“Style and accessibility are the hallmarks of the Homes for Life award-winning projects,” said NAHB Remodelers Chairman Paul Sullivan, CAPS, CGR, CGP, a remodeler from Waterville Valley, N.H. “These innovative designs use tailored solutions to transform each house into a home for a lifetime.”
Are you a CAPS designee – or Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist – looking for a new way to promote this specialized remodeling niche that’s becoming more popular among your boomer customers? NAHB has a new tool for you: the consumer PowerPoint presentation “Make Your House a Home for a Lifetime.” It’s perfect for presentations at home shows, education sessions and more.
Remodeling Magazine ran a short article about Dan Bawden of Legal Eagle Contracting, and how he approaches working with clients wishing to age-in-place. Bawden helped write the Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) course description 10 years ago for the National Association of Home Builders. Now, about 75% of his firm’s work involves some aspect of aging-in-place. Bawden’s firm uses a checklist to conduct home audits for new clients to identify the areas of their home that aren’t working for them.
The October issue of PN Magazine contains a great article that explores the economic benefits that we as a society could gain by investing in Aging in Place. Written by Charles Schwab, AIA, CAPS, GCP, the article argues that creating tax incentives for Universal Design remodeling and new construction products will encourage more people to adapt these features in their homes.
This fact sheet produced by Kansas State University provides an overview of easy and inexpensive home modifications that can aid older adults planning to age in place. Simple modifications like adding grab bars and removing throw rugs can help to increase safety within the home. Other suggestions include; adding lighting to stairs and hallways, rearranging dishes in easier to reach storage, raising beds so that they are easier to get into and out of, and adding motion sensors at exterior doors.
From the March 2, 2011, issue of The New York Times comes this article about the growing number of people becoming aware about Universal Design and the advantages it offers.