ada compliance

Fix ADA Issues Before They Cost You Fines

Byallexclusive

If you own or manage a commercial property in California, ADA compliance isn’t optional—it’s the law. Yet many businesses, offices, and retail buildings in Santa Clarita and surrounding areas still fall short of meeting basic accessibility standards. Whether it’s a narrow restroom doorway, a missing grab bar, or an improperly sloped entrance, these violations can result in costly lawsuits, fines, and even forced closures.

At All Exclusive Construction, we help property owners and business operators avoid these risks by identifying and correcting ADA compliance issues with smart, code-compliant remodeling solutions.

What is ADA compliance—and why it matters

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), enacted in 1990, is a federal civil rights law designed to ensure that individuals with disabilities have equal access to public spaces and services. For business and property owners, that means your commercial building must be accessible and usable by people with a range of mobility, visual, auditory, and cognitive impairments.

ADA compliance isn’t just about avoiding penalties—it’s about creating inclusive spaces where all customers, employees, and visitors feel safe and welcome. Accessibility improvements also enhance usability for aging populations and parents with strollers, making your business more functional for everyone.

Who is affected?

ADA regulations apply to virtually all types of commercial properties, including:

    • Retail stores and shopping centers
    • Restaurants and cafés
    • Office buildings and professional services
    • Medical clinics and dental offices
    • Gyms, salons, and wellness centers
    • Apartment complexes and multi-use buildings

Whether you're building new or remodeling an existing space, ADA standards must be met during construction and maintained throughout the life of the building. In California, additional state-level accessibility requirements may also apply—making it even more important to work with a contractor who understands local codes.

ADA compliance covers more than you think

Many property owners are surprised to learn how many aspects of their building fall under ADA requirements. It's not just about having a wheelchair ramp at the door.

ADA compliance includes:

    • Restroom layout and accessibility: Door width, sink height, grab bars, turning radius, faucet controls, and more.
    • Entrance access: Ramps, automatic doors, proper door hardware, and level landings.
    • Interior space planning: Clear hallway widths, appropriate signage, and accessible counters.
    • Parking lot design: Number of accessible stalls, signage, slope of surfaces, and curb ramps.
    • Service accessibility: Access to reception areas, checkout counters, and conference rooms.

Overlooking just one of these areas can lead to non-compliance—even if the rest of your property appears accessible.

What happens if you're not compliant?

The consequences of ignoring ADA regulations can be severe—both legally and financially.

Common consequences of ADA non-compliance:

    • Fines of up to $75,000 for a first offense, and up to $150,000 for subsequent violations
    • Civil lawsuits, including plaintiff attorney’s fees and mandated corrections
    • Delays in business licenses or tenant occupancy approvals
    • Negative media coverage and online backlash from advocacy groups or customers
    • Lost revenue from patrons who feel unwelcome, excluded, or physically unable to access your business

ADA lawsuits are not uncommon in California, and many businesses are sued without ever receiving a warning. Often, the cost of retrofitting a space after a complaint is far greater than proactively fixing the problem beforehand.

Why professional help matters

Avoiding these risks begins with a professional evaluation of your property. At All Exclusive Construction, we work with business owners, property managers, and building owners across Santa Clarita and surrounding areas to assess ADA compliance and make targeted, code-compliant upgrades through our commercial remodeling services.

From accessible restroom design to ADA-compliant entrances and custom interior renovations, we provide construction solutions that meet federal and state standards—without disrupting your operations or aesthetics.

Common ADA violations we see

Many commercial property owners assume their building is accessible—until a complaint or inspection proves otherwise. At All Exclusive Construction, we’re frequently called in to correct ADA issues that were either overlooked by previous contractors or simply not understood by the building owner. In many cases, these violations stem from outdated construction methods, DIY improvements, or renovations completed without considering federal and state accessibility codes.

Correcting these issues isn’t just about avoiding fines—it’s about making your space safer, more inclusive, and legally compliant. Below are some of the most common ADA violations we help identify and resolve through professional commercial remodeling.

Inadequate restroom access

Restrooms are one of the most common sources of ADA complaints. Even newer buildings often fall short in meeting the space and clearance requirements outlined by the ADA.

