Planning for aging-in-place renovation work among remodeling clients increased 10% during the past three years, according to a recent survey by the NAHB Remodelers.

In the survey, 70% of remodelers reported making universal design home modifications, up from 60% in 2006.

“Home owners are asking for remodeling improvements to make their homes more comfortable as they age because they don’t want to move or lose independence,” said Greg Miedema, CGR, CGB, CAPS, CGP, president of Dakota Builders in Tucson, Ariz. and NAHB Remodelers chairman. “These modifications can make a home more stylish and convenient for the aging population.”

While the survey indicated that most of the clients requesting the aging-in-place modifications were 55 and older, remodelers also reported a growing number of younger consumers who wanted these modifications in their homes to make it easier for visiting relatives with age-related disabilities, to make it easier for grown children to share living space with their parents or to plan ahead for future needs.

The aging-in-place modifications most frequently purchased by home owners, according to the remodelers survey, include:

• Adding grab bars — 78%
• Installing higher toilets — 71%
• Upgrading to a curb-less shower — 60%
• Widening doorways — 57%
• Building ramps or lower thresholds — 45%
• Enhancing lighting and task lighting — 45%

NAHB’s survey also indicated that consumers are becoming increasingly aware of aging-in-place and universal design options. Eighty-four percent of the remodelers said that home owners have at least some knowledge of universal design solutions.

For more information about aging-in-place remodeling, visit www.nahb.org/aginginplace. [return to top]