The 8 most common home modifications for aging in place & the average cost

The most common home modifications for aging in place focus on improving accessibility, safety, and mobility. Here are some of the top modifications:

Grab Bars and Handrails: Installing grab bars in bathrooms (near toilets, showers, and tubs) and handrails along stairs or hallways improves stability and reduces the risk of falls.
No-Threshold Showers: Converting a bathtub into a walk-in or roll-in shower with no threshold makes it easier for seniors to enter and exit safely, especially for those with mobility devices like wheelchairs or walkers.
Ramps and Stairlifts: Ramps can replace stairs for home entry, and stairlifts can help individuals safely navigate between floors indoors.
Widening Doorways: Doorways may need to be widened to accommodate wheelchairs, walkers, or other mobility devices, ensuring easy movement through the home.
Non-Slip Flooring: Replacing slippery surfaces like polished tile or hardwood with non-slip materials such as rubber, vinyl, or textured tile reduces fall risk.
Improved Lighting: Adding more lighting or increasing brightness in key areas, such as stairways, hallways, and entrances, improves visibility and reduces accidents.
Lever-Style Door Handles and Faucets: Replacing traditional round doorknobs and faucets with lever-style handles makes them easier to operate for individuals with arthritis or limited grip strength.
Lowering Countertops and Cabinets: Adjusting the height of countertops, sinks, and cabinets to make them more accessible for individuals who may be using a wheelchair or have reduced reach.

These modifications aim to enhance safety and comfort, enabling older adults to remain in their homes for as long as possible.

The cost of home modifications for aging in place can vary widely based on the type of modification, materials used, and labor costs. Here’s a breakdown of typical costs for common home modifications:

1. Grab Bars and Handrails

Cost: $75–$300 per grab bar
Factors: Depends on the type of grab bar and labor costs for installation.

2. No-Threshold Showers

Cost: $2,500–$10,000
Factors: Cost varies based on the type of shower, materials, plumbing work, and tiling. Custom walk-in showers can be more expensive.

3. Ramps

Cost: $1,000–$6,000
Factors: Depends on the length, material (wood, aluminum, concrete), and any custom designs needed for the slope or space.

4. Stairlifts

Cost: $3,000–$15,000
Factors: Costs depend on whether the staircase is straight or curved, the length, and the type of stairlift. Curved or custom stairlifts are more expensive.

5. Widening Doorways

Cost: $500–$2,500 per doorway
Factors: This depends on the structural work needed, such as moving wiring, plumbing, or load-bearing walls.

6. Non-Slip Flooring

Cost: $800–$3,000 (per room)
Factors: Depends on the size of the area and the type of non-slip flooring (vinyl, rubber, textured tile).

7. Improved Lighting

Cost: $100–$500 per fixture
Factors: Includes the cost of new light fixtures, bulbs, and installation, depending on the complexity and location of the lights.

8. Lever-Style Door Handles and Faucets

Cost: $50–$300 per handle or faucet (including installation)
Factors: Depends on the brand, material, and whether installation involves any plumbing work.

9. Lowering Countertops and Cabinets

Cost: $1,500–$5,000 per kitchen or bathroom area
Factors: Includes the cost of materials and labor to lower cabinets or countertops, and additional plumbing work if the sink is involved.

*** A raised toilet seat is an accessory designed to increase the height of the standard toilet seat. making it easier for people with mobility issues or those recovering from surgery to sit down and standup. The handles provide extra support and stability. Cost $30 to $100 ***

This addition may not be a remodel per se, but it's an installation that anyone can undertake, significantly impacting those with mobility challenges.

Additional Factors That Influence Costs:

Geographic Location: Costs can vary significantly based on your region, with labor being more expensive in urban areas.
Custom Work: Custom solutions, especially for older homes, may increase the cost due to additional structural work or material upgrades.
Contractor Rates: Costs depend on the rates charged by contractors or home modification specialists.

At Nest Wisely LI we are committed to providing customized solutions for older adults seeking to maintain their independence through life changes. Our services encompass home and health evaluations, assistance with home modifications, and coordination of external home care services, all provided with compassion and guidance by our understanding team.

Check out our website at: https://www.nestwiselyli.com/

We assist you in obtaining quotes and offer a network of vetted contractors who are true professionals. Many of these modifications can be carried out by a handyman and the necessary items can be purchased at local hardware and home improvement centers.