More adults are choosing to “age in place.” However, they may have concerns about getting around the house and engaging in common household activities. If you’re planning on making changes to better accommodate family members who are choosing to age in place, it’s important to first weed out misinformation about mobility remodeling.

Myth: Mobility Remodel Costs More Than Other Renovations

Remodeling with aging in place in mind doesn’t cost significantly more than regular remodeling. For instance, when you’re replacing door knobs, you have a lot of options. Lever-style handles don’t cost more than a rounded knob that’s more difficult for an individual with arthritis or physical disability to use. However, installing some accessibility features, such as an elevator or chairlift, can definitely hike the price of a remodel.

Myth: Mobility Remodel Will Decrease the Value of Your Home

The truth is, if a home is located in a neighborhood where the population includes a higher percentage of senior adults, accessibility renovations will likely increase the value of the home. However, the opposite can be true as well. While some modifications, such as faucet handles and wider doorways, may appeal to buyers of any age, other changes will require substantial expense to reverse. An example would be raising the height of counters, stovetops and sinks that have been previously lowered to accommodate wheelchair users.

Myth: A Full Remodel Is Required for an Accessible Home

Of course, the extent of the remodel will depend on your current home. Fortunately, there are a lot of features commonly found in traditional houses that can be modified to meet the safety requirements of an aging-in-place home.

In the bathroom, the first thing to do is remove the old tub and replace it with a low-threshold shower. Stepping into and out of the tub poses a trip-and-fall hazard, so it only makes sense to eliminate it. Adding grab bars, non-slip mats or anti-skid tiles is also an upgrade that is beneficial for people with mobility problems. In the kitchen, converting the range to a cooktop is a great solution for avoiding potential burns while cooking. Swapping cabinet knobs with pull handles is also an easy aging-in-place upgrade that doesn’t require too much time or money.

Let’s Start a Conversation!

You can count on DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Beaverton for reliable and professional accessibility remodeling services. Our goal is to help you create a beautiful home that accommodates family members of all ages and abilities. To request a kitchen or bathroom quote, call us at (503) 214-2167.