Aging-in-Place Remodeling Grows

More remodeling clients are planning ahead and opting to alter their homes for aging-in-place, according to recent data gathered by the National Association of Home Builders’ Remodelers. Seventy percent of remodelers surveyed reported making universal design home modifications, a significant bump from 60 percent in 2006.

“Homeowners are asking for remodeling improvements to make their homes more comfortable as they age because they don’t want to move or lose independence,” said NAHB Remodelers chairman, Greg Miedema, CGR, CGB, CAPS, CGP, a remodeler from Tucson, Ariz. “These modifications can make a home more stylish and convenient for the aging population.”

The aging-in-place modifications most frequently purchased by homeowners, according to remodelers, include:

• Adding grab bars (78 percent)
  
• Installing higher toilets (71 percent)
  
• Upgrading to a curb-less shower (60 percent)
  
• Widening doorways (57 percent)
  
• Constructing ramps or lower thresholds (45 percent)
  
• Enhancing lighting and task lighting (45 percent)

NAHB’s survey also found that consumers are becoming increasingly aware of aging-in-place options, with remodelers saying that 84 percent of homeowners have at least some knowledge of universal design solutions. Seventy-four percent of remodelers also note an increase in requests for these types of features.

While remodelers say the bulk of jobs for aging-in-place come from clients age 55 and older, a growing number of consumers are not requesting aging-in-place remodeling solely for themselves. Often such improvements address age-related disabilities of visiting older relatives, or modifications to make it easier for parents to share living space with grown children. Seventy percent of homeowners started remodeling projects for aging-in-place because they were planning ahead for such future needs.

Green Building

CGP Numbers Grow

More than 2,725 builders, remodelers and other home building industry professionals have now achieved the Certified Green Professional designation, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).

The NAHB designation is awarded after the successful completion of 24 hours of classroom instruction on green building techniques and business practices, two years’ industry experience, a commitment to continuing education and adherence to the CGP code of ethics.

NARI

Officers Elected for 2009-2010

The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) has named immediate past president Renée Rewiski, of Remodeling News magazine in Ramsey, N.J., as its chairman of the board and elevated William E. Carter, CR, CKBR, of William E. Carter Company in Sacramento, Calif., to the office of president.

Carter assumed the role of president after serving in the capacity of vice president for the past year. An active national leader, he has been an officer since 2005, and prior to that was the regional vice president for Region 7.

The remaining officers include: first vice president, Paul Zuch, CR, of Capital Improvements in Allen, Texas; second vice president, Michael Hydeck, CR, CKBR, of Hydeck & Mackay Builders Inc. in Telford, Pa.; third vice president, Dean Herriges, CR, CKBR, of Urban Herriges & Sons Inc. in Mukwonago, Wis.; and secretary/treasurer, Fred Spaulding, CKBR, of Quality Home Improvements Inc. in Kingwood, Texas.

Kitchen Survey

Lack of Ventilation Knowledge

Homeowners are less knowledgeable about current ventilation products than they are about other kitchen appliances, according to a new survey conducted among kitchen designers.

The nationwide survey, conducted by luxury appliance manufacturer Thermador in conjunction with the National Kitchen & Bath Association, polled 573 kitchen designers in an effort to gain insights into the building industry’s awareness of the latest appliance design trends, according to Thermador.