The first universal designed, healthy and green home plans are available as stock plans or custom designed assuring an energy efficient connection with your site.

Designs by Charles M. Schwab, Architect

 Universal Design Expert

Universal Design Certified Professional (UDCP)
Certified Aging in Place Professional (CAPS)
Certified Green Professional (CGP)

Please send an email to charlesschwab@universaldesignonline.com after you order the plan book above if you would like a signed book and note a message if yu 'd like.

This is our third edition of the book.The book features 102 home plans that can be ordered for construction as well as a 25 page room by room features and benefits section that is helpful for new home planning, additions and home-modifications. A four page resources and references section is included and very useful. We are here to answer any questions you may have by email CharlesSchwab@UniversalDesignOnline.com    

ISBN: 0-9748559-1-X

Read the magazine article below on how billions of dollars could possibly be saved in the USA with universal design tax credit for safer home healthcare and Aging in Place."Universal Design In Housing is truly Sustainable as it will decrease the financial burden on future generations." Read how it could also save taxpayers hundreds of billions of dollars or even more over time.

The Oct 2012 article explaining this idea, please click the pdf icon and the additional studies below. Also visit the articles by Schwab button at left to read more informative articles.  Article published in: PN/ Magazine Oct 2012

Universal Designed "Smart" Homes for the 21st Century

102 Home Plans you can order and build.  

The plan book is America's first collection of universal designed homes combined with sustainable "green" specifications for both energy savings and a focus on clean indoor air for good health. Designs are based on the principles of universal design and are usable for people of all ages and all abilities. You will notice the open floor plans, lack of steps and thoughtful detailing that functions well for everyone.The last 25 pages are a very informative Room-by -Room features and benefits checklist. This is helpful  to understand design rationale and could be used with a home addition or home-modifications. We always research codes in your area for compliance and will discuss this with you even before you order a plan from the book or a custom home design.

I like to tell people that "the plans are a good place to start ". The best home design is one that is specifically designed for you with attention to your specific site. However everyone can not afford a custom home from the start. We do however provide custom design and construction document services. The plans are modified to a certain degree if you wish. We provide a proposal and a professional contract for review.

Our services are not a typical stock plan service process. The amount of service throughout the construction process is up to you and we are available through construction.The home plans, book design, text and details are original.© 2015 Charles M. Schwab, Life Span Home Designs LLC 

The home plans are also specified with sustainable building products as well as clean indoor air products. FEMA has given us permission to include engineered safe-room drawings if you are interested in including one in your home. Several stock plans include them but it is always your choice and we can omit them without additional charge.

Many plans have front elevations with traditional styles such as craftsman, farmhousee, neo -victorian, suburb, andclassical. Some may say these are "outdated". They were intentionally designed for neo-urbanism and in town infill in older cities. Any home can be adapted to a modern exterior look if you wish.The interiors are all modern with their proactive UD space planning.

The plans range in size from 654 sq.ft. to 4850 sq.ft. Several are designed in the a variety of styles. Also included in the book are double-master plans, empty nester plans and duplex.

You have the option of all foundation types. Six inch stud walls or concrete block framing is standard. ICF, SIPS, masonry, concrete block or other exterior framing types are available upon request. At the back of the book is a 25 page list of features and benefits helpful with home remodels, additions and a great tool for universal design, for the home education. This is much more than a simple list of universal design features, it explains the resons for those features. This has been of great use to designers, homebuilders, and home renovation builders, students and homeowners alike. I is really the back bone of the book and is never outdated.

A year lived longer in your own home can easily offset the additional costs of the universal designed Smart home, when compared to traditional long term housing options. You may save $60,000-$100,000 per year or more as opposed to moving to assisted living or a nursing home. If you have long term care insurance those benefits will endure longer living in your own home. Your home will probably increase in resale value as 76 million baby boomers seek these features as they age. Don't forget the 85 million millenials that will follow the boomers. As we move into the 21st Century the demands on our homes in terms of security, safety,energy efficiency and independent living will continue to be of growing importance. 

Enjoy independent and sustainable living in your Universal Designed "Smart" Home.

email: charlesschwab@universaldesignonline.com