As the over-50 market continues to grow in the Raleigh – Durham area, so has the number of people wanting to “age in place” increased, and more boomers are turning to remodeling/renovations, enabling them to remain in place and ensuring that their homes are safe and organized correctly for the long term.

When contemplating an “aging in place” bathroom remodel, consider the following factors:

1. Barrier-free Shower. A barrier-free shower is a shower with no curb or a zero-entry shower with no step-up.

2. Shower Seat. Installing a place to sit down, such as a built-in tiled seat, or even a stand-alone shower seat, makes the shower safer.

3. Handheld Shower Head. Adding an additional handheld shower head increases the ease in showering.

4. Safety Bars within the shower or water closet are additional safety measures.

5. Doorway Width increased to 32 inches for a walker or 36 inches for a wheelchair.

6. Anti-slip Flooring, such as textured tile or honed tile instead of polished tile, helps prevent falls

7. Taller Toilets. A 17 ½ inch toilet in place of the standard 15 inch toilet is easier to access.

8. Lever Door Handles, rather than knob handles, increase the ease in opening and closing.

In order to ensure you get the results you desire, always check the contractor’s reputation and experience, especially those whose specialty is bathroom remodeling. Also, payment is made only after the project is completed. Use only licensed contractors who have on-staff project managers and a full-time design team. Also, be sure to get an itemized quote in writing, have realistic expectations, and be prepared for unexpected problems, especially in older homes.

Keeping all of this in mind will help you achieve your goal of having an aesthetically pleasing bathroom that will meet your needs for many, many years to come.

Information provided by Justin Johnson, owner, The Bath Shop.