10 Aging-in-Place Features to Add During a Whole Home Remodel
913-717-6325
913-717-6325
When homeowners hear the phrase “aging in place,” they often picture grab bars and medical equipment. In reality, today’s Universal Design is much different in terms of design and functionality.
Modern aging-in-place remodeling is about creating a beautiful home that adapts to your lifestyle over time. Whether you’re in your 40s planning for the future or entering retirement, incorporating accessible features during a bathroom or whole home remodel can help you remain comfortable, independent, and safe for decades ahead.
At Wineteer, we believe your home should evolve with you. Through thoughtful home remodeling, kitchen remodeling, and bathroom remodeling, we help homeowners throughout Johnson County and the Kansas City metro create spaces that are timeless, functional, and designed for every stage of life. We’ve received many awards from our aging-in-place focused remodels, specifically for design.
Below is a list of 10 Aging-in-Place Features to Add During a Whole Home Remodel.
One of the simplest ways to improve accessibility is by eliminating steps at the main entrance.
A zero-step entry makes it easier for everyone to enter your home, including:
By incorporating gentle grading or thoughtfully designed walkways, a zero-step entrance can blend seamlessly into your home’s architecture without sacrificing curb appeal.
Many homeowners choose to create a home that can function entirely on one level.
A whole home remodel may include:
Having everything you need on one level reduces the need to navigate stairs while increasing long-term convenience and flexibility.
Traditional doorways can become challenging as mobility needs change.
Expanding doorways, especially in your bathroom, to 36 inches and widening hallways during a remodel creates a home that’s easier to navigate for everyone while also making rooms feel larger and more open.
These subtle improvements are rarely noticed visually but make a significant difference in everyday functionality.
Lighting plays a critical role in both safety and comfort.
Instead of relying on a single overhead fixture, a well-designed lighting plan combines:
Layered lighting reduces shadows, improves visibility, and creates a warm, inviting atmosphere throughout your home.
Replacing traditional round doorknobs with lever-style handles makes doors easier to open for individuals with arthritis, limited hand strength, or anyone carrying items throughout the home.
The same concept applies to:
Small upgrades like these improve everyday convenience while maintaining a modern and sophisticated appearance.
One of the most popular aging-in-place upgrades is a curbless walk-in shower.
Benefits include:
Pairing a curbless shower with frameless glass, a handheld showerhead, and a fold-down bench creates a bathroom that is both luxurious and practical.
The kitchen is one of the busiest rooms in the home, making accessibility especially important.
Consider incorporating:
These features minimize bending, reaching, and lifting while making everyday tasks more efficient.
Uneven flooring can create unnecessary tripping hazards. During a whole home remodel, consider using consistent flooring materials or low-profile transitions between rooms.
Popular options include:
These materials provide a clean, cohesive look while improving accessibility throughout the home.
Technology has become an essential part of modern home remodeling.
Smart-home features can improve convenience, security, and independence through:
These systems are easy to use and can make daily living safer and more efficient.
One of the smartest things homeowners can do during a bathroom remodel is prepare for the future—even if grab bars aren’t needed today. Installing reinforced blocking behind shower and toilet walls allows grab bars to be added later without removing tile or opening finished walls.
This simple step costs very little during construction but can save significant time and expense if accessibility needs change in the future.
One of the biggest misconceptions about aging-in-place remodeling is that it results in a clinical-looking home. Today’s Universal Design focuses on creating spaces that are comfortable, functional, timeless, and beautiful. Features like curbless showers, wider walkways, custom cabinetry, layered lighting, and open floor plans not only improve accessibility—they also create a more enjoyable living experience for homeowners of every age.
The best aging-in-place designs are the ones you don’t even notice because they feel like natural, thoughtful design choices.
Many homeowners wait until a health event or mobility challenge forces them to make changes. By then, you are already in the stressful period and trying to navigate a plethora of unknowns. Planning ahead during a whole home remodel allows you to incorporate accessibility features more efficiently, often at a lower cost than retrofitting them later.
By thinking ahead, you’ll create a home that’s prepared for the future while enhancing your quality of life today.
At Wineteer, we specialize in designing homes that combine exceptional craftsmanship with thoughtful planning.
Whether you’re considering home remodeling, kitchen remodeling, bathroom remodeling, or a complete whole home remodel, our award-winning design-build team will help you create a space that’s beautiful, functional, and ready for whatever the future holds.
We proudly serve homeowners throughout Overland Park, Leawood, Lenexa, Olathe, Prairie Village, Shawnee, Mission Hills, and the greater Kansas City metro.
If you’re ready to begin planning a home designed to support your lifestyle for years to come, schedule a consultation with Wineteer today.
Aging-in-place remodeling involves modifying a home so homeowners can live safely, comfortably, and independently as they age. Features often include curbless showers, wider doorways, better lighting, accessible kitchens, and Universal Design elements.
Universal Design is an approach to home design that creates spaces usable by people of all ages and abilities without sacrificing style. It focuses on accessibility, comfort, safety, and flexibility.
Yes. Incorporating aging-in-place features during a planned remodel is typically more cost-effective than making emergency modifications later. Planning ahead also allows these features to blend seamlessly into your home’s overall design.
Bathrooms and kitchens are often the best places to start because they have the greatest impact on daily living, safety, and independence. Many homeowners choose a whole home remodel to create a cohesive, future-ready living environment.
As an award-winning design and remodeling company, Wineteer emphasizes the importance of growing with your home and anticipating health and lifestyle changes. Our team will work with the homeowners to understand their needs today and in the future. Reach out to discuss universal design and aging-in-place modifications.
Nick McIntyre is the President and CEO of Wineteer Construction and has more than 30 years of experience designing and remodeling homes. He believes every successful project starts by understanding how people live, then creating spaces that combine lasting craftsmanship with practical, everyday function. With a background in fine arts and decades of hands-on remodeling experience, Nick has helped countless homeowners create kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and living spaces tailored to their families, lifestyle, and budget.