Lifetime Homes Standard

Our 21^st Century Eco Cottage will be built to the Lifetime Homes Standards.  These standards mean that as we grow older and less able the house still works for us, particularly with regard to wheelchairs.

ü  LTHS 01: Provide at least one wheel chair accessible parking space

ü  LTHS 02: Provide wheel chair access from car parking

ü  LTHS 03: Approach - no steps to all external doors

ü  LTHS 04: External entrances must be illuminated with level flush threshold, covered entrance ie no step

ü  LTHS 05: Stairs should provide easy access with uniform rise

ü  LTHS 06: All internal and external doors (except cupboards) should have a clear opening width of 800mm and provide a minimum 300mm to the side of the leading edge.  All corridors are a minimum of 1200mm wide

ü  LTHS 07: Adequate circulation space for wheelchair users exists and space for turning in kitchen and living/dining has been provided

ü  LTHS 08: Living area at entrance level

ü  LTHS 09: House of 2 or more storeys must have living room at entrance level with adequate room for future bed space (in addition we are making provision for a lift)

ü  LTHS10: WC at ground floor level and wheelchair accessible; WC with drainage and service provision for future shower room; WC and WHB positioned on structural walls

ü  LTHS11: Bathroom and WC walls must be of block work and studwork with 18mm WBP ply face to enable future wall fixings (eg hand rails)

ü  LTHS 12: Space for future through floor lift from ground to first floor

ü  LTHS 13: Main bedroom and bathroom ceiling to be strong enough to support future hoist

ü  LTHS 14: Side approach to bath and accessible toilet and wash basin (ground floor level only)

ü  LTHS 15: Windows – living room window glazing begins at finished floor level and is easy to operate

ü  LTHS 16: All switches, sockets and controls at a height useable by all and within a specified ‘reach zone’ (between 450mm and 1200mm)