You have spent years making your house a home. The garden, the neighbors, the kitchen where the holidays happen, and the view of the Front Range all matter, and you probably have no interest in leaving them behind.
Remodeling for aging in place lets you keep the life you have built while making your home safer and easier to live in as your needs change. The best part is that most of these upgrades simply make a house more comfortable for everyone, whether you are 58, 78, or hosting a toddler for the weekend.
You are far from alone in this goal. According to the AARP 2024 Home and Community Preferences Survey, 75 percent of adults 50 and older want to remain in their current homes as they age. The same survey found that 72 percent expect to need grab bars and 71 percent expect to need entryway improvements. In other words, most people your age want to stay put, and most also recognize that the house will need some help.
As a senior home designer, I have worked with many Colorado homeowners on this exact question. In this guide, you will learn what aging in place means, why Colorado homes present some unique challenges, and 15 practical ideas that cover entries, doorways, bathrooms, kitchens, and main-floor suites. Along the way, you will see how to plan remodeling for aging in place in a sensible order so your investment pays off for years to come.
Remodeling for aging in place means adapting your home so you can live there independently, safely, and comfortably as your mobility, balance, eyesight, or strength changes over time. Designers often connect the idea to universal design, an approach that creates spaces usable by people of all ages and abilities without looking clinical. A wide doorway, for example, helps someone using a walker, a parent pushing a stroller, and a delivery driver carrying a new sofa.
The goal is not to turn your house into a hospital. Good remodeling for aging in place looks like a thoughtful, well designed home. Visitors should notice the beautiful walk-in shower and the bright, open hallway, not a list of medical features. When we design these projects, we aim for changes that add comfort today and quietly prepare your home for tomorrow.
Safety sits at the heart of this work. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that about one in four older adults falls each year, and falls are the leading cause of injury for adults 65 and older. Many of the remodeling for aging in place ideas below focus on removing the steps, slick surfaces, and dim corners that make falls more likely.
Colorado housing presents a few specific hurdles. Many neighborhoods built from the 1960s through the 1980s feature bi-level and tri-level homes, where you climb a short flight of stairs the moment you walk through the front door. Ranch homes are easier, but many still have a step or two at every exterior door and a basement laundry room. Remodeling for aging in place in Colorado often starts with simply figuring out how to get you, your groceries, and your laundry onto one level.
Weather adds another layer. Snow and ice on steps, sloped driveways, and north-facing entries create real fall risks for several months of the year. Our mountain and foothill homes also tend to sit on sloped lots, which makes a level entry harder to achieve. These conditions do not rule out remodeling for aging in place, but they do mean your plan should address winter access from the very beginning.
The path into your home and the routes through your home form the foundation of any accessible design. If you cannot get inside easily, or move from room to room without obstacles, the rest of the upgrades lose much of their value. These first five ideas for remodeling for aging in place address that movement.
A zero-step entry lets you walk, roll, or carry packages into your home without climbing a single step. Many Colorado homeowners create one through the garage, where the floor already sits close to grade, by raising a small landing to meet the interior floor level. Other options include regrading a front walkway or building up a covered porch so the approach slopes gently to the threshold. Even if you only create one zero-step entry, choose the door you use every day.
When a level entry is not possible, a well designed ramp or sloped walkway bridges the gap. The ADA Standards for Accessible Design, published by the U.S. Access Board, set a maximum running slope of 1:12 for ramps, meaning one inch of rise for every 12 inches of length. Residential homes do not have to follow ADA rules, but those standards offer a reliable benchmark. A walkway with an even gentler slope, blended into your yard with plantings and a handrail, often looks better and feels safer than a traditional ramp.
In Colorado, a beautiful zero-step entry still fails if the path turns to ice every January. A roof overhang or covered porch keeps snow off your landing and gives you a dry place to find your keys. Add bright, motion-activated lighting so you never fumble in the dark. For steep driveways or north-facing walks, some homeowners also invest in heated pavement or a snowmelt mat near the door, which reduces shoveling and slips.
Standard interior doors in older homes often measure 28 or 30 inches wide, which leaves too little room for a walker or wheelchair. The ADA Standards call for a minimum clear opening of 32 inches, and many designers specify 36-inch doors to reach that clearance comfortably. When you approach remodeling for aging in place as one plan, widening a door during a larger remodel costs far less than doing the work later as a standalone project. Pocket doors and barn-style sliding doors can also free up space where a swinging door would block a narrow hall.
