If you’re like the majority of Americans over the age of 45, you want to continue living in a familiar environment throughout your maturing years. According to AARP, many older homeowners would prefer to age-in-place, which means to live in their home safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age or physical ability level. But is your current home set up to accommodate your possible needs as you age?

We would like to offer some questions and answers regarding the aging-in-place lifestyle to increase your understanding of the possibilities for age-in-place remodeling. We have also included a checklist for aging-in-place and universal design improvements.

Q&A about Aging-In-Place

How should my home be modified to make it more safe and comfortable?

If your goal is to age-in-place, you will probably need to modify your home as you mature to increase access and safety. Modifications may range from the installation of bathroom grab bars and adjusting countertop heights to the creation of first-floor bedrooms and the installation of private elevators or stair chairs.

Who can I rely on to modify my home?
MDV Remodeling has 50 years of construction and experience in age-in-place the strategies and techniques for designing and building aesthetically-pleasing, barrier-free living environments.

MDV has a commitment to:

  • The unique needs of the older adult population
  • Aging-in-place home modifications
  • Common remodeling projects
  • Solutions to common barriers

Keep in mind that when you hire a remodeling professional, you are engaging a service rather than buying a product. Each professional draws from a different knowledge base and will approach your project in a different way. No matter where you start in the process, you will eventually need to hire a professional remodeler to actually make the modifications to your home.

Questions to Ask Yourself

  • What improvements does my home need?
  • Do I want to add a bathroom and possibly a bedroom to the first floor?
  • How can I make my kitchen more functional?
  • Do I need modifications to prevent falls?
  • What is my budget for this project?
  • Will I be able to get a home equity loan to pay for the project?
  • Will other members of my family benefit from modifications?
  • Will remodeling increase the energy efficiency of my home?

Checklist

  • Prepare a flexible, comprehensive budget for your home modification project. A free estimate from MDV can help you to determine costs at each of a few different levels of aging-in-place modifications.
  • Seek information, including referrals for contractors and financing, from friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, and others who have had similar work done.
  • Search the Directory of Professional Remodelers to locate a remodeler like MDV Remodeling in your community. Or contact your local home builders association or remodelers’ council and ask about companies with experience with age-in-place remodeling.
  • Check with your local or state office of consumer protection and the local Better Business Bureau before hiring any contractor or signing any contracts.
  • Verify that the remodeler you engage has the appropriate license(s) in your state.
  • Ask all contractor candidates for a written estimate of the work to be done based on a set of plans and specifications. Be prepared to pay for whichever proposal you accept per the payment schedule included therein.
  • Select a professional remodeler with extensive experience in age-in-place remodeling, like MDV Remodeling. Remember, lowest price does not ensure a successful remodeling project.

 

 

If you are seriously considering aging-in-place in your current home, give us a call or click here for a free estimate.