Aging-in-place home remodeling is a growing trend that many middle-aged homeowners are investing in as they plan for their futures.

Considering today’s real estate prices and current economic uncertainty, ADA-inspired home remodels are becoming much more favorable than home sales and downsizing as homeowners attempt to hold onto the value of their existing homes.

To this effect, home remodeling contractors are seeing more requests than ever for aging-in-place remodels that include many of the helpful modifications noted below.

1. Wider Spaces for Easier Mobility

Planning for the possibility of wheelchair, walker, or scooter use, many ADA home remodels begin with widened doorways and hallway as well as larger spaces between counters and fixed components.

Eliminating the need to squeeze through these spaces makes them safer and more accessible for those who do end up relying on mobility aids to get around.

2. Lower Surfaces and Storage Spaces

Countertops and upper storage areas can become inaccessible to older people in various ways.

Age-in-place home remodeling can accommodate for this with lower desk-height countertops that can be reached even by those in wheelchairs and by increasing low storage areas so there is less need to stretch upward.

3. Level, Slip-Free Floors and Transitions For Safe, Uninterrupted Entry

Floors with slippery or uneven surfaces or transition strips traditionally used within doorways to separate spaces can quickly become fall hazards for older individuals as they begin having difficulties moving around.

Home remodeling contractors can greatly improve the safety and utility of any home by smoothing and leveling the floors, installing slip-proof surfaces, and eliminating doorway transitions throughout the house.

4. Elevated Toilets for Safer Use

A higher, ADA-compliant toilet is another simple home remodel that can increase home safety for residents as they age.

With an elevated toilet, older residents can sit and stand much easier or even transfer smoothly from a wheelchair to a toilet of the same height.

5. Converting Stairs to Ramps

In the same way that stairs can be replaced with ramps outside a home or building, it can also be done on the inside to a certain extent to eliminate some stairs.

Home remodeling to convert step-downs, step-ups, and short flights into wheelchair and walker-accessible ramps adds another layer of safety while keeping a home as accessible as possible.

6. Safer More Useful Bathing Options

To create a safer, more useful bathroom, home remodeling contractors can remove standard bathtubs and showers, replacing them instead with more accessible bathing areas.

Walk-in bathtubs and transition-free roll-in showers are great safety options that can serve seniors of all abilities while still looking stylish and appealing.

7. Reinforced Walls for Handrail Installation

Handrails are an important modification for some seniors as time goes on, especially in the bathroom.

Keeping this in mind, wall reinforcement is often necessary to safely mount handrails near toilets, in bathing areas, and elsewhere throughout a standard home and should be included in any aging-in-place remodeling plan.

Plan An ADA Remodel With A Skilled Home Remodeling Contractor

An ADA-inspired aging-in-place home remodel is the perfect solution for aging individuals who wish to keep their existing homes while also avoiding accessibility limitations and safety hazards that can develop.

Fortunately, this type of home remodeling is easy to plan and a cost-effective, more preferable choice over selling a home.

A home remodeling contractor knowledgeable on ADA recommendations and the best ways to help seniors age comfortably in place is ready to help with that vision!