by Judie Docs, Executive Officer, North Coast BIA, CSP, MCSP, CGP, CMP, MIRM
While some homeowners might dream of retiring to a private tropical island, more and more are choosing to “age in place” and live independently, comfortably, and safely in their own home, regardless of age or ability.
As the Baby Boomer generation embraces this stage of life, many are searching for builders and remodelers who can help turn their home into a safer, more convenient place to live as they age.
As part of National Designation Month – a month where the NCBIA and the National Association of Home Builders shine a spotlight on industry professionals who go the extra mile to attain advanced training and achieve specialized designations – we recognize the importance of professionals who have received the Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) designation.
CAPS professionals are helping people throughout the area find aging-in-place solutions that fit their specific needs and budget. CAPS remodelers and builders are trained to understand the unique needs of aging adults without sacrificing the aesthetic value of the home.
While there are countless ways CAPS remodelers can help make your home work for you, some of the most common aging-in-place renovations include:
- Widening doorways and hallways
- Installing brighter lighting
- Adding railings or grab bars to prevent falls
- Changing floor coverings to add traction
- Installing ease-of-reach systems
A Closer Look at the CAPS Difference
Aging homeowners looking to renovate need to be able to find a remodeler they can trust completely, and the CAPS designation helps give homeowners a guarantee that they’re working with a trustworthy professional who’s an expert in aging-in place renovation.
Upon graduation from the program, CAPS designees pledge to uphold a strict code of conduct, so you can be sure that they will listen closely to your specific needs and will never push you to add any renovations you don’t need.
CAPS professionals also commit to attending continuing education programs, so they are always up to date on the latest aging-in-place technologies and strategies.
If you’re working with a CAPS designated remodeler, you can be confident that you’re getting the best quality service from a professional with integrity and expertise.
More than 3,100 remodelers and builders hold this designation, including many working in the area. There are also many other distinguished designations that our local builders have achieved to better serve their clients and community. A few include:
- Certified Green Professional (CGP) — those who incorporate eco-friendly building principles into their work, without driving up the cost of construction
- Certified Graduate Builder (CGB) or Remodeler (CGR) — those who have several years of industry experience and possess advanced skills not only as a tenanted home builder or remodel, but also as a trusted business manager.
If you’d like to find a builder or remodeler in your area with a CAPS or other designation, contact the NCBIA or visit our website – ncbia.com for a list of our members, as well as our new For Consumer section, job posting (under the About Us tab). Or, give us a call Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 440-934-1090.
We are your local not-for profit trade association representing reputable and dependable member companies involved in all aspects of home building, remodeling, and other aspects of residential and light commercial construction. Like us on Facebook – – or better yet share us.
Homeownership is truly a cornerstone of the American way of life. North Coast Building Industry – Come Build with Us!