Hallways deserve the same attention as doors. The ADA Standards call for accessible routes at least 36 inches wide, and wider halls of 42 inches feel noticeably more comfortable. Inside rooms, plan an open area of roughly 60 inches across so someone using a wheelchair can turn around. In our projects, we often remove a short wall between the kitchen and dining room to create that turning space while also brightening the whole floor.
Once you can move freely through your home, the next step is making sure everything you need sits on one level. Remodeling for aging in place works best when your bedroom, a full bathroom, your kitchen, and your laundry all live on the main floor. Bathrooms deserve special care, because the combination of water, hard surfaces, and tight spaces makes them the riskiest room in most houses.
A main-floor primary suite may be the single most valuable change you make when remodeling for aging in place. If your bedroom currently sits up a flight of stairs, you can convert a family room or den, or build a single-story addition off the back of the house. An addition gives you room for a generous bedroom, a walk-in closet, and an accessible bathroom designed from scratch. Many of our clients pair the suite with a nearby laundry closet so a basement trip becomes optional.
A curbless shower removes the step-over lip that causes so many bathroom falls. The floor slopes gently toward a linear drain, so water stays put while you walk or roll straight in. Add a built-in bench or a fold-down seat, a handheld shower head on a slide bar, and controls you can reach from outside the spray. Many homeowners find a curbless shower looks more spacious and modern than the tub and shower combination the bathroom replaced.
In remodeling for aging in place, grab bars have come a long way from the stainless steel rails you remember from hospitals. Today you can choose bars that double as towel bars, shelf edges, or toilet paper holders in finishes that match your faucets. The key detail is solid wood blocking inside the walls, which gives each bar a secure anchor. Even if you do not want grab bars yet, ask your contractor to install blocking around the toilet, shower, and tub during any bathroom remodel.
A comfort-height toilet sits roughly two to three inches taller than a standard model, which makes sitting and standing easier on your knees and hips. Pair the toilet with a wall-mounted or open vanity that leaves knee space underneath, so you can sit while grooming if needed. Lever faucets, a mirror that extends low enough to use while seated, and a little extra floor space around each fixture round out a bathroom that works at any age.
Your kitchen probably sees more daily use than any other room, so small changes add up quickly. A kitchen remodel can give you deep drawers in lower cabinets keep pots and dishes within easy reach, and pull-down shelves bring upper storage closer. A wall oven or a side-opening oven at counter height reduces bending, and a section of lower counter gives you a place to work while seated. Remodeling for aging in place in the kitchen also means good task lighting under the cabinets and a clear path between the sink, refrigerator, and stove.
Some of the most effective changes cost relatively little and fit into almost any budget. These remodeling for aging in place details reduce strain on your hands, eyes, and joints every single day. Because they cost so little, they make a smart starting point if you want to begin remodeling for aging in place before tackling a larger project.
Round doorknobs and small toggle switches become harder to use with arthritis or reduced grip strength. Lever handles let you open a door with your elbow while your arms are full, and wide rocker switches work with a light touch. Place switches at about 42 inches from the floor and outlets a little higher than usual, so you can reach both without bending or stretching.
Your eyes need more light as you age, and Colorado’s short winter days make good lighting even more important. Combine overhead fixtures, task lights over counters and desks, and low night lights along the path from your bedroom to the bathroom. Light-colored walls and contrasting trim help you see edges and steps clearly. Smart switches or motion sensors can turn on lights automatically when you enter a room at night.
Flooring choices play a major role in fall prevention and in remodeling for aging in place. Remove thresholds between rooms where possible, and avoid loose throw rugs that catch toes and walker legs. Luxury vinyl plank, cork, and textured tile offer good traction, cushioning, and easy cleaning. In bathrooms, choose smaller tiles with more grout lines or tiles rated for wet areas, because those surfaces provide better grip under bare feet.
Even with a main-floor suite, you will probably still use stairs to reach a basement, garage, or guest rooms. Add sturdy handrails on both sides of every staircase, along with bright lighting at the top and bottom. A straight staircase with a nearby outlet can accept a stair lift later if needed. Some homeowners go one step further and stack closets on each floor so the space can become an elevator shaft in the future.
