Boomers Staying Put

May 3, 2002

Builder's Association Kicks-Off Home Remodeling Month By Certifying 'Aging-In-Place Specialists'


Inman News Features

Remodeling needs are changing drastically for the baby boomer generation as they reach retirement age and begin focusing on the issues of home safety and comfort, according to the National Association of Home Builders.

In response to rising demand of home modifications and to kick-off this year's national remodeling month, the NAHB remodelers council announced the presentation of credentials to the country's first 50 "Certified Aging-in-Place Specialists" May 4.

"Unlike their parents, aging baby boomers don't want to move once they get older," said Dan Bawden, a member of NAHB's remodelers council board of trustees and remodeler from Houston. "They want their existing homes to change with their shifting needs. Certified remodelers are specifically trained to do the kinds of home modifications homeowners want and need as they grow older in their homes."

The aging-in-place specialist designation program aims to equip remodelers with the marketing, technical and customer service skills required to service the market for aging-in-place home remodeling. Examples of jobs for this segment range from adding shower grabs and adjusting countertop heights to the creation of first-floor master suites and the installation of private elevators.

Other events taking place nationwide throughout home remodeling month include "Parades of Remodeled Homes," which enables consumers to see first-hand the possibilities for transformation of their own homes, community service projects such as "ramp-a-thons," during which council members will construct the accessibility accommodations, and educational programs designed to increase consumer awareness.

Americans spend $180 billion a year on remodeling and about a million homes undergo major modification each year, according to the NAHB.

The NAHB is a Washington-based trade association representing more than 205,000 members involved in home building, remodeling, multifamily construction, property management, subcontracting, design, housing finance, building product manufacturing and other aspects of residential and light commercial construction.

Copyright: Inman News Service


Contact ALTA at 202-296-3671 or communications@alta.org.