Let’s face it—most people don’t want to leave the home they love just because they’re getting older. Maybe you’ve been in your house for decades. Maybe you picked it out knowing you’d be there for the long haul. Either way, the idea of moving into assisted living or downsizing to a place that “works better” isn’t all that appealing.
At Ken Spears Construction, we’ve talked with a lot of folks in that exact spot. They’re not looking for flashy renovations. They want smart, simple upgrades that’ll let them stay safe and comfortable at home for years. If that sounds like you or someone you care about, this article’s for you.
We will walk you through how aging-in-place remodeling works, which parts of the house you’ll want to focus on first, and what changes make the most significant difference. If you stick with us, you’ll come away with a clearer picture of how to plan a remodel that works for the life you want—now and later.
What Is Aging-in-Place Remodeling, Anyway?
Basically, it’s about adjusting your home to match your changing needs. That might mean taking out trip hazards, adding better lighting, or just making everyday things easier to reach and use.
We’re not talking about hospital-style gear and clunky metal grab bars everywhere. Aging-in-place remodeling is all about thoughtful design—stuff that works and looks good. Our goal is to help people create homes that are safe, functional, and still feel like their home, not something that’s been stripped of personality.
Where Should You Start?
Let’s break this down by area. Some rooms naturally need more attention than others.
The Bathroom: Small Room, Big Impact
Bathrooms are usually at the top of the list. Slippery floors, tight corners, and awkward setups make them risky, especially as mobility changes. Here are a few upgrades that help:
- Walk-in or zero-threshold showers – No step, no trip.
- Sturdy, good-looking grab bars – For the shower and toilet areas.
- Non-slip flooring – Textured tile or vinyl works great.
- Comfort-height toilets – Easier to sit down and stand up.
- Better lighting – Especially around mirrors and vanities.
If you’re redoing the bathroom, these are the kinds of things we help people with every week. They make a huge difference in both comfort and peace of mind.
Design and Details: Two Aspects of Redesigning Your Home for Aging in Place
There are two parts to planning to make your home safe and comfortable. One is the overall design of your home—the big picture if you will. This can involve structural changes that allow you to live on a single level (at least for most daily activities). It might incorporate shifting to an open plan design that makes it easier to move from room to room (particularly from the kitchen to the dining room and a family room.
Then there are the details. This refers to some of the specific features you may want to install in your home. Let’s look a little closer at some of these details. In particular, we’ll focus on two rooms that often get the most attention when it comes to aging in place (or Universal Design as it’s sometimes called). Not surprisingly, the two rooms that most homeowners (and remodelers) tackle most often are the bathroom and the kitchen. We’ll look at a few ideas in each of these rooms.
The Kitchen: Make Life Easier
Next up? The kitchen. It’s the heart of the home, and if it’s hard to use, that’s going to get frustrating fast. Here are some smart adjustments to think about:
- Pull-out shelves – No more digging around in deep cabinets.
- Lever-style faucets – Easier on hands and wrists.
- Lower countertops or flexible workspaces – Helpful if someone starts using a chair or walker more.
- Appliances with front controls – Safer and simpler.
Even changing the placement of your microwave or switching to a side-opening oven can go a long way.
Making Bathrooms Safer and More Comfortable
Bathrooms are often the first place people look to update when planning to stay in their home long-term—and for good reason. Slippery floors, tight spaces, and hard-to-reach fixtures can make everyday routines harder (and riskier) than they need to be.
At Ken Spears Construction, we’ve worked on all kinds of bathroom updates that make life easier without sacrificing comfort or style. These are the changes we usually recommend starting with:
- Walk-in or zero-threshold showers
No more stepping over the edge of a tub. These showers are easier to get in and out of, and they look great too. - Grab bars that don’t look like grab bars
We’re talking about modern, sturdy options that blend in with your bathroom design but give you the support you need where it counts—next to the toilet, inside the shower, and near the sink. - Non-slip flooring
Tile can be beautiful and practical. We often recommend textured tile or slip-resistant vinyl to cut down on the chance of slipping. - Comfort-height toilets
These sit a little higher than standard toilets, making it easier on the knees when you sit down or stand up. - Wider entry doors
If mobility becomes more of a concern later on, a few extra inches in your doorway can make a big difference—especially if a walker or wheelchair is in the picture. - Motion-activated lighting
No more fumbling for the light switch in the dark. These lights turn on when you walk in, which is great for nighttime trips to the bathroom.
Small changes can add up fast. You don’t need to do a complete gut job to see real improvements in safety and ease of use. We’ve done everything from simple upgrades to full bathroom overhauls—all with aging-in-place in mind.
Whole-House Fixes
It’s not just about rooms. Some changes affect how you move through the whole house:
- Wider doorways – Great for walkers or wheelchairs.
- Ramps instead of steps – Especially at entrances.
- Bright, even lighting – Shadows are a fall risk.
- Smart home tech – Think voice-activated lights or thermostats.
Aging-in-place remodeling isn’t about making your home feel clinical. It’s about making it fit you better as your life shifts.
What’s the Plan?
Start small or go all-in—it’s up to you. But it is a good idea to have a plan. We always suggest walking through your home (or doing a quick video call with us) and talking about what already works, what’s starting to get annoying, and what might become a problem down the line.
At Ken Spears Construction, we’ve helped homeowners across DeKalb and Kane Counties make adjustments they didn’t even know they needed. We’re happy to share what works, what doesn’t, and how to make it all come together.
And no, it doesn’t have to be done all at once. You can tackle one area at a time and still see real improvements.
And Much More
There are many little touches you can add to make your home safer and more comfortable. The National Association of Home Builders has prepared its own “Aging-in-Place Remodeling Checklist” that covers many of the things you should consider when making your DeKalb home safe and comfortable as you mature.
