Jeannine Clark is the Founder and Principal of Access Design + Build, helping homeowners create accessible, universally designed homes that support independence, safety, and beautiful living at every stage of life.

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Guest Resource

Access Design + Build – Visit Jeannine’s website to see her work and before-and-after projects.

3 Value Bombs

1. Design for everyone, creating homes that are accessible, comfortable, and adaptable.

2. Build it right the first time, quality construction reduces problems and improves long-term value.

3. Bring diverse perspectives together, collaboration creates better solutions and new opportunities.

Show Notes

**Click the time stamp to jump directly to that point in the episode.

Today’s Audio MASTERCLASS: Why Every Home Should Be Designed for Every Stage of Life

[1:38] — Jeanine shares something she believes about becoming successful that most people disagree with.

She believes bringing professionals from multiple industries and connected fields together creates better solutions to difficult problems.
Diverse perspectives can make complex problems workable.
She sees collaboration as a way to solve problems while creating opportunities for everyone.

[2:57] — Jeanine talks about how she built a career at the intersection of design, construction, and accessibility.

Experiencing the Great Recession shaped Jeannine’s thinking about building a business around a necessity rather than a luxury.
She identified aging-in-place housing as an important need.
She saw mobility challenges as a natural extension of the same issue: people need homes that don’t constantly work against them.
She became a general contractor because she wasn’t seeing enough construction companies willing to accommodate accessibility needs.
Her goal is to combine beautiful design with homes that function well for clients.

[4:57] — Jeanine talks about what we are missing when we think about accessibility too narrowly.

She believes everyone benefits from accessibility, regardless of age or ability.
When people struggle to access things or function comfortably in their homes, it creates ongoing stress and frustration.
Making a home function according to how people actually live can help them feel more relaxed and supported.
Simple choices can make a significant difference, such as widening hallways and using 36-inch doorways.
Wider doors can also benefit everyday situations, such as carrying groceries into the house.

[7:10] — Jeanine talks about some of the biggest hidden problems in today’s housing industry, and how construction decisions create problems years later.

She believes putting profit ahead of quality can contribute to poorly built homes.
She estimates that designing a home correctly from the beginning may require only a relatively small additional investment.
Poor construction can create maintenance and longevity problems.
Walls that aren’t level can create gaps around windows and insulation.
An undersized HVAC system can become overworked and contribute to uncomfortable temperatures.
Poor insulation can also contribute to overworked heating and cooling systems.
Building correctly from the beginning can create a more integrated and peaceful living experience.

10: 14 – A timeout to thank our sponsors.

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[12:28] — Jeanine talks about how skilled craftsmanship and thoughtful design improve safety, durability, and quality of life.

She believes that if a home isn’t designed correctly, it won’t function correctly.
She highlights apprenticeship programs as one way to help train the next generation of skilled construction workers.
The construction industry is experiencing a major retirement of experienced workers, making knowledge transfer increasingly important.
Pride in craftsmanship and strong management expectations both contribute to better construction.
She wants to see accessibility integrated into homes as a standard rather than treated as an exception.

[15:15] — Jeanine talks about how homeowners and builders can future-proof a home without sacrificing style.

Bathrooms are an important area for accessibility because they are a common location for accidents, particularly among older adults.
Adding plywood sheathing behind bathroom tile can allow grab bars to be installed where needed.
Buying extra tile during a renovation can make future repairs or modifications easier.
Accessible features can be designed so they don’t detract from resale appeal.
Low-threshold patio doors can eliminate large steps into outdoor spaces.
Comfort-height toilets can make bathrooms easier for many people to use.
Thoughtful accessibility upgrades can be incorporated without making a home feel clinical.

[19:06] — Jeannine talks about what needs to change within construction and design to make accessible housing the industry standard.

She recommends making doors 36 inches wide throughout the home.
She emphasizes good insulation and properly sized heating systems.
Casement windows can be easier for some people to operate than double-hung windows.
She recommends avoiding sunken living rooms because they divide spaces and create unnecessary level changes.
A single-level main living area can make a home easier for people to navigate.
Small changes to layouts, flow, and open space can make homes more functional.
She encourages designers and builders to consider how people actually use a space rather than focusing primarily on cost per square foot.

[22:01] — Call to action.

Access Design + Build – Visit Jeannine’s website to see her work and before-and-after projects.
Jeannine specifically invites people in the building industry who have ideas for making accessible housing more affordable and profitable to start a conversation.

[23:24] – Thank you to our Sponsor!

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Killer Resources!

1) The Common Path to Uncommon Success: JLD’s 1st traditionally published book! Over 3000 interviews with the world’s most successful Entrepreneurs compiled into a 17-step roadmap to financial freedom and fulfillment!

2) Free Podcast Course: Learn from JLD how to create and launch your podcast!

3) Podcasters’ Paradise: The #1 podcasting community in the world!

Why Every Home Should Be Designed for Every Stage of Life with Jeannine Clark

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