<section id="Container-fd79716a-6aae-4a5c-a9ca-83442c9b520c" class="container container--bleed has-color u-color-pair"> <div class="container__col"> <div class="page-title__outer"> <div class="container container--100"> <div class="container__col"> <div class="container container--20-60-20"></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section><section class="container container--100 "> <div class="container__col"> <div class="container container--20-60-20 is-adjacent"> <div class="container__col"> <div class="page-meta"> <div class="page-meta__share"> <div class="addthis_inline_share_toolbox" data-url="https://www.nahb.org/Education-and-Events/Education/Designations/Certified-Aging-in-Place-Specialist-CAPS/Additional-Resources/Aging-In-Place-Remodeling-Checklist" data-title="Aging-In-Place Remodeling Checklist - NAHB"> <div id="atstbx" class="at-share-tbx-element addthis-smartlayers addthis-animated at4-show" role="region" aria-labelledby="at-46bf094f-5510-4a17-acae-fcb7e62f2f5b"> <div class="at-share-btn-elements"><span style="font-size: 16px;">by <a href="http://team">Leslie Farin </a></span></div> <h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 20px;">THINK ABOUT AGE IN PLACE RENOVATIONS...</span></h2> </div> </div> </div> <h2><span style="font-size: 20px;">Do you plan to stay in your house long term?</span></h2> </div> </div> <div class="container__col"> <div class="rich-text"> <span style="font-size: 20px;">Good question. Who knows? No one can predict what future situations might arise that require a change in location. And m</span><span style="font-size: 20px;">ost of us don't think that far ahead, anyway - especially if we buy when our kids are young. We base our decisions on our immediate priorities - good schools, quiet street, nearby parks, number of bedrooms, affordable price, etc. Who thinks about the <a href="https://50plus-today.com/house-hunting-think-ahead-accessibility-features/">practicality</a> of the house as we age?</span><span style="font-size: 20px;"> I get it. Young parents lead active, busy and chaotic lives.</span> <span style="font-size: 20px;">I am one of those people who bought a house when my children were young. The kids were ages five (5) and (2) in 1996 when we closed, and are now 29 and 26, living on their own. We assumed when we signed the papers we would stay for five (5) years. That was the plan. It's funny, I actually thought at that time I had control over my future plans, but learned that often unanticipated events effect our decisions whether we are OK with the changes or not. </span> <div id="amzn-assoc-ad-854a1e74-4d19-429f-a490-5f711f6c7cc4"> <h2><span style="font-size: 20px;">When five years turns into forever</span></h2> <span style="font-size: 20px;">Still in the two story house where we raised our family, we have far more space than we need. I can't remember the last time I went upstairs. There's no reason to climb the steps - we live in our master bedroom and bathroom, kitchen and family room which are all on the first floor, which is fortunate. Others in similar situations have their masters on the second floor which is problematic sometimes as we age. Despite the downstairs master, the house is still not easy to navigate for someone with disabilities. Not only do we have friends and family members older than us who we want to make comfortable when they visit, we are not getting any younger ourselves. Additionally, maintenance on the house, inside and out, is a headache, both in terms of cost and expense.</span> <span style="font-size: 20px;">So why don't we just move? The simple answer is we love our home, our neighborhood and our community. We want our kids to come "home" to their old bedrooms, and we want a place for future grandchildren to stay overnight. We want space to store the toys and books my kids left behind so we can pull them out for their children. Finally, the thought of this house being our "forever" home is comforting - one less change to deal with as we age.</span> </div> <h2><span style="font-size: 20px;">AGE IN PLACE RENOVATIONS TO CONSIDER </span></h2> <span style="font-size: 20px;">The checklist below contains features to consider if you decide to renovate to <a href="https://www.ageinplace.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">stay in your home,</a> but it is not a comprehensive list. It's a place to start.</span> <h2><span style="font-size: 20px;">Exterior </span></h2> <ul> <li><span style="font-size: 20px;">Accessible path of travel to the house</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 20px;">At least one no-step entry with a cover. Install a ramp if needed.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 20px;">Handrail for steps where needed</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 20px;">Sensor light at exterior entry focusing on the front-door lock </span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 20px;">Front door that measures a minimum width of 36-inches</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 20px;">Slope no greater than one inch rise for each 12-inches in length, adequate handrails</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 20px;">Five-foot landing provided at entrance</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 20px;">Low-maintenance shrubs and plants</span></li> </ul> <h2><span style="font-size: 20px;">Entry</span></h2> <ul> <li><span style="font-size: 20px;">Non-slip flooring in foyer</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 20px;">Flush threshold preferable</span></li> </ul> <h2><span style="font-size: 20px;">Overall Floor Plan</span></h2> <ul> <li><span style="font-size: 20px;">Main living spaces on a single story, including full bath with no steps between rooms</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 20px;">Doorways a minimum of 36 inches wide</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 20px;">Levered door hardware</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 20px;">Task lighting in appropriate work areas</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 20px;">Smooth, non-glare, slip-resistant surfaces, interior and exterior</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 20px;">If carpeted, use low (less than a half inch high pile) density, with firm pad</span></li> </ul> <iframe style="width: 120px; height: 240px;" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=tf_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=50plustoday0b-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B00H7HSVKA&asins=B00H7HSVKA&linkId=0cebc11677e03883bb7b8a6dba58885d&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true&price_color=333333&title_color=0066c0&bg_color=ffffff" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no"> </iframe> <span