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Services
| Building Audits
Accessibility
Building Audit
What is an Accessibility
Building Audit?
An accessibility building audit is the study of
an existing building that is done to determine a defined level
of accessibility. Beginning on the grounds of the site and progressing
through the building, a trained specialist(s) identify items that
are assets or deficits in the accessibility of the environment.
Depending on the type of audit, this report may range from a few
pages to a comprehensive package including reference architectural
drawings and further referrals. The final report serves as a guide
to plan renovations and achieve accessibility goals. An accessibility
building audit is the first step in creating an environment that
is inviting, safer and easier to use.
What are the Different Types
of Accessibility Audits?
There are many types of accessibility audits. Audits
may be focused on a certain type of disability or a certain area
of the building. There are several different levels of accessibility
standards set by a variety of different recognized organizations
and authorities. For example, a simple code conformance audit
will determine if a building meets the current Ontario Building
Code (OBC) requirements. To realize a setting that goes beyond
the minimal building code requirements, a universal design audit
strives to offer an environment that is more inviting for all
users.
How is a typical Accessibility
Building Audit Conducted?
| Step 1 |
- Initial consultation and site visit to determine the
scope of review required
- Initial walk through with manager/client to familiarize
us with building
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| Step 2 |
- Written proposal outlining the scope, timeline and how
the audit is to be conducted
- Where available or appropriate, review of architectural
drawings
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| Step 3 |
- Audit of your building
- Discuss general findings and anticipated content of
report
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| Step 4 |
- Submit written report and/or present findings
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What will be in the Report?
The content of the report will depend on the type
and extent of audit that the client requests. The following is
a list of items that would be typical in a standard audit:
- Existing Conditions - a summary of the features of the existing
building.
- Code Requirements & Guidelines - summary of the codes and
guidelines we are referencing.
- Photographs - if required, photographs illustrating assets
and deficits.
- Drawings - if required, reference architectural drawings to
illustrate areas of concern.
- Audit results - that summarizes assets and deficits.
- Recommendations - a summary of our recommendations for the
job.
Cost of an Accessibility Building Audit?
The cost of an accessible building audit will depend on the scope
of the audit requested. A simple audit to determine if the building
meets Ontario Building Code (OBC) requirements can typically be
relatively inexpensive. An audit that considers the full range
of building users or a report that contains design work and higher
standards would be more expensive.
February, 2003
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