Florida has one of the largest senior populations in the country. Aging in place modifications — done proactively — are far less expensive and disruptive than emergency modifications after a health event. Here's what to plan for.
Florida has the highest proportion of residents over 65 of any state in the country. Most of them want to stay in their homes as long as possible. And the modifications that make that possible are dramatically easier and cheaper to make during a planned remodel than after an emergency.
The Bathroom — Highest Priority
Bathroom falls are the leading cause of home injury among older adults.
Curbless shower. A zero-threshold shower is both the safest and the most modern design choice. Cost to add during a bathroom remodel: minimal if planned from the start. Cost to retrofit after: $3,000-$8,000.
Grab bars. Properly installed into wall studs or with proper blocking — not into drywall. Cost: $200-$800 installed. Add blocking during any bathroom renovation for future grab bar installation.
Comfort height toilet. At 17-19 inches (vs. standard 15-16 inches), easier for most adults to use. Cost premium: $50-$150.
Handheld shower head. A slide bar with handheld head allows showering seated or standing. Cost: $200-$500 installed.
Non-slip tile. Tile meeting ADA slip resistance standards in wet areas. Same cost as standard — just a specification choice.
Wider doorway. ADA requires 36-inch clear. Most Florida homes have 30-inch bathroom doors. Widening during a remodel: $500-$1,500. Standalone: $2,000-$3,500.
The Entryway and Doorways
Zero-step entry. Florida's flat terrain and slab construction make level entries achievable for most homes.
Wider doorways throughout. Specify 36-inch doorways on all major rooms during any remodel. The cost premium during construction is minimal — post-construction widening is significant.
Lever handles. Door knobs require grip and twist. Lever handles work with any hand configuration. Cost premium: $20-$50 per door.
The Kitchen
Lower counter section. A section at 32-34 inches with open space below for a stool or wheelchair. Relatively low-cost during a kitchen remodel.
Pull-out shelves. Deep lower cabinets with pull-out shelves reduce the need to reach and bend. Cost premium: $200-$500 per cabinet.
Lighting
More lighting, motion-activated in hallways and bathrooms. Motion-activated lighting eliminates the need to find a switch in the dark. Cost: $100-$300 per fixture installed.
The Bottom Line
The best time to make aging in place modifications in a Florida home is during any planned renovation — when walls are open, when fixtures are being replaced anyway, when the cost of doing it right is minimal compared to a standalone project later.
Plan for the future while you're improving the present.
Questions about your specific situation? We're licensed Florida contractors — not a call center. Book a free 15-minute call and get a straight answer.
Questions About Your Situation?
We're licensed Florida contractors — not a call center.
Book a free 15-minute call and get a straight answer about your specific situation.