Insights of Accessible Homes from a Building Inspector: with Jack Calveley

EP - 10 Summary In this episode of Accessible Housing Matters UK, Ruth Hunter is joined by Jack Calveley, a registered building inspector with a passion for ensuring accessibility isn’t just a box-ticking exercise but a lived reality. Together, they unpack Approved Document M4 – the section of UK building regulations that covers accessible and adaptable housing. Jack explains the key differences between M4(1) visitable dwellings and M4(2) adaptable dwellings, the most common mistakes developers make, and why working with the right contractors and designers is crucial to getting compliance right. Whether you’re a developer, investor, architect, or simply interested in how we can create homes that work for everyone, this conversation is packed with practical advice and real-world insights. Chapters 00:00 – Welcome & introduction 01:05 – Jack’s journey into building control and accessibility 04:00 – Understanding Part M and why it matters 06:58 – The difference between M4(1) and M4(2) 09:32 – Reinforced walls, wider stairs, and future-proofing homes 12:30 – Common mistakes developers make on site 16:00 – Finding the right contractors and architects 20:53 – Why knowledge and collaboration are crucial 23:39 – The design details that make the biggest difference 27:49 – Accessibility in refurbishments and small-scale developments 30:24 – What you can and can’t remove when renovating 33:11 – Preparing for the future of housing standards 37:12 – Final thoughts and how to connect with Jack Keywords Accessible housing, Building regulations, Approved Document M, M4(1), M4(2), Adaptable homes, Visitable dwellings, Building control, Universal design, Housing standards, Developers, Property investors, Refurbishments, Future-proof housing Contact details  Jack Calveley – Registered Building Inspector Find Jack on LinkedIn (search: Jack T Calveley)   Thanks for listening to Accessible Housing Matters UK! If you’re inspired to learn more or want to explore working with me on creating accessible, inclusive, and beautiful properties, I’d love to hear from you. 👉 Visit www.veredusproperty.com 📩 Email me directly at [email protected] 🔗 Connect with me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ruthhunter Together, we can make accessible housing the standard, not the exception. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who cares about inclusive living!