To remove or not remove ramp? That is the question.

[Shanty]

I've got a 1960s IP in Canberra. It was previously owned by an elderly lady and someone in the family built a 4m long effective but very ugly ramp that allows you to go out to the back yard. It is built on solid 200mm square posts. Slippery in the frost but otherwise sound.

My question: should I remove it to get back to a basic look AND avoid any issues with tenants slipping on it on cold mornings? Or is there really some value in having a ramp?

Any similar experiences or suggestions most appreciated.

 

[rugrat]

put some non-slip down and leave it maybe. I don't know. Do you have photo's?

 

[Ace in the Hole]

If it's not taking up and essential room in the backyard, I'd say leave it.
It's not like the style of it is going to devalue the old house.

As suggested, you could attach some non-slip material to the ramp.
Or, you could convert the ramp into very shallow, long stair treads so the landings are level, so nobody will slip.
This will be easy to add to the existing ramp.

 

[Pa1nter]

As a cheap non slip,
Prepare the existing ramp,add a coat of Low sheen decking paint,while the paint is still wet sprinkle fine sand over it.
Apply another coat of paint on it when the first is dry,
Hey presto,non slip

 

[Propertunity]

put some non-slip down and leave it ...

I agree and Pa1nter has some good suggestion on how to do it.

 

[softmonkey]

Get an accessibility consultant (try Guide Dogs) to check it out and sign off on it, then advertise it as accessible.