What is a Certified Aging in Place Specialist and Why Is It A Major Plus To Have For My Renovation or New Build?

Sep 19

In case you are wondering what a Certified Aging in Place Specialist is and what it has to do with interior design, let me enlighten you! I am a Certified Aging in Place Specialist with the National Association of Home Builders and I am going to share with you just how valuable a designer with this specialty area is. As I am sure that many of you know, there are so many aspects of design that go into a project, let alone a new build or renovation project. From floor planning, to layout, to considering how the family or individuals are going to live in their new home, how they are going to use the space and be able to plan and coordinate from there based on their very specific needs… I could go on and on.

Let’s start with What is Aging in Place?

Aging-in-place means being able to remain in one’s home safely, independently and comfortably regardless of age, income or ability level. It means the pleasure of living in a familiar environment throughout one’s maturing years and the ability to enjoy the daily rituals and the special events that enrich all our lives. It means being able to call your house a “home” for a lifetime.

Why Hire A Certified Aging In Place Specialist (CAPS) Designer for Your New Build or Renovation?

The CAPS Designation was developed by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) in partnership with American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) and is administered by NAHB. Professionals who have earned the CAPS designation are experts in designing and building aesthetically-enriching, barrier-free living environments. They have been trained in the unique needs of the older adult population and apply strategies and techniques to provide comprehensive and practical home modification solutions. CAPS graduates also pledge to uphold a professional code of ethics and are required to take continuing education to maintain their designation. When you hire a CAPS, you are buying a service rather than a product.

We understand the challenges of aging and can provide safe, attractive and accessible modifications to your home.
Should you ever choose to sell your modified home, your CAPS’ influence can make your home more marketable.
Modifying your home with a CAPS can potentially be less expensive than alternative arrangements in the future.
We design Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU), which are smaller units (think guest homes) on the same residential lot for individuals who may or may not have any level of functional limitation.
Completely customized designs for you and those closest to you.

When we see the words Aging in Place, don’t think that your home won’t look amazing and luxurious as the rest of our design work does, because it will! There are many modifications and universal designs that our creative brains can whip up that are invisible to a visitors eye. The universal design or aging in place designs that we may create, do not have to be for you. They could be for visitors or family members who may now or somewhere down the line may need the adaptations to be able to visit or stay at your home. It is all about the planning to ultimately save you money in the long run with your forever home new build or renovation! Pretty cool, huh?

Hope that you enjoyed this tid-bit.

XX,

Christie