Criterion 6

The width of the doorways and hallways should conform to the specifications in the next column.

Specification and dimensions which meet the Lifetime Home standards**
Doorway clear opening width (mm)......Corridor/passageway width (mm)
750 or wider.........................................900 (when approach is head-on)
750......................................................1200 (when approach is not head-on)
775......................................................1050 (when approach is not head-on)
900......................................................900 (when approach is not head-on)

The clear opening width of the front door should be 800mm. There should be 300mm to the side of the leading edge of doors at entrance level.

Comparison and comments in relation to relevant paragraphs of Approved Document M, 2004 (Part M)
This Criterion generally relates to Section 7 of Approved Document M. The LTH requirements relate to every storey within a dwelling, whereas Section 7 of Part M only relates to the entrance level of the dwelling.

The doorway clear opening width v. corridor/passageway width ratios for LTH are the same as those required within Part M with the exception of the clear opening width of a door approached via a turn off a corridor less than 1050mm wide. LTH requires such a door to have a minimum clear opening of 900mm, whereas Part M states a minimum 800mm.

The LTH clear opening width requirement for the front door of 800mm, exceeds the 775mm required by Part M paragraphs 6.22 – 6.33. LTH also stipulate that this opening width requirement relates to the front door, whereas the Part M requirement relates to an appropriate external door, not necessarily the front door.

LTH also require a 300mm nib to the pull side/leading edge of all entrance doors and doors to all rooms on the entrance level of the dwelling. This is not a Part M requirement.


** See 16 LTH Criteria for more technical guidance and specific questions and answers on each Criterion.