Not everyone sells their home when it’s time to retire. Many choose to age in place — spurring growth in a remodeling industry niche dedicated to helping people retrofit their homes to meet mobility and lifestyle needs. The range of these services is expected to grow as baby boomers hit retirement age, beginning this year. AARP reports 89 percent of 50-plus individuals indicate they want to stay in their home as they age.
“The majority of clients I see are not disabled but are planning for the future or have had injuries and want to improve the functionality of their space,” said Joe Smith, managing partner of Owings Home Services based in Eldersburg, Md.
Plans to retrofit a home should include a range of experts. “It’s a good idea to include physical or occupational therapists in the planning,” Smith said. “That way the plan can cover both short and long term needs.”
And costs do vary widely. Simple changes include widening doorways, adding grab bars or building a ramp but more extensive work, such as modifying a bath or adapting a kitchen for wheelchair access, can hit $20,000 to $30,000.
“Converting a first floor to a master [suite] or adding a first floor master addition can easily reach the $100,000 range depending on many variables,” Smith said.
Tim Schelfe of Schelfe and Associates in Washington said lighting often is inadequate in homes and is an important consideration for people with failing eyesight.
Replacing toggle type switches with rocker switches can make a world of difference when reaching to turn on a lamp, he said. Removing reflector bulbs from can lights and installing brighter halogen bulbs not only aids visibility but improves the look of the space.
In bathrooms, accessible vanity cabinets with higher countertops and a larger recessed toe kick offer easier use of the sink area. Closet systems can be retrofitted to include pull-down bars. Replacing hard-to-grab doorknobs with lever handles make opening doors easier for people with arthritis.
interiors,universal design,real estate
