More Northern Virginia homeowners than ever are choosing to remodel their homes with the future in mind. Aging in place renovations help you stay comfortable and independent in your own home so you can continue to enjoy the lifestyle and quality of life in the DMV that you’ve come to enjoy, without sacrificing style or function and enabling you to live longer with or near family and friends. Whether you’re planning ahead for yourself or helping a loved one, here are five practical tips to consider with aging in place remodeling.
1. Focus on the Entryways into Your Home, Which You Use Daily
Your home’s entrances are a key place to start. Uneven steps, narrow doorways, or heavy doors can all create challenges down the road, so minimizing those challenges is key.
What to consider:
- Install a zero-step entry or a gently sloped ramp to ease entry.
- Widen doorways to at least 36 inches for easy wheelchair or walker access.The standard width for doors is generally 36 inches, but you could benefit from more space.
- Add lever-style door handles instead of knobs, as they’re easier to open for everyone.
These simple updates make coming and going safe and stress-free.
2. Create a Safer, Accessible & More Comfortable Bathroom
Bathrooms can be tricky for mobility and balance, so this is one of the most important areas to remodel for aging in place.
Ideas to include:
- Replace your tub with a walk-in shower that has a low or no threshold.
- Install sturdy grab bars near the toilet and inside the shower.
- Consider a comfort-height toilet and a wall-mounted sink with knee space underneath.
- Use slip-resistant flooring to help prevent falls.
These changes blend safety with comfort, and today’s stylish options mean your bathroom still looks beautiful.
3. Keep Cooking! Upgrade the Kitchen for Ease of Use & Accessibility
The kitchen is the heart of the home, and it should stay that way as you age. Smart kitchen renovations make your cooking and family/friend gatherings easier for years to come.
Try these updates:
- Lower some countertops or create a seated workspace.
- Choose pull-out shelves and drawers instead of deep lower cabinets.
- Install easy-to-reach, pull-down shelves in upper cabinets.
- Use lever or touchless faucets for convenience.
Small changes in layout and fixtures can make a big difference in how you enjoy and use your kitchen for years to come.
4. We All Need to See Better – Improve & Enhance Lighting Throughout the Home
Good lighting and visibility is essential for home safety and comfort. As we age, we need brighter, more evenly distributed light to see clearly and avoid accidents.
Ways to brighten up:
- Add more lighting in hallways, stairs, and entrances.
- Use motion-sensor lights in key areas like the bathroom and kitchen.
- Install rocker or large toggle light switches that are easy to operate.
- Take advantage of natural light with larger windows or skylights if possible.
Better lighting helps prevent falls, makes stairs easier to navigate and makes every room feel more welcoming.
5. Stay on One Level As Much As Possible – Plan for Main-Level Living, Minimizing Stairs
One of the biggest goals of aging in place renovations is to reduce the need to navigate stairs daily. If possible, reconfigure your layout to make the main level a complete living space. You will benefit from making a many daily or regular tasks accessible in your home without having to navigate stairs.
What to plan for:
- A full bathroom and bedroom on the first floor.
- Laundry facilities that are easily accessible without going downstairs.
- An open floor plan with wide, clear pathways.
Having everything you need on one level means you’ll be comfortable staying home, no matter your mobility needs.
Ready to Future-Proof Your Northern VA Home So You Can Enjoy It for Many Years to Come? Speak with DNA Remodeling
Aging in place renovations don’t just add safety, they bring peace of mind and long-term value to your home. If you’re ready to make thoughtful upgrades for the future, our team at DNA Remodeling is here to help.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and start planning your home to grow old gracefully with you!
