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Washington DC Real Estate Resource Center: An Aging in Place Remodeling Check List

As I highlighted in my last article, there are many aging couples in the market for new housing. Traditionally, older couples have relocated to assisted living facilities or have moved in with family members. Today's aging couples are part of a vivacious generation commonly referred to as the Baby Boomers. Instead of submitting to nursing homes, couples are looking to move into a home that fits their current needs and can adapt to their physical needs as they get older. The National Association of Homebuilders has recognized that many people who are aging are not planning on signing the contract and heading straight for the nursing home. To help this growing trend, the NAHB has created a new certification, the Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS).

In my experience as a realtor in the Washington DC metropolitan area, remodeling your home to be compatible with aging in place is a surefire way to sell your home in the current economic environment. Below are a series of recommendations for those individuals thinking about remodeling their home to fit the NAHB standards of aging in place.

• First, contact trade associations such as the local Home Builders Association or Remodelers Council to set the specific standards.
• Seek to enlist the help from friends family, neighbors, etc who have performed similar remodeling work on their home.
• Hire an individual who is a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS), Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR) or Graduate Master Builder (GMB).
• Remember the lowest price does not ensure a successful remodeling project. It may mean the opposite.
• Have an idea of what adjustments you want to make before you see a contractor. Use your meetings with the contractor to brainstorm and come up with a joint plan. There should be no surprises in the final plan or product.

Following these steps will ensure that you have a successful aging in place remodeling project. For more tips and articles concerning Aging In Place check my resource center or personal blog frequently.