Building for a Lifetime: The Design and Construction of Fully Accessible Homes

Building for a Lifetime signals an important change that is taking place in the way we design, build and remodel houses.  Traditionally designed houses work well for young, able-bodied adults, but not so well for people who are injured, chronicially ill or simply aging.  With houses designed and built to accommodate change, people of all ages and abilities can enjoy an independent and satisfying life without having to move.  This landmark book shows how such houses are planned, built and appointed, and how they can be attractive and distrintive architectural creations as well.  Whether you're planning a new house or undertaking a small-scale remodeling project, this book will inspire and inform you.  It will force you to think about the broader issues of residential architecture, construction and product design.  Building for a Lifetime sets a new standard in the field by providing design and construction details that will help you.

• Choose an appropriate site and design accessible approaches, driveways, ramps and entrances
• Select the hardware, applicances and systems that work best for all people, regardless of their abilities or disabilities
• Design better doors, windows and stairways
• Build or remodel kitchens and bathrooms
• Understand accessibility goals and standards
• Create a living environment that meets your expectations of aesthetics, function and self-expression

Sam Clark is a builder who has worked with owner-builders since the late 1960's. His book"Designing and Building Your Own House Your Own Way" helped thousands of people manage their building projects. He is also the author of "The Motion-Minded Kitchen", and co-author (with Margaret Wylde and Adrian Baron-Robbins) of "Building For a Lifetime". Sam works with Iron Bridge Woodworkers and with The Buildings Group (accessible design and facilities planning), both based in Plainfield, Vermont.