When people hear “ADA compliance,” they usually picture ramps or blue parking signs. But the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is about way more than that. It’s a civil rights law that ensures people of all abilities can access the same spaces and services—whether it’s a school, a library, a park, or a city hall.
At Stonewing Builders, we take that responsibility seriously. As a licensed, equity-certified contractor with nearly 20 years of experience, we help Minnesota communities build smarter, safer, and more welcoming spaces—not just because we must, but because it’s the right thing to do.
What ADA Compliance Really Looks Like
The ADA, passed in 1990, was designed to remove barriers. For construction, that means making sure people using wheelchairs, walkers, or hearing aids—or anyone who just needs a little more space—can move freely and safely through public buildings.
We see how this plays out every day:
- Retrofitting elementary schools so students and staff can enter without steps or tight doorways.
- Remodeling restrooms at libraries and community centers so they’re accessible, private, and easy to navigate.
- Upgrading public entrances at City Halls to meet modern standards.
- Adding accessible parking, signage, and entry routes for public safety buildings and polling places.
And in Minnesota—ranked top 10 in the U.S. for quality of life and public safety, and 3rd in life expectancy (79.1 years)—these upgrades help reflect the state’s high standards for community well-being.
ADA vs. Building Codes (and Why You Need Both)
The ADA is a federal civil rights law. It sets the baseline for what makes a space usable by everyone.
Building codes, though, are local laws that go deeper on things like fire safety, structure, and (especially here in Minnesota) weather-readiness. Some cities even have stricter accessibility requirements than the ADA—so knowing both is key.
At Stonewing, we do the legwork to make sure projects meet federal ADA standards and local building codes, especially in snowy, icy climates where surfaces, drainage, and access routes need to perform year-round.
What We Do at Stonewing
We’ve worked on projects across the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota—from public school entries and barrier-free restrooms to city office retrofits and capital improvements under $200K for municipalities.
Our specialties include:
- ADA upgrades and remodels
- Mobility-friendly entries, ramps, and signage
- Restroom conversions and accessible routes
- Small-to-mid-sized public infrastructure projects
Let’s Build for EveryoneWe’re also experts in cold-weather accessibility—installing non-slip surfaces, clear signage, safe grading, and covered entries so buildings stay accessible in any season.
ADA compliance isn’t just about rules. It’s about inclusion, safety, and helping people live independently and with dignity.
This Disability Pride Month, we’re proud to help build that future. Because when we say something’s “well-built,” we mean built for everyone—and built to Minnesota’s exceptional standards.
Got a remodel project? Let’s make it ADA-compliant, Minnesota-tough, and built to last. Stonewing Builders is here to help. Let’s build something great—together.
