Spring is the time we set aside every year to honor the benefits of the American Dream of homeownership with celebrations of new homes in April, remodeling in May and the American home in June.

This month, we celebrate the benefits of remodeling - especially since the demand for improving existing homes has grown in the past few years thanks to an increasing number of baby boomers approaching retirement age who choose to 'age in place'. According to a study released last week by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and the MetLife Mature Market Institute (MMI), by 2010 'baby boomers' (people born between 1946 and 1964) will represent one quarter of the U.S. population and exercise a growing impact the choices available in the housing market.

The multi-phased study, "Housing for the 55 Plus Market: Trends and Insights on Boomers and Beyond," examines a number of trends and behaviors of the important boomer segment and the population in general. The study, which was released during NAHB's Building for Boomers & Beyond: 50 Plus Housing Symposium in Philadelphia, includes an in-depth profile of the over - 55 year old market, based on figures from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Housing Survey from 2001 through 2007.

CAPS design principles focus on aesthetically enriching barrier - free environments, changes that can actually increase the value of an existing home.

Aging-in-place means living in one's home safely, independently and comfortably regardless of age or ability level. These principles address the need to both remodel existing homes and design new homes so people can age in place rather than have to move to assisted living facilities as they grow older. Baby boomers are catching onto this trend since they are 77 million strong and make up 28 percent of the total United States population.

Aging in place is an important new development in remodeling and new home construction as Americans are living longer, healthier and more active lives into their golden years. Many active seniors find it is far more cost - efficient to make a few home improvements to accommodate the effects of aging rather than seek out a facility that meets all of their unique needs.

That is why construction and design professionals are taking advantage of the CAPS training. This new designation is taught through the National Association of Home Builders ("NAHB"), in collaboration with American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). Homeowners who are looking at modifying their existing home as they approach their 'golden years' can look to the CAPS credential as a reliable way to identify professionals to modify their home or build a new one that is designed for a lifespan. CAPS graduates receive training about both the technical and construction aspects of building for aging homeowners while taking formal business training to maintain their credential through continuing education.

Some of the more popular improvements for homeowners looking to age in place revolve around reducing maintenance and increasing the ease with which homeowners may move around and to and from the home. These improvements include attractive ramps or 'zero step' entrances, package shelves near front doors, handrails at existing steps and porch or front door sidelights. Popular kitchen improvements include elevating appliances such as dishwashers, front-loading washers and dryers, rolling islands and adjustable height sinks.

Older homeowners can make their bathrooms safer and more comfortable with grab bars, curbless showers, conveniently - placed tub and shower controls, elevated plumbing and widened doors

These are just some of the improvements that can make your golden years more golden. In fact, nearly every room of your home can be modified to meet the needs of aging. So, if you're looking for a remodeler to improve a home for an 'aging in place' homeowner, make sure you choose one with a CAPS designation. Ask them to show you all of the ways a remodeling job can make your home an easier place to thrive in your golden years.

Comments (0)

Subscribe to this comment's feed

Write comment

Email Name Website		Comment smaller | bigger
		I have read and agree to the Terms of Usage. Write the displayed characters Add Comment Preview