and told someone to do my online exam so I could close the laptop and walk through a calm, barrier-free space instead of hitting one more button.

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