ABSTRACT
The assessment of any dwelling should be based on the use of the structure and the potential effect on that use and on the users – that is the residents. The principle behind the assessment is to determine whether the structure and facilities enable the premises to be used as a dwelling. That is, does the dwelling satisfy the basic physiological and psychological requirements for household life and comfort, and provide protection from the environment, from infection, and from accidental injury. Households with children will have particular requirements from a dwelling. The first environment for a child is within the dwelling. Children need to be protected from cold and/or heat, they need somewhere safe and clean as they learn to crawl, walk, play, and explore. Households that include an elderly individual also need somewhere safe, but for different reasons.
