Aging-in-place remodeling is no longer a niche trend. For many homeowners across Southern New Hampshire and Northeastern Massachusetts, it’s a smart, future-focused way to stay in the home they love without sacrificing comfort, dignity, or independence. Whether you’re planning for yourself, aging parents, or multigenerational living, having a clear, comprehensive aging-in-place renovation checklist helps you understand what to prioritize, what it costs, and how to plan ahead confidently. This checklist covers 3 big questions you should ask yourself, as well as other details you should keep in mind.

In this blog, you can expect:

• What Is Aging-in-Place Remodeling?
• Aging-in-Place Renovation Must-Haves
• Entry, Exits, and Exterior Access
• Kitchen Accessibility Upgrades
• Bathroom Safety and Accessibility
• Whole-Home Circulation and Layout Planning
• Bedroom and Primary Suite Modifications
• Laundry and Utility Improvements
• Smart Home and Safety Technology
• ADUs, Additions, and Multigenerational Living
• What Else Do You Need to Know About Aging-in-Place Remodeling?
• Remodeling Examples
• The Cost
• Your Southern NH and Northeastern MA Aging in Place Remodeler

1. What Is Aging-in-Place Remodeling?

Aging-in-place remodeling involves modifying your home so you can safely and comfortably stay where you are for as long as you choose. It includes mobility improvements, bathroom safety updates, kitchen accessibility upgrades, circulation enhancements, and thoughtful future planning. When done well, it blends function with beautiful design so your home still feels like your home. It's one of the many reasons your friends and neighbors are remodeling their homes. 

Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS)

While the term is sometimes used incorrectly, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) has a specific definition for "Aging in Place" in home design and construction. Becoming a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) requires completion of a formal certification program that educates industry professionals on the nuances and requirements of aging-in-place design and construction. At Blackdog Design/Build/Remodel, our goal is to walk you through every step of the remodeling process at every stage of your life. The CAPS credential allows us to do just that. 

2. Aging-in-Place Renovation Must-Haves

Below are must-haves that can guide your planning. Take a look at these renovations and start imagining them in your home. 

Entry, Exits, and Exterior Access

Here are a few options:

• Zero threshold or low threshold entry

• Wide, well-lit paths

• Covered entry or portico

• Railings at all steps

• Lever-style hardware

• Exterior lighting upgrades

• Garage access improvements

This section of your aging-in-place remodeling checklist helps ensure smooth, safe access to the home.

Kitchen Accessibility Upgrades

You want to remodel your kitchen in a way that allows you to navigate a major part of your home and life comfortably. 

Here's what that can look like:

• Clear, widened pathways

• Dual-height or adjusted countertops

• Drawer bases instead of traditional base cabinets

• Touch or touch-free faucets

• Induction cooktops

• Task and under-cabinet lighting

• Side hinge or wall ovens at accessible heights

• Slip-resistant flooring

These improvements make daily tasks more comfortable and reduce physical strain.

Bathroom Safety and Accessibility

Bathroom renovations are often the highest priority in aging-in-place remodeling. This is one of the places where seniors feel they need the most support.

You can consider adding:

• Curbless walk-in shower

• Handheld showerhead with adjustable slide bar

• Built-in or fold-down seating

• Grab bars

• Slip-resistant flooring

• Comfort height toilets

• 36-inch doorways

• Blocking behind walls for future grab bars

Planning ahead here provides both immediate comfort and long-term safety.

Whole-Home Circulation and Layout Planning

Whole-home renovations can also be part of aging-in-place renovations. They can include other elements listed here, but they're important to consider.

Think about:

• Widened hallways and doorways

• Flush flooring transitions

• Stair modifications or plans for a lift

• Improved general and task lighting

• Open or semi-open floor plan updates

• First-floor primary suite creation

For many homeowners, these changes support both aging in place and long-term resale value.

Bedroom and Primary Suite modifications

You want to be able to sleep and change comfortably, and primary suites and other bedrooms can be renovated to support aging in place.

You could try:

• First-floor bedroom conversion or addition

• Accessible walk-in closet design

• No-step flooring transitions

• Smart lighting control

• Acoustic improvements, if caregivers are involved

Laundry and Utility Improvements

There are practical elements that you don't want to forget, either. These changes can massively impact how comfortable and independent you are in your home.

You can add elements like: 

• First-floor laundry relocation

• Front-load washer and dryer

• Pedestal or ergonomic positioning

• Enhanced lighting

• Slip-resistant flooring

Smart Home and Safety Technology

Don't forget the tech. Modern technological updates give you more options and keep you safer as you grow older.

You can consider:

• Smart thermostats

• Automated lighting

• Doorbell cameras

• Sensors for water leaks

• Voice or app-powered control systems

Smart technology can significantly support independence and peace of mind. Most of it is easy to use and becomes an integrated part of your daily routine.

ADUs, Additions, and Multigenerational Living

Sometimes aging-in-place modifications are to your property (or your adult child's property) rather than to your home itself. ADUs and in-law additions are becoming increasingly popular throughout Southern NH and Northeastern MA.

Your options include:

• First-floor in-law suites

• Attached or detached ADUs

• Private entrances

• Sound separation

• Accessible kitchens and baths

These spaces allow families to stay together while maintaining privacy and independence.

3. What Else Do You Need to Know About Aging-in-Place Remodeling?

Now that you know what renovations are must-haves, let's talk about what else you need to know about aging-in-place remodeling.

Remodeling Examples

Here are a few real-world aging-in-place remodeling examples we frequently design and build:

• Converting a first-floor room into a primary suite

• Replacing tubs with curbless showers

• Widening doorways for easier mobility

• Adding kitchen drawer bases and accessible storage

• Lowering or adjusting countertop heights

• Adding first-floor laundry

• Integrating lighting for low-vision comfort

• Creating ADUs or in-law additions

These improvements can be subtle or substantial, depending on your lifestyle. Multigenerational living is an incredible way of supporting your aging-in-place goals.

The Cost

How much does it cost to remodel for these specialty features? As an aging-in-place remodeler with specialized designers on staff, Blackdog Design/Build/Remodel doesn't give out additional cost listings for these modifications. Instead, we factor it into our design, and your final cost will be within the price ranges of typical remodels. You can take a look at our cost guide for a better idea of what these costs might be.

Your Southern NH and Northeastern MA Aging-in-Place Remodeler

Choosing the right home remodeling contractor is essential for in-place remodeling in Southern New Hampshire and Northeastern Massachusetts. Our remodeling company offers:

• A complete in-house design, project management, and carpentry team

• Upfront pricing that is accurate and transparent

• A proven process that eliminates surprises

• Knowledge of permitting and local requirements

• Dedicated lead carpenters who stay with your project until completion

• A 3-year warranty for lasting peace of mind

• A broad portfolio of different renovation and projects

No matter which of our services you engage, we can provide aging-in-place renovations that give you a fresh start on life and in your home. If you're in our service area, take a look at what we can do for you. 

Contact Blackdog Design/Build/Remodel

Contact us today to schedule a consultation or learn more.