A trend in home remodeling Portland, Oregon that isn’t discussed regularly is a movement of baby boomers toward aging in place, instead of moving to retirement living options. The desire to remain connected to home and community has many homeowners age 50 and above opting to retrofit their homes for better accessibility instead of moving. The cost of remodeling a home to better suit aging occupants is often comparable or cheaper than assisted living or nursing home costs.
The Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University recently conducted a study that found fewer than 25% of homeowners older than 55 years old have a bedroom and full bathroom on the first floor of their homes and access to their homes without steps. This means that 75% of aging homeowners are facing physical decline in homes ill equipped for safety and comfort. Considering that 70% of seniors spend the rest of their lives in the home where they celebrate their 65th birthday, developing a plan to create a risk and hazard free, easy to navigate home environment is critical.
“Aging In Place”, according to Seniorresource.com, refers to “living where you have lived for many years, or to living in a non-healthcare environment, and using products, services and conveniences to enable you to not have to move as circumstances change.” More recently “Aging in place” is a term used in marketing by those in the rapidly evolving senior housing industry, and in the home remodeling Portland specialization, this refers to remodel contractors with training and certification in retro-fitting or amending the interior of existing homes to allow aging occupants to remain in the home.
In Oregon’s home remodeling market, Leitner Construction is one of a few top home remodeling Portland contractors with an Certified Aging In Place Specialist (CAPS) award and a positive track record in working with aging clients to build in safety and accessibility features. We love helping people make the best of their homes, and with our commitment to building relationships and being good stewards of the responsibility of managing home remodeling projects, we can make the process simple and positive.
Some Aging in Place modifications that are commonly made in our home remodeling Portland experience include: first floor living re-design or elevator installation, widened doorways, no-step entryways, changing out pocket doors, installing stair glides, walk-in tubs and showers with seating, brighter lighting upgrades, hardwood flooring and more.
Whether you are considering a whole home renovation, a new accessible kitchen or bath, or a ground floor bedroom and bath addition, you can trust your home remodeling Portland area project to the experienced, professionals at Leitner Construction, Inc.