For homeowners on the North Shore and Seacoast NH, moving isn’t always the best option. You may have spent decades building memories in a cherished home. Aging-in-place renovations can help you stay there safely and comfortably.

Small, thoughtful modifications can make your home easier to navigate as your needs change. They can also preserve the character and beauty that made you fall in love with your home.

Since 1982, Greene Design and Build has helped New England homeowners make these changes. Our goal is to improve comfort and accessibility without sacrificing the architectural beauty that makes North Shore homes special.

What Does Aging in Place Mean for North Shore Homeowners?

Aging in place means modifying your home to accommodate changing physical needs. These improvements can help you remain safely and comfortably in your own home instead of moving.

It doesn’t mean converting your beautiful Federal home into a hospital. Instead, aging in place involves thoughtful modifications that address challenges that may develop as you get older.

The goal is to maintain your home’s character while adding features that improve comfort, safety and accessibility.

Many North Shore homes are more than a hundred years old. Throughout Newburyport, Amesbury and Ipswich, it’s common to find narrow hallways, steep stairs and cramped bathrooms.

Updating these spaces requires careful planning. An experienced design-build contractor can improve accessibility while respecting the home’s original architecture.

Where to Start: Planning for Aging-in-Place Renovations

No two homes are the same, and every homeowner has different needs. However, certain areas tend to benefit most from aging-in-place improvements.

A design-build firm can evaluate your entire home and identify potential obstacles. From there, the team can create solutions that are practical, cohesive and aesthetically pleasing.

Bathrooms: You Can Have Safety AND Beauty

Bathrooms can present significant safety challenges for older residents. For that reason, they are often one of the first areas homeowners choose to update.

A bathroom remodel can improve safety without sacrificing style. Consider features such as:

• A curbless shower with a bench and non-slip tile
• Grab bars that double as towel bars or shelving
• Comfort-height toilets
• Wider doorways and easy-grip door handles
• Motion-sensor lighting for nighttime bathroom visits

Many of these improvements can be included during a full bathroom remodel. Others can be added later as your needs change.

Whenever possible, it’s better to plan aging-in-place improvements before an accident or fall makes them necessary.

Kitchens: Make Cooking and Eating Easy (and Delicious)

An aging-in-place kitchen makes everyday cooking and dining easier. The design should reduce unnecessary bending, reaching and stretching.

Many universal design features also benefit everyone in the household, regardless of age.

Consider improvements such as:

• Varying counter heights for accessible seating
• Pull-out shelves and drawers
• Touchless faucets
• Appliances with easy-to-read displays and controls

These updates can make the kitchen more convenient today while preparing it for the future.

Entryways and Main-Floor Living

In many North Shore homes, stairs eventually become a major barrier. This is especially true when the primary bedroom and bathroom are located upstairs.

One solution is to add a ground-floor primary suite. It can include a spacious bedroom and an accessible full bathroom.

This type of addition is a significant investment. However, it can eliminate the need to climb stairs every day. It can also add usable square footage and potentially increase your home’s resale value.

Another option is a stair lift or residential elevator. These solutions are less invasive and may work well when a larger renovation isn’t practical.

They can also serve as an interim solution while you plan a future addition. However, they may not offer the same long-term benefits as a complete first-floor living space.

Entryway Modifications and Exterior Access

Moving safely around your home is only part of the equation. You also need a safe and comfortable way to enter it.

Homes with front steps or elevated entrances may benefit from a ramp or gradual grade transition. Materials such as natural stone or composite decking can help the new feature blend with the home.

Other exterior improvements may include:

• Widening doorways to at least 32 inches
• Removing raised thresholds and creating flush transitions
• Adding a covered entryway for additional weather protection

These changes can make everyday access easier without making the entrance feel institutional.

How the Design-Build Process Makes Aging-in-Place Renovations Smoother

Hiring a design-build contractor offers several advantages for aging-in-place projects. One of the most important is having a single point of contact throughout the project.

One company manages the design, engineering, permitting and construction. This coordinated approach helps prevent important accessibility details from getting lost between separate architects and contractors.

At Greene Design and Build, the process begins with an evaluation of your home. We discuss how you currently use each space and how your needs may change.

Each project is personally overseen by Greg Greene. He brings more than 40 years of experience working with North Shore homes. His experience includes historic construction techniques, local zoning requirements and Massachusetts building permits.

Once construction begins, clients receive regular updates from our crew. This communication can provide valuable peace of mind during changes to a longtime family home.

How Much Do Aging-in-Place Renovations Cost on the North Shore?

The cost of aging-in-place renovations varies from project to project. Major factors include the scope of work, the home’s existing condition and the desired finish level.

Minor upgrades may cost anywhere from several thousand dollars to around $15,000. These projects might include grab bars, comfort-height toilets, lever-style door handles or a walk-in shower.

A more extensive accessible bathroom renovation may cost between $25,000 and $60,000 or more. Costs can increase when the project requires significant floor plan changes or relocated plumbing. Historic structures can also require