
Melanie Merz
February 3, 2025
Should you hire a CAPS professional for your next renovation project? YES, you definitely should!
A certified aging in place specialist (CAPS) is a professional trained in meeting the needs of older adults by assisting with aging in place home renovations.
A CAPS professional must go through extensive training offered by the National Association of Home Builders to acquire this designation.
Great Northern Builders has long held this designation. Check out this previous project. We’ve even won awards for this category of building.
Recently Maya Srinivasan obtained this certification directly herself.
But you don’t have to be a retiree to enjoy the benefits of aging in place design.

Why should you hire a CAPS professional for your next renovation project
Updating your home to support aging in place is becoming increasingly important as the population ages. By 2030, all Baby Boomers will be age 65 or older, and by 2034, the U.S. Census Bureau projects that there will be more adults in the U.S. than children. AARP reports that 77% of adults over 50 want to remain in their homes as they age.
However, only 10% of homes are currently equipped to support aging in place.
This has led to a growing trend in remodeling homes to accommodate the needs of older adults, but these features make sense universally.
Key Remodeling Trends for Aging in Place That Make Sense for Homeowners of Any Age:
- Safety Enhancements:
- Grab Bars:
- Low Threshold or Curbless Showers:
- Accessibility Improvements:
- Wider Doorways:
- Higher Toilets:
- Lighting Upgrades:
- Enhanced Lighting: added lighting or task lighting to improve visibility and reduce fall risks is great for people of all ages!
- Technological Integrations:
- Smart Home Features: Incorporating voice-controlled lighting, security systems, and temperature controls can enhance safety and convenience no matter your age
When you hire a CAPS professional, you will be guided to choose universal design elements. These features are great for people of all ages and will supports the desire to age in place comfortably and safely in the future.
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