The 6 Worst Aging-in-Place Renovations That Are Just Not Worth It, Reno Pros Warn

When done well, aging-in-place renovations allow aging adults to reside in the comfort of their home for as long as possible by modifying the home to serve them better. However, if you’re considering a similar project, there are a few common aging-in-place renovation mistakes you’ll want to avoid. Some aging-in-place renovation projects simply aren’t worth tackling, while others are a waste of money.

To help you make the most of your home, we’ve listed the six worst aging-in-place renovations and talked to some reno pros about why they aren’t worth it.

Full Room Remodels

Many people panic as they tackle an aging-in-place renovation, assuming the entire bathroom or kitchen should be gutted and redone to be more accessible.

However, full room remodels are rarely necessary. Instead, most bathrooms can be minimally modified to include grab bars and more accessible toilets, while kitchen countertops and storage can be adjusted to better serve those with mobility issues.

Even more involved aging-in-place bathroom renovations, such as a curbless shower installation, can be done without gutting the entire bathroom.

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Ignoring the Home’s Style and Comfort Level

Sure, anyone can attach grab bars to the wall and install slip-resistant flooring, but many renovators toss style out the window when performing aging-in-place renovations, which can take the home’s comfort with it.

“The goal isn’t to install a hospital bathroom in your home—it’s to create a space that supports your future self without compromising your present joy,” Rachel Blindauer, principal interior designer at Rachel Blindauer, explains.

Blindauer warns against installing sterile utility in the form of oversized grab bars, medical-grade flooring, and similar aging-in-place products. Instead, she recommends designing for invisible ease.

“Think curbless showers tiled in natural stone, widened doorways framed by timeless millwork, and under-counter appliances that look like luxury upgrades but serve universal needs,” she explains.

Installing Elevators When They Aren’t Necessary

When residents of multi-level homes begin to consider aging-in-place renovations, their minds quickly go to elevators.

However, most homes don’t require an elevator installation to accommodate aging adults, unless the resident is wheelchair-bound and unable to get in and out of the wheelchair without assistance. When this isn’t the case, stair lifts are a much more affordable option with a significantly less invasive installation process.

A Walk-In Tub Without Upsizing the Water Heater

Ryan Holt, a certified aging-in-place specialist (CAPS) with the National Association of Home Builders and a senior leader at Accessibility Professionals, explains that a common misstep he has seen in aging-in-place renovation is installing a walk-in tub without upsizing the water heater.

Because walk-in tubs have a much greater capacity than a standard tub, many standard water heaters will begin to run cold before the tub can be filled.

Ignoring Flooring Transitions

Replacing flooring is a common aging-in-place renovation, but Holt tells us that many people underestimate the importance of smooth flooring transitions. While slip-resistance materials can greatly help elderly individuals safely traverse their home, poor flooring material transitions can pose a major trip hazard.

“Even small transitions—from hardwood to carpet, tile to vinyl, or subtle height differences at thresholds—can easily become tripping hazards,” Holt explains. “Ensuring smooth, level surfaces throughout one’s home reduces these risks and makes daily life safer and easier.”

Forcing a Renovation

One of the biggest mistakes you can make on an aging-in-place renovation is forcing the renovation on a home when it’s not worth it.

If the home requires drastic changes to accommodate an aging resident, looking for a more accommodating home may be wiser, especially when you consider how much money it will take to modify your specific home and how those renovations may affect the home’s value.

“Sometimes the most practical and cost-effective solution to age-in-place isn’t renovating but downsizing or relocating to a home designed with single-floor living in mind,” Holt explains. “Having key spaces like a bedroom and a full bathroom on the main floor makes daily life easier and safer.”