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:
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.
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.
Below are must-haves that can guide your planning. Take a look at these renovations and start imagining them in your home.
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.
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 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 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.
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
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
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.
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.
Now that you know what renovations are must-haves, let's talk about what else you need to know about aging-in-place remodeling.
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.
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.
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
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 us today to schedule a consultation or learn more.