style="font-size: 20px;"><strong>Bathroom</strong></span> <ul> <li><span style="font-size: 20px;">Countertops with varied heights and removable base cabinets</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 20px;">At least one wheelchair maneuverable bath on the main level </span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 20px;"><a href="https://50plus-today.com/decorative-grab-bar/">Grab bars</a> securely installed in walls around tub, shower, shower seat, and toilet to support 250-300 pounds</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 20px;">Curbless shower with a minimum 36 inch wide entry</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 20px;">Lower bathtub for easier access</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 20px;">Tub/shower controls offset from center and lower for easy accessibility</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 20px;">Adjustable/handheld showerheads with a 6-foot hose</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 20px;">Toilet two and half inches higher than standard toilet (17-19 inches) </span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 20px;">Light in shower stall</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 20px;">Toilet paper holder design which allows roll to be changed with one hand</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 20px;">Slip-resistant flooring in bathroom and shower</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 20px;">Lever handles on shower and sink faucets</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 20px;">Thermostatic or anti-scald controls </span></li> </ul> <img class="alignnone wp-image-26668" src="https://50plus-today.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/photo-2-1024x765.jpg" alt="age in place renovations" width="514" height="384" /> <h2><span style="font-size: 20px;">Kitchen and Laundry</span></h2> <ul> <li><span style="font-size: 20px;">Adjustable and/or varied height counters and removable base cabinets</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 20px;">Upper wall cabinetry three inches lower than conventional height</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 20px;">Counter space for dish landing adjacent to or opposite all appliances</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 20px;">Easy to clean surfaces</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 20px;">Base cabinets with roll out trays and lazy susans</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 20px;">Pull-down shelving</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 20px;">Glass-front cabinet doors</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 20px;">Open shelving for easy access to items used frequently</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 20px;">Multi-level work areas to accommodate cooks of different heights</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 20px;">Open under-counter seated work areas</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 20px;">Loop cabinet door handles for easy grip and pull</span></li> </ul> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B087T6N3RZ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B087T6N3RZ&linkCode=as2&tag=50plustoday0b-20&linkId=a74e1d495f2e47a8db8d28cbf8376d14" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">2 Pack Illuminated Light Switch, Decora Paddle Rocker Light Switch </a> <h2><span style="font-size: 20px;">Appliances</span></h2> <ul> <li><span style="font-size: 20px;">Easy to read controls</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 20px;">Front loading washer and dryer raised 12-15 inches above floor</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 20px;">Microwave oven at counter height or in wall</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 20px;">Side-by-side refrigerator/freezer</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 20px;">Side-swing or wall oven</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 20px;">Raised dishwasher with push-button controls on outside of door</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 20px;">clear space at appliances or 60-inch diameter clear space for turns</span></li> </ul> <h2><span style="font-size: 20px;">Storage</span></h2> <ul> <li><span style="font-size: 20px;">Adjustable closet rods and shelves</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 20px;">Lighting in closets</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 20px;">Easy open doors that do not obstruct access</span></li> </ul> </div> <h2><span style="font-size: 20px;">LIghting</span></h2> <div class="rich-text"> <ul> <li><span style="font-size: 20px;">Rocker or touch light switches by each entrance to halls and rooms</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 20px;">Light switches, thermostats, and other environmental controls placed in accessible locations no higher than 48 inches from floor</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 20px;">Clear access space in front of switches and controls</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 20px;">Audible and visual strobe light system to indicate when the doorbell, telephone or smoke or CO<sub>2</sub> detectors are activated</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 20px;">Pre-programmed thermostats</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 20px;"><span style="font-size: 20px;">Flashing porch light or 911 </span></span><span style="font-size: 20px;"><span style="font-size: 20px;">switch </span></span><span style="font-size: 20px;"><span style="font-size: 20px;"> </span></span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071HW515B/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B071HW515B&linkCode=as2&tag=50plustoday0b-20&linkId=354e3d5d8f0a7836a290c56db807699b" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Outdoor 28 LED Wireless Waterproof Security Solar Motion Sensor Lights,</a></li> </ul> <h2><span style="font-size: 20px;">Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning</span></h2> <ul> <li><span style="font-size: 20px;">HVAC designed so filters are easily accessible</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 20px;">Energy-efficient units</span></li> </ul> <span style="font-size: 20px;">Work with a contractor or interior decorator well versed in the concepts of <a href="http://www.universaldesign.com/">universal design</a> if possible. With a little advance planning you can create an <a href="https://50plus-today.com/beauty-accessibility/">accessible home</a> that is also aesthetically pleasing! If you have other ideas for age in place renovations, please comment below!</span> </div> originally posted July 10, 2020 updated Feb 12, 2022 </div> </div> </div> </section>
