The Forever Home: A Strategic Guide to Aging-in-Place Remodeling

At Great Northern Builders (GNB), we believe your home should be a sanctuary that evolves with you. As a woman-owned general contractor established in 2002, we’ve spent over two decades blending New England’s historic charm with modern, functional design.

For many homeowners in New Hampshire and Maine, aging-in-place isn’t just a trend; it’s a priority. Whether you are a full-time resident or a second-home owner on the Seacoast, the best time to incorporate aging-in-place design is during a renovation you’re already doing. Our goal is to ensure your “forever home” remains safe, happy, and predictable for decades to come—without sacrificing an ounce of style.

What is Aging-in-Place?

Aging-in-place simply means living in your home safely and comfortably, regardless of your mobility level. Surprisingly, fewer than 1% of American homes currently have the features to support this. By integrating Universal Design now, you avoid the stress of a future move and protect your property’s long-term value.

Entryways: Subtle, Design-Forward Access

We focus on removing barriers before they become obstacles, using solutions that feel like a natural part of your architecture.

• Zero-Threshold Entries: We replace traditional door sills with flush transitions to eliminate trip hazards.
• Graded Walkways: Rather than obvious permanent ramps, we prefer design-forward solutions like graded walkways or thoughtful porch designs that offer a minimal-step entry.
• Wider Doorways: We recommend widening openings to at least 32 inches of clear space to ensure the home feels open and accessible.
• Lever Hardware: Swapping round knobs for lever-style handles (from brands like Schlage) makes doors much easier to operate.

Bathroom Safety: The Invisible Spa Approach

In our experience, clients want the safety of a “forever home” with the feel of a luxury spa.

Curbless Showers: We see the highest demand for curbless or low-curb showers. Pair these with integrated bench seating and handheld shower options for a sleek, modern look.

Future-Proofing (Blocking): Even if you don’t want them today, we always install blocking in the walls for future grab bars while the walls are open. It’s a simple, low-cost step that makes adding support later a breeze.

Modern Fixtures: Delta ProClean Spray hand showers (which make cleaning the shower much easier) are one of our favorites. We also see Kohler or Toto bidets becoming a staple in universal design conversations.

Immediate Support: If you need support now, Life Valet offers beautiful, high-end grab bars that double as stylish bathroom accessories.

Precision Lighting and Smart Tech

Proper illumination is the most effective way to prevent falls, and smart tech makes daily life effortless.

• Motion Sensors: We install smart sensors in hallways and bathrooms for immediate light upon entry.
• Touchless Technology: The Delta Touch2O faucet is a favorite of ours. It’s installed for convenience, but it is incredibly aging-in-place friendly since it can be activated with a simple tap or motion sensor.
• Task Lighting: Under-cabinet LEDs in kitchens reduce eye strain and highlight your beautiful finishes.

Kitchen & Layout: Planning for the Future

Accessibility in the kitchen is about smarter storage, not necessarily changing the look of your counters.

• Adaptive Storage: We focus on base cabinets with deep pull-out drawers rather than standard shelving. This keeps everything within reach without needing to bend or reach into dark corners.
• Low-Maintenance Surfaces: We typically work with Quartz or Dekton porcelain surfaces. These are durable, non-porous countertops that keep the kitchen looking new with minimal effort.
• Thoughtful Layouts: Sometimes the best aging-in-place move is a structural one. We’ve recently helped clients by straightening staircases to remove turns, ensuring a chair lift could be easily installed in the future if ever needed.

Why Great Northern Builders?

Remodeling for the future is a major investment. We guide our clients through a predictable pre-construction process so every “unknown” is handled before construction begins. We don’t just want to think about today; we want to help make sure your house works for you long into the future.

“In 2022 we hired GNB to remodel our 900 sq ft addition into a future aging-in-place first floor apartment… we have nothing but praise to say for the creative planning, the management and the work!” — C.D., Wells, ME

Ready to start planning your forever home? Contact Us Now to discuss your vision for a safer, more beautiful home.