Create a clear, obstacle-free pathway to the front door from the vehicle parking area and from public sidewalk. Provide good lighting to show the way. Grading should not exceed 1' rise for every 20' in length.

"Zero-Step" entry makes it easier and safer for everyone including a mother pushing her infant in a stroller, or with her arms filled with groceries, or kids dashing in or out of the house, or a friend who uses a wheelchair. Provide a covered entry or overhang for weather protection.

Creating a zero-step or no-step entry is easy to accomplish. All it takes is some dirt and creativity. Using the dirt, grade up close to the porch level and then pour a new graceful, curving sidewalk to the porch level. Add flowering plants and shrubs. Presto! A great "no-step" entry to the house.
Allow a 5' x 5' level clear space in front of entry. Build a 3' minimum width slip resistant pathway to front door. Install good fluorescent lighting at entry.

The main entry door should be 36" wide with lever style door handle-sets and an optional 9" to 12" high kick-plate. The threshold should be no more than ½" high with beveled top edges. Provide a minimum 5'x 5' level turning area at the front doorway, and a covered entry overhang for weather protection. Consider a package shelf near to the front entry. Good lighting and highly visible address numbers are essential, as is a clearly audible doorbell. Front door should have a self-closer.

Ramps are inclined pathways and a practical alternative to steps. The minimum ramp slope should be 1:20. The bigger the number of slope equals a less steep, but longer and more easily maneuverable ramp. 1' of ramp height = 20' of ramp length. The three basic ramp configurations: (Straight, L-shaped, U-shaped). The ramp may also be placed at another location such as the side or rear of the house.

Wide one-car garage with necessary interior clearances, and room for an inside ramp. Provide a 5' access isle adjacent to parked car and an 8' isle next to lift equipped van. Install an electric garage door opener with a remote control unit. Garage interior should have good lighting with an automatic switch controlled by the remote garage door opener.