What to Expect When You Hire an ADA Consultant
A step-by-step walkthrough of the engagement — from the first intake call through the final report and follow-up.
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1 · Intake call (15–30 min, usually free)
Your consultant will ask about your business, the space(s) involved, any complaint or letter that triggered the outreach, and your timeline. They will quote a flat fee or an hourly estimate. Ask for a written scope before signing.
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2 · Agreement + intake forms
Expect a 2–4 page consulting agreement covering scope, deliverables, price, and confidentiality. You may be asked to provide floor plans, site photos, and website access credentials (for a WCAG audit).
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3 · Site inspection (2–6 hours per location)
The consultant measures parking, routes of travel, doors, thresholds, counters, restrooms, and signage. They will photograph each observation and note code citations. You do not need to accompany them — but it helps to have someone on site who can unlock areas and answer questions.
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4 · Report (1–3 weeks after inspection)
You receive a written report with: (a) every barrier found, (b) the applicable code, (c) severity, (d) a recommended remedy, and (e) an estimated cost range. Good reports also flag quick wins and phased priorities.
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5 · Q&A / debrief call
A 30–60 minute call to walk through findings, clarify priorities, and answer questions about specific remediations.
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6 · Remediation (you or contractors you hire)
The consultant typically does not do the physical work — that is a contractor's job. They may, however, help specify products (grab bars, signage, door hardware) and review contractor bids.
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7 · Re-inspection + sign-off (optional)
Many consultants offer a follow-up visit at a reduced rate to confirm remediations were completed correctly. This produces documentation you can show if you are ever challenged.
Red flags to watch for
- No written agreement or scope
- "Certification" promises — no one can certify your site as ADA-compliant. The ADA has no certification regime; a consultant can only document that they inspected against the standards.
- Extremely cheap flat fees with vague deliverables
- Refusal to name the standards they are inspecting against (2010 ADA Standards, WCAG 2.1 AA, local state code, etc.)