Aging in place does not always mean living alone. Many Colorado families now share homes across two or three generations, whether an adult child moves back, a parent moves in, or a caregiver needs a private space nearby. The final idea for remodeling for aging in place addresses that reality and often ties the whole plan together.
A flexible suite gives you or a family member a private bedroom, bathroom, and small sitting area within the main house. With a separate entrance and a kitchenette, the space can serve as an accessory dwelling unit, often called an ADU. Colorado passed House Bill 24-1152 in 2024, which requires many of the state’s larger cities to allow ADUs, though local rules for size, parking, and occupancy still vary. A well planned suite can house a parent today, a caregiver later, and a grandchild during college breaks.
With 15 ideas on the table, you might wonder where to start. The answer depends on your health, your budget, and how long you plan to stay. A practical approach puts safety items first, then tackles the bigger projects, such as a main-floor suite, when you have the budget and time to do the work well. Remodeling for aging in place also works best as a single plan, even if you complete the work in phases over several years.
Before you call a designer or contractor, take some time to answer a few questions with your family. Your answers will shape the scope and help any professional give you accurate advice:
Once you have those answers, look for a designer or contractor with aging-in-place experience. The National Association of Home Builders offers a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) designation, which signals training in this kind of work. An occupational therapist can also evaluate your home and recommend changes specific to your health needs. Finally, check with your local building department, because larger projects such as additions, ADUs, and structural wall changes usually require permits.
The cost of remodeling for aging in place varies widely based on your home, your location, and the scope of work. Lever handles, lighting upgrades, and grab bars with blocking typically fall on the lower end, while a curbless shower or widened doorways land in the middle. A main-floor primary suite addition or a full ADU represents a major investment, similar to any other home addition. Because Colorado labor and material prices change often, get written estimates from local professionals rather than relying on national averages.
Think about value as well as cost. Remodeling for aging in place may help you avoid or delay the expense of assisted living, and many accessible features appeal to future buyers of all ages. Planning several changes together also saves money, because one round of demolition, drywall, and permitting costs less than three separate projects. When you weigh the numbers, consider the cost of not acting, including the risk and expense of a fall at home.
Staying in your home as you age is a goal worth planning for. The right changes protect your safety, preserve your independence, and keep your home ready for children, grandchildren, and aging parents who come through the door. Remodeling for aging in place does not require a sterile, institutional look. With thoughtful design, your home can feel warmer, brighter, and more welcoming than ever.
Start with the ideas that solve today’s challenges, such as a slippery entry or a hard-to-use bathroom, and map out the bigger projects for the years ahead. A zero-step entry, wider doorways, and a main-floor suite together form a strong foundation, and the smaller details fill in the rest. When you approach remodeling for aging in place with a clear plan, you give yourself the freedom to stay right where you belong.
Remodeling for aging in place starts with a walk-through of your home, ideally with a designer, contractor, or occupational therapist. Note every step, narrow door, dark area, and slippery surface you encounter during a normal day. That list becomes the foundation of a plan that addresses the biggest risks first.
The ADA Standards call for a minimum clear opening of 32 inches. Many designers recommend 36-inch doors, because the door itself, the hinges, and the stop reduce the actual clear opening. Hallways should be at least 36 inches wide, and 42 inches feels more comfortable.
Yes, in many cases. Options include converting a lower-level family room with a walkout to grade, or building a single-story addition at the main entry level. A designer can review your lot, setbacks, and structure to find the most practical solution.
Accessible features such as walk-in showers, wide hallways, and main-floor primary suites appeal to many buyers, including younger families. Results depend on your market and the quality of the work, so focus first on how the changes serve your own life.
Small updates such as grab bars, lever handles, and new light fixtures usually do not require permits. Additions, ADUs, structural changes, and most plumbing and electrical work typically do. Check with your local building department before you begin.
Whether you want a single zero-step entry or a complete main-floor suite, Colorado Building Plans can help you design a home that fits your life now and for the years ahead. We listen to your goals, walk through your options, and handle the 3D renderings, plans, and permit approvals. Book a free call to talk through your ideas, or try our free Home Addition Planner to organize your thoughts before we meet.