For Professionals
Q4
What must I provide now and what can I make provision for later?
There are several criteria which specify design features required from the outset to make the home physically accessible, whilst others specify provision for future adaptations to the home. Although this provision for future adaptations must be in place to meet the Lifetime Homes Standard, the adaptations themselves would be undertaken in order to meet the specific needs of the occupant, should they require them, and are not part of the Lifetime Homes design process.
For example, doors should have clear opening widths as per criterion 6. The shower provision specified by criterion 10 advises that there should be drainage provision for a future shower. This does not mean that it is necessary to install a sloping floor or a waterproof finish.