Your website should work for everyone who wants to book your crew—whether they navigate with a mouse, a screen‑reader, or a single switch button. Fixing accessibility gaps isn’t a mystery or a mountain of legal jargon. Follow the ten checkpoints below and you’ll cover the core requirements that matter most to homeowners and to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
1. Text Alternatives for Every Image
Why it matters
Screen‑reader users can’t “see” that gorgeous roof replacement photo unless you describe it.
Do it now
- Write 1‑2 concise sentences in the
altattribute explaining what a sighted visitor learns at a glance. - Skip “image of” or “picture of.” Start with the substance: “New charcoal‑gray architectural shingle roof with white gutters.”
2. Keyboard‑Only Navigation
Why it matters
Visitors with mobility impairments tab through links and buttons. If they get trapped in a slider or pop‑up, they bail.
Do it now
- Tab through every page. Ensure the focus outline is visible and logical (header → nav links → body content → footer).
- Add
:focusCSS styling if your theme hides outlines—something as simple asoutline:2px solid #000;.
3. Color Contrast at 4.5:1 or Better
Why it matters
Low‑contrast text blends into the background for users with low vision and on sun‑drenched job‑site tablets.
Do it now
- Test foreground/background pairs with a free contrast checker.
- Adjust either color until the ratio hits 4.5:1 for body text and 3:1 for large headings.
4. Scalable Text and Layout
Why it matters
Some visitors bump browser zoom to 200 %. If your template crashes into a side scroll, they’ll leave.
Do it now
- Use
remoremunits for fonts and spacing, not fixed pixels. - Verify that the layout reflows gracefully at 320 px wide (the width of many phone screens at 200 % zoom).
5. Clear, Consistent Headings
Why it matters
Screen‑reader users rely on heading structure (<h1> → <h2> → <h3>) to skim the page—just like sighted readers scan bold headlines.
Do it now
- One
<h1>per page (the main topic). - Descend levels in order—never jump from
<h2>to<h4>. - Use headings for structure, not style; reserve bold spans for emphasis inside paragraphs.
6. Descriptive Link Text
Why it matters
“Click here” is meaningless when read out of context in a links list.
Do it now
- Replace generics with action + destination: “Download our roofing warranty PDF” or “See cedar deck before‑and‑after gallery.”
- If you must repeat a link (“Learn more”), add
aria-label="Learn more about kitchen remodels".
7. Form Field Labels and Error Messages
Why it matters
Mis‑labelled contact forms block inquiries from assistive‑technology users—the opposite of the conversion boost you want.
Do it now
- Pair each input with a visible
<label>element. - Use inline error messages that announce themselves (
role="alert") and explain fixes: “Phone number must use digits only.”
8. Skip Links and Landmarks
Why it matters
Screen‑reader users shouldn’t slog through an entire navigation bar on every page load.
Do it now
- Add a hidden “Skip to content” link that appears on keyboard focus at the top of the page.
- Wrap major regions in HTML5 landmarks:
<header>,<nav>,<main>,<footer>.
9. Captions and Transcripts for Media
Why it matters
Video walk‑throughs of your latest kitchen redo sell projects—unless prospects are deaf or scrolling with sound off.
Do it now
- Upload captions (.vtt files) to YouTube or use its auto‑captioning, then edit for accuracy.
- Offer a plain‑text transcript under the embed for search engines and readers who prefer skimming.
10. Assertive Testing and Ongoing Checks
Why it matters
Accessibility isn’t “set it and forget it.” Themes update, plugins change, and new blog posts slip in un‑tagged images.
Do it now
- Run automated scans (Axe, Lighthouse, or WAVE) after every site update.
- Schedule a quarterly manual review: keyboard sweep, screen‑reader spot‑check (NVDA or VoiceOver), and contrast audits on new brand colors.
Putting It All Together: A One‑Week Action Plan
| Day | Task | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Mon | Inventory images, add alt text | 100 % of visuals described |
| Tue | Keyboard‑test top 10 pages; fix focus order | Seamless tab navigation |
| Wed | Adjust color palette to pass 4.5:1 | Readable text everywhere |
| Thu | Reformat headings, rewrite vague links | Faster screen‑reader scanning |
| Fri | Label all form fields, polish error states | Friction‑free lead capture |
| Sat | Caption two flagship videos, post transcripts | Inclusive multimedia |
| Sun | Run full Axe scan, document next‑step tickets | Assurance & road‑map |
One week of disciplined effort and your contractor site vaults from “looks fine” to confidently ADA‑aligned—opening doors to every prospective client.
The Payoff Beyond Compliance
- Wider reach — 61 million Americans live with disabilities, and many older homeowners face age‑related vision or motor changes.
- SEO lift — Search engines reward alt tags, transcripts, and clean structure.
- Lower bounce rates — Readable text and easy forms keep visitors engaged.
- Stronger reputation — Inclusivity signals professionalism and trustworthiness, prime differentiators in competitive markets.
Final Checklist (Print & Pin Near Your Monitor)
- □ Alt text written for every image
- □ Entire site navigable by keyboard alone
- □ Contrast ratios ≥ 4.5:1 (body) and ≥ 3:1 (large text)
- □ Layout reflows perfectly at 200 % zoom
- □ Headings follow logical sequence
- □ Links clearly describe their destination
- □ Form inputs have visible labels + helpful errors
- □ “Skip to content” link and landmark regions in place
- □ Captions/transcripts for all audio & video
- □ Automated + manual tests scheduled quarterly
Tape that list over your desk, knock out each item, and you’ll own an ADA‑friendly powerhouse that welcomes every homeowner—and funnels more of them into booked jobs.
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