Aging-in-place remodeling market grows as first baby boomers turn 65; 23% of 45-54 year-olds plan ahead to age in their homes, NAHB segment specialists reveal at IBS seminar

Wendy Lisney

WASHINGTON D.C. , February 9, 2012 (press release) – The market for aging-in-place remodeling continues to grow as more homeowners choose to remain in their homes as they age, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). NAHB Certified Aging-In-Place Specialists (CAPS) experts were joined by representatives from AARP today for a press conference held at the International Builders’ Show (IBS) to discuss how the aging-in-place market has changed as it moves mainstream, what consumers are looking for and what universal design and aging-in-place trends will be popular in the future.

Nine out of 10 people age 50 and older say they want to remain in their homes and communities for as long as possible. “As the first baby boomers turn 65 this year, CAPS professionals in remodeling and other industries are providing the expertise these families need to stay in their homes safely and in style,” said Scott Sevon, CAPS, GMR, GMB, CGP, 2012 chair of the CAPS Board of Governors and a remodeler from Palatine, Ill. “This generation is typically healthier and wealthier than previous generations of similar age and expects their homes to reflect their active, independent and upscale lifestyles.”

Since the creation of the CAPS designation program 10 years ago, the aging-in-place market continues to grow as families plan to age in their homes or address acute needs. While the majority of CAPS consumers are 55-64 years of age, remodelers report that 23 percent of clients are younger (45-54 years of age) and planning ahead to age-in-place.

“We are proud that in its tenth year, CAPS continues to be the industry benchmark for aging-in-place remodeling in the industry,” said 2012 NAHB Remodelers Chairman George “Geep” Moore, Jr., CGR, CAPS, GMR, a remodeler from Elm Grove, La. “As aging-in-place modifications and universal design move into the mainstream, the CAPS designation program continues to provide accessibility, safety and low maintenance living to home owners of any age.”

The CAPS program was launched by NAHB in partnership with AARP, the NAHB Research Center and the NAHB 50+ Housing Council in 2002 and has been on the leading edge of home modifications for aging-in-place since its inception. The program has graduated more than 4,000 specialists in 10 years.

In 2011, NAHB introduced a new course, Universal Design/Build, that focuses on integrated home design features and product specifications that account for client differences due to circumstance, physical characteristics, health issues and aging. Universal Design/Build expands on the previous CAPS courses by highlighting the successful integration of universal design into all residential construction projects.

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