Remodeling: The Big Boomer Opportunity

The 78 million Baby Boomers who are nearing or entering retirement are making decisions about where to spend the rest of their lives. The popular notion that they will choose to simplify their lives by moving into smaller residences is not the norm. According to a recent survey conducted by AARP, 89 percent of the 50-and-older population intends to remain in their current homes for as long as possible. The fact is that only 6 percent of Americans over 60 years old plan to live in a smaller residence five years from now, AARP says.

In fact, AARP has already worked with the National Association of Home Builders to develop the Certified Aging in Place educational curriculum to teach contractors and builders about the aging process and how to renovate and build homes to address the needs of the aging.

Design for "aging in place" allows homeowners to remain in their homes safely, maintaining independence and comfort as their physical capabilities and needs change. In a recent survey conducted by the NAHB Remodelers' Council, 74 percent of remodelers surveyed reported an increase in requests for universal design solutions so homeowners can age in place. Remodelers also indicated that the majority of jobs for aging-in-place modifications were generated by clients aged 55 or older.

Custom home builders and remodelers are uniquely positioned to meet the needs of aging-in-place clients. Mike Vowels, certified aging-in-place specialist of Stewardship Remodeling in Seattle, recommends the NAHB's CAPS program as a starting point for builders and remodelers serious about entering the aging-in-place market. "It introduces you to working with the aging population and the seven principles of universal design," he explains. "It's probably the best starting place, and it gives you credentials. Anyone can say they know how to do something, but if you learn a few more tricks, you have more value."

Stan Voelker, president of Manor, Texas-based Voelker Custom Homes, earned his CAPS designation just last year and is already experiencing the benefit. "It's been a great [add-on] for our custom home business, and we want to try to capitalize on that," he reports. "When we're not busy building custom homes, we can fill in with aging-in-place remodels."

Earning Your CAPS Designation

The Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) designation program teaches the technical, business management, and customer service skills essential to competing in the fastest growing segment of the residential remodeling industry: home modifications for the aging-in-place. Get all you need to join the ranks of Certified Aging in Place Specialists (CAPS), including courses and other requirements for graduation at http://www.nahb.org/.