DesignTech Of Southwest Florida, Inc.

Aging in Place Bathroom Remodel by DesignTech of SWFL, Inc.

Forthcoming Article From the Summer 2011 Issue, COMA of FL Naples Chapter Newsletter

By Kathy Guyitt, CGR, CAPS, CGP

Florida Certified General Contractor #1517959

Owner, DesignTech of Southwest Florida, Inc.

Given the recent changes in our housing market, more and more Lee and Collier County residents (full time and seasonal) are choosing to stay in their existing homes and condominiums and update rather than moving. Certified General Contractors who specialize in remodeling have certainly seen an upturn in business this past season as clients do exactly that: carefully planned, targeted remodeling projects to improve an existing home rather than buy or build new.  As CAMs, you may find yourself in the position of trusted advisor as your residents decide to remodel.  If you are not already familiar with the principles of Aging-in-Place and Universal Design (UD), read on to gain an important tool to educate and support your residents.

The concept of UD is just what it sounds like: designing and building spaces for the comfort and ease of use of people of every age and life stage. A home remodeled with UD principles can be indistinguishable from a conventionally remodeled home, but it includes key features that improve daily living. A related concept to UD is Aging-in-Place, which simply means making modifications to a home to allow people to stay in their home and live safely and independently as long as possible.

Every year, Aging-in-Place and UD principles become important and desirable to owners, not just to improve their enjoyment of their home, but also to enhance their home’s resale potential. In Lee and Collier Counties, many homeowners are in the 50 plus age group, which is precisely the time when owners should begin making home modifications for the future. The best time to make Aging-in-Place or UD  modifications is before we think we need them, for the peace of mind in knowing that our home will safely and comfortably accommodate us should our needs change. There is an important side benefit:  living in a home with UD elements enhances comfort and ease of living immediately for everyone, regardless of age or stage of life. A well-executed remodel that employs these design principles and techniques will never look “handicapped accessible” or institutional – it will simply be a thoughtfully designed and updated living space. And isn’t that what every homeowner wants? This is precisely why UD-oriented remodels enhance a home’s resale value.

A few key changes might include:

• Change flooring to eliminate raised thresholds between living areas. Choose flooring materials with a slip-resistant hard surface or carpet with a tight, low nap.

• Change light switch heights and locations to make operation easier and add features like dimmers and motion-activated lights.

• Change door handles to levers for ease of operation, and change cabinet hardware to pulls instead of small knobs.

• Replace appliances and plumbing fixtures with new models with better safety features and which adhere to ADA guidelines, such as induction cook tops, convection oven/microwave combinations, dishwasher, refrigerator, and freezer drawers, thermostatic valve controls for showers, and touch-activated faucets.

• Install comfort height/chair height commodes and showers with zero thresholds to allow for walk in or roll in access.

• Add toe-kick lighting under cabinets: it acts as a soft night light and can be an interesting design element.

• Make transitions between living spaces more fluid by either eliminating or widening narrow hallways.  Widening doorways to at least 36 inches helps ease of access, or using offset hinges allows additional clearance.

• Add easy living design features in kitchen and baths including sections of lower height counter for seated use, drawers or pull out trays instead of cabinets with fixed shelves, and decorative grab bars.

For more information on Aging-in-Place and Universal Design, check out the resources:

American Association of Retired Persons:  www.ageinplace.com

National Association of Homebuilders:  www.nahb.org/caps

www.aginginplace.com/home-modification