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Remodelers Focus on Aging in Place Market
As housing industry professionals celebrated the third annual National Aging In Place Week from Nov. 6-13, the NAHB Remodelors™ Council encouraged consumers to take proactive steps to modify their homes so that they can remain in their residences as they get older.
“Aging-in-place means living in one’s home safely, independently and comfortably, regardless of age or ability level,” said Remodelors™ Council Chairman Don Novak. “As Americans get older, we know the vast majority would rather live in their own home than an assisted living facility.”
Basic alterations can make it easier and more affordable to carry out daily activities, such as bathing, cooking or climbing stairs, and can improve a home’s overall safety. Projects for aging-in-place remodeling vary from the installation of shower grab bars and adjustments of countertop heights, to private elevators and first-floor master suites. Since professional modifications are often barely noticeable to visitors, home owners can enjoy their home safely and without any institutional feel.
To meet the demand of a changing population, the council has created the Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) designation — the only program that teaches remodelers how to modify homes for the aging-in-place market.
CAPS designees are specifically trained how to evaluate a home owner’s needs and implement a project in a professional, aesthetically pleasing way. More than 800 professional remodelers have completed the education requirements for CAPS since 2002.
Consumers interested in finding a CAPS-trained home remodeler can click here.
Information on design ideas, useful products and how to find them and professionals who can help home owners plan and implement home modifications is available from the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association and the Aging in Place Council. An information booklet can also be downloaded.
For more information about the NAHB Remodelors Council, e-mail Jim Lapides, or call him at 800-368-5242 x8451.
 Find Out How Your Remodeling Measures Up “The Remodelers’ Cost of Doing Business Study,” just released at BuilderBooks.com, provides a statistically accurate analysis of the remodeling industry in terms of size, profitability, time in the business, business organization and staffing. To view or purchase this publication online, click here, or call 800-223-2665.
Save the Date for the 50+ Housing Symposium Do you want to learn more about the fastest-growing segment of the housing market? Attend Building for Boomers & Beyond: 50+ Housing Symposium, April 24-26 in Phoenix, Ariz. The seniors housing symposium is the premier educational and networking event for industry professionals who serve the burgeoning 50+ market. For more information, click here.
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