Remodeling changes that let you stay safely in your Houston home longer — bathrooms, entries, kitchens, lighting and single-level living.
Aging-in-place remodeling focuses on safety and ease: a curbless or low-threshold shower with grab-bar blocking, comfort-height toilets, wider doorways, lever handles, slip-resistant floors, better lighting and a bedroom and full bath on the main level. Many changes are easiest and least expensive when combined with a planned kitchen or bathroom remodel.
Bathrooms first
Bathrooms are where most falls happen. Consider a curbless or low-threshold shower, a built-in bench, a handheld showerhead, grab bars (with blocking installed in the walls during the remodel), comfort-height toilets and slip-resistant tile.
Entries and doorways
A no-step entry, wider doors (36 inches where possible), lever handles and good exterior lighting make daily life easier and help if a walker or wheelchair is ever needed.
Kitchens
Pull-out drawers instead of deep base cabinets, varied counter heights, a wall oven at a comfortable height, and lever or touch faucets reduce bending and reaching.
Lighting and floors
Brighter, even lighting, switches at entrances, night lighting to bathrooms, and smooth, low-transition flooring reduce trip hazards.
Single-level living
If bedrooms are upstairs, consider converting a main-floor room or adding a ground-level primary suite. See our home additions and garage conversion guides for options.
Have questions about your own project? Browse our Ask Novara answers, describe your project on the project request page, or call (281) 889-1068. Novara Construction serves Houston, Katy, Sugar Land, The Woodlands, Cypress, Pearland and Spring.
Aging-in-place checklist
| Area | Change | When it's easiest |
|---|---|---|
| Bathroom | Curbless shower, bench, grab-bar blocking | During a bathroom remodel |
| Doors | 36-inch doors, lever handles | During a whole-home remodel |
| Kitchen | Drawers, wall oven, varied counter heights | During a kitchen remodel |
| Floors | Slip-resistant, minimal transitions | When replacing flooring |
| Layout | Main-level bedroom and full bath | Addition or conversion |
In pictures
Frequently asked questions
- What is aging in place?
- Remodeling a home so you can live there safely and comfortably as mobility needs change, instead of moving.
- Should I add grab bars now even if I don't need them?
- At minimum, add blocking inside the walls during a remodel so grab bars can be installed later without opening walls.
- Are aging-in-place features good for resale?
- Well-designed features look like normal high-end finishes and appeal to many buyers.
- What's the most important aging-in-place change?
- Usually the bathroom: a safer shower, grab-bar blocking and slip-resistant flooring.
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