Frequent violations include:

    • Doorways that are too narrow for wheelchair users to enter comfortably
    • Grab bars that are missing, improperly placed, or installed at the wrong height
    • Sinks without proper knee clearance or inaccessible faucet controls
    • Toilets installed too close to the wall or lacking required side/rear clearance

These issues not only limit access—they expose your business to fines and liability. All Exclusive Construction provides full ADA bathroom remodeling services, ensuring your restrooms are safe, usable, and built to code.

Non-compliant entrances and walkways

The entrance to your building is the first impression for every visitor—and one of the most regulated aspects of ADA design. If someone can’t safely and independently access your property, you could face penalties.

Common violations include:

    • Stairs without ramps or handrails
    • Slopes that exceed the allowable 1:12 ratio for wheelchairs
    • Cracked, uneven pavement or thresholds that create trip hazards
    • Doorknobs or handles that require tight grasping or twisting

Our team specializes in building accessible entrances, ramps, and smooth walkways that comply with ADA and California Building Code requirements, while also blending into your property's overall aesthetic.

Improper counter and service area design

Your front desk, checkout station, or customer service counter must accommodate individuals in wheelchairs and those with limited reach or mobility.

Violations in this category often include:

    • Transaction counters that are mounted too high
    • No lowered or designated accessible counter space
    • Limited maneuvering space behind or around the counter area

We provide interior remodeling services that improve circulation space and ensure your customer-facing areas are welcoming and accessible for everyone.

Parking lot accessibility issues

The parking lot is another frequently cited source of ADA violations. Many properties lack the correct number of accessible stalls or fail to provide proper signage and surface slope.

Issues we regularly address include:

    • Insufficient or improperly marked accessible parking spaces
    • Missing van-accessible spots or shared access aisles
    • Faded or absent signage indicating ADA stalls
    • Curb ramps that are too steep, too narrow, or incorrectly placed

As part of our commercial remodeling and exterior improvement services, All Exclusive Construction can reconfigure and stripe your parking lot, install compliant curb ramps, and ensure full ADA accessibility from the curb to the front door.

If your commercial property shows signs of these issues—or if you’re unsure whether your space is compliant—it’s important to act before a complaint or lawsuit forces your hand. An ADA violation doesn’t just create liability; it signals to customers and clients that their needs weren’t considered. Let All Exclusive Construction help you resolve the problem before it affects your business.

How All Exclusive Construction helps you stay ADA compliant

We don’t just build—we solve problems. At All Exclusive Construction, our team has the experience and knowledge to identify ADA issues and correct them efficiently, affordably, and with minimal disruption to your operations. Whether you own a retail space, office building, restaurant, or medical clinic, we ensure your renovations comply with both federal ADA regulations and local California building codes.

Our commercial remodeling services include:

    • ADA restroom remodeling with compliant layouts, grab bars, sinks, and hardware
    • Accessible entrance construction, including ramps, doors, and railings
    • Interior renovations to widen hallways, adjust counter heights, and improve circulation
    • Parking lot upgrades with accessible stalls, signage, and compliant slopes
    • Full commercial space renovations to bring aging buildings up to modern standards

We’ll guide you through every step—from initial site evaluation to design, permitting, construction, and final inspection.

A local case: ADA restroom renovation in Santa Clarita

One of our recent clients in Santa Clarita operated a small medical practice with an outdated restroom that didn’t meet ADA requirements. The door was too narrow, the sink lacked knee clearance, and the toilet was improperly positioned. We remodeled the entire space—widening the entry, replacing the sink and fixtures, and installing grab bars according to ADA spacing guidelines. The result: full compliance, a more welcoming experience for patients, and peace of mind for the business owner.

Proudly serving Southern California

All Exclusive Construction provides commercial remodeling and ADA compliance services throughout:

    • Santa Clarita
    • Beverly Hills
    • Calabasas
    • Culver City
    • Los Angeles
    • Santa Monica
    • Westlake
    • Orange County
    • Ventura County

Get ahead of ADA issues before they cost you

Don’t wait for a fine or lawsuit to force your hand. Whether you need minor updates or a full commercial remodel, All Exclusive Construction has the experience and expertise to get the job done right—on time and up to code.

Call us today or request a consultation to discuss your project. We proudly serve businesses throughout Santa Clarita and the surrounding areas with high-quality, code-compliant construction that protects your property and your peace of mind.