Remodeling isn't always about updating a kitchen or adding square footage. For many Colorado Springs homeowners, it's about making sure their home works for them as they get older, or as a family member's needs change.

Aging-in-place remodeling focuses on modifications that improve safety, accessibility, and independence without sacrificing the look and feel of a home. Some of the most common and cost-effective changes include:

In the bathroom

• Grab bars near the toilet and in the shower or tub (properly anchored into studs, not just drywall)
• A curbless or roll-in shower
• A handheld showerhead
• Lever-style faucet handles rather than knobs
• Non-slip flooring

In the kitchen

• Varied counter heights to accommodate seated work
• Pull-out shelves and drawers for easier access
• Lever or loop cabinet hardware
• Touchless or single-lever faucets

Throughout the home

• Widened doorways to accommodate a wheelchair or walker
• Ramps or zero-step entries where possible
• Improved lighting, particularly in hallways and stairwells
• Lever-style door handles throughout
• Main-floor bedroom and bathroom access if the home is multi-story

These modifications can often be incorporated into a broader remodeling project at relatively low additional cost, which makes a remodel a smart time to address them even if immediate need isn't present.

Look for remodelers with the Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) designation. This credential, administered through NAHB, indicates training in the technical, business, and customer service aspects of aging-in-place work. Members of the HBA of Colorado Springs Remodelers Council who hold this designation can be found in our member directory.