Remodeling for Life

by Jen Banowetz

No one looks forward to moving to a nursing home. And this simple fact is what's driving a hot trend in the residential remodeling industry: aging-in-place strategies.

"Aging-in-place means living in one's home safely, independently and comfortably, regardless of age, income or ability level," according to the National Association of Home Builders rhetoric. Simply put, it involves thoughtful modifications to make a home more accessible and safe for its residents and guests, incorporating "universal" design into remodeling projects.

"During the whole design process, we talk about what homeowners want in their new space," explains architect Joel Kristianson, A.I.A, CAPS, CKBR, of Crimson Design and Construction in Naperville. "I'll also bring up the whole concept of taking into account physical limitations or potential physical limitations."

That's the polite way of saying we're all getting older-why not plan ahead?

Such forward thinking already, unexpectedly, has paid off for Patty and Bill Lange, who recently remodeled their Naperville home where they have lived for more than two decades.

"We said, "We love the area and our neighbors-we want to stay in this house as long as we can, we don't want to move-let's look into remodeling,"" Patty Lange recalls. While the Langes originally set out to just add a third garage stall, soon a home theater joined the mix. The couple also chose to improve accessibility along the way-even adding a small elevator.

"You know how things snowball," Patty laughs. "We weren't talked into into it, but we weren't talked out of it."

But the modest one-person-and-one-wheelchair elevator already has been put to good use, when Bill suddenly started experiencing mobility problems with his feet and ankles, making the stairs still doable but painful.

"I don't use it-I need the exercise," Patty says of the elevator, which runs from the basement to the second floor. "But it's much more comfortable for Bill. I'm very thankful we did it now. It's just been a godsend."

Remodeling for retirement

While typical catalysts for a remodeling project are updating and aesthetics, it's actually a great chance to consider long-term possibilitiesand everyday guests.

"The side effect is, "Hey, let's make it functional,"" Kristianson says. "It's not really big stuff, it's more adaptable design."

While most elements are simple details, Kristianson even has designed a few projects where he's purposely stacked two closets on top of each other in case the homeowner needs to install an elevator some day. Of course, not everyone will be adding a lift-or need to-but you get the idea. Even small modifications can make a big difference, from grab bars to barrier-free thresholds, which can help promote accessibility and prevent falls.

"The largest concerns that I have come across involve enlarging doorways to 36-inch widths, this is the same width as a front-entry door-this allows for maneuverability room if a wheelchair was to ever come in play," says Michael A. Ducato, vice president of Reliable Home Improvement & Supply Inc. in Naperville. "Secondly is the potential to widen hallways for the same reasons."

You never know when a wheelchair or walker may be used in your home, either from a temporary injury, decreasing mobility or caring for elderly relatives.

"Another top concern are bathroom renovations," Ducato says. "To be ADA compliant, the goal is to have a 60-inch radius in order to turn a wheelchair."

Be our guests

Of course, this concept of improving safety and comfort is not exactly new.

"The City of Naperville, through its Title 5 building code [a supplement to the 2006 International Building Code], already requires many universal design features," says Kristianson, referring to such rules like wider doorways and accessible electrical outlets in all new construction and remodeling projects, especially with main floor design, which would most impact guests.

"They call it their "visitability" code," Kristianson explains the city's demands for built-in accessibility. "They are very strict about that."

In fact, back in 2002 Naperville became one of the first communities in the country to set new visitability standards for all new homes.

Visitability, barrier-free living, universal design, aging-in-place, whatever buzzword you chose, the concept is here to stay.

"I think it's going to become huge," Kristianson says. "Baby Boomers are pretty much the biggest group and the ones driving this market. But we find ourselves suggesting these things, and they're finding it a great idea."

This group is no stranger to being prepared-and in style.

"I have noticed that the homeowners that do this are typically in their 50s to 60s and are planning for this in the future," Ducato says. "Keep in mind that they want it designed in a way that it looks tasteful and does not feel (or look) industrial. They want it to blend with their homes. They love to use tumbled marble in the showers, high-end faucets, detailed trim work around mirrors, etc."

Now that's aging gracefully.