Planning a home remodel for aging in place can feel overwhelming. You want to keep your loved ones safe, independent, and comfortable, but safety features, accessibility upgrades, and long-term planning can be tricky to navigate.
At Custom Built Design & Remodeling, we’ve helped Michigan families transform their homes into spaces that support independence and peace of mind. We understand the unique challenges of aging-in-place projects, from slip-resistant flooring to accessible layouts, and we guide homeowners through each decision to prevent costly mistakes.
In this guide, we’ll highlight eight common issues you can encounter during aging-in-place remodels and share practical tips for avoiding them. With the right planning, your home can be both safe and enjoyable for years to come.
- Ignoring Safety First
- Overlooking Accessibility
- Poor Bathroom Planning
- Ignoring the Kitchen’s Role
- Forgetting Lighting and Visibility
- Overlooking Smart Home Technology
- Failing to Plan for the Future
- Neglecting Maintenance and Long-Term Durability
1. Ignoring Safety First
One of the biggest mistakes in aging-in-place remodeling is overlooking safety features that prevent accidents.
Tips to Avoid This Issue:
- Install grab bars in bathrooms and near stairs.
- Use slip-resistant flooring in kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways.
- Improve lighting in hallways and staircases.
- Ensure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are up-to-date.
Safety should always be the top priority. By putting these features in place, you can greatly reduce fall risks and create a more secure environment for loved ones.
2. Overlooking Accessibility
PC: Acorn Stairlifts
Accessibility isn’t just about wheelchairs. It’s about making spaces comfortable for all mobility levels.
Tips to Avoid This Issue:
- Widen doorways to at least 36 inches where possible.
- Replace knobs with lever-style handles for easier use.
- Install zero-threshold showers and entryways.
- Consider stair lifts or home elevators if multi-level living is necessary.
When accessibility is built into the design, the home becomes more functional and welcoming. These changes can prevent frustration and allow you to stay active in every part of your home.
3. Poor Bathroom Planning
Bathrooms can be the most dangerous room for older adults if not remodeled correctly.
Tips to Avoid This Issue:
- Add a walk-in shower with a built-in seat.
- Place grab bars near toilets and tubs.
- Use adjustable showerheads for easier use.
- Ensure non-slip mats or tile flooring are in place.
By focusing on bathroom safety and comfort, you can give loved ones confidence and independence in one of the most important spaces in the home.
4. Ignoring the Kitchen’s Role
Kitchens are central to family life, but they can quickly become unsafe if not designed for changing needs.
Tips to Avoid This Issue:
- Install pull-out shelving and lazy Susans in cabinets.
- Lower countertop heights where appropriate.
- Use appliances with easy-to-read controls and front access.
- Choose flooring that is soft underfoot and slip-resistant.
A kitchen designed with accessibility in mind helps seniors continue to cook, enjoy meals, and participate in family routines without added strain or risk.
5. Forgetting Lighting and Visibility
As vision changes with age, proper lighting becomes critical throughout the home.
Tips to Avoid This Issue:
- Add layered lighting (ambient, task, and accent).
- Use motion-sensor lights in hallways, closets, and entryways.
- Install brighter bulbs and dimmer switches for flexibility.
- Highlight step edges and thresholds with contrasting colors.
Good lighting improves safety and comfort, making it easier for seniors to navigate the home confidently, day or night.
6. Overlooking Smart Home Technology
Technology can provide peace of mind and added independence when integrated thoughtfully.
Tips to Avoid This Issue:
- Install video doorbells and smart locks for easy monitoring.
- Use voice-controlled assistants for lights, thermostats, and reminders.
- Add medical alert systems or wearable devices.
- Automate lighting and HVAC for convenience and efficiency.
Smart home technology reduces daily challenges and provides reassurance for both you and your family. It’s a modern way to stay safe, connected, and independent.
7. Failing to Plan for the Future
PC: The Spruce
Too often, families remodel only for today’s needs and overlook what may come tomorrow.
Tips to Avoid This Issue:
- Plan for wheelchair accessibility, even if not needed right now.
- Install blocking behind walls for future grab bar placement.
- Design main-floor living spaces with long-term needs in mind.
- Choose flexible furniture and layouts that adapt over time.
By thinking ahead, you avoid costly renovations later and ensure that the home can continue to support aging-in-place for years to come.
8. Neglecting Maintenance and Long-Term Durability
Even the safest features can fail over time if you don’t consider durability and ongoing maintenance. Planning for the long-term ensures your aging-in-place remodel remains functional and safe for years to come.
Tips to Avoid This Issue:
- Choose flooring that is slip-resistant, durable, and easy to clean, like luxury vinyl or textured tile.
- Select fixtures, grab bars, and hardware made from long-lasting, low-maintenance materials.
- Consider finishes and paint that resist wear and staining.
- Schedule periodic inspections of key features like stair lifts, bathroom modifications, and lighting to catch issues early.
Planning for maintenance and durability prevents small issues from becoming hazards, reduces long-term costs, and keeps your home safe and functional as family needs evolve.
Next Steps to Remodeling Your Home for Aging-in-Place
Remodeling your home for aging in place is an investment in safety, comfort, and independence for your loved ones.
By addressing common issues, like accessibility, moisture control, lighting, and future-proofing, you can avoid costly mistakes and create a space that truly supports your family’s needs.
At Custom Built Design & Remodeling, we guide Michigan families through every step of their aging-in-place projects, combining expertise, thoughtful design, and quality craftsmanship.
Start by evaluating your home for safety and accessibility needs, then consult with a trusted remodeling professional to develop a plan that works today and adapts for the future.
Now that you know more about the top questions to ask basement finishing contractors before you hire, let’s explore how to build an addition for aging-in-place, tips for upgrading your kitchen for the golden years, and the top home modifications for your project:
- How To Build a Home Addition for Aging Parents in Michigan - Discover how to build a home addition that is comfortable and exciting for your golden years.
- 5 Tips To Design a Kitchen for Aging In Place - Discover the top strategies for designing a kitchen that is both accessible and visually appealing for your aging-in-place remodel.
- Top Home Modifications for Aging-in-Place - A high-level overview of the best features to include in your aging-in-place remodeling project - each perfect for an accessible and comfortable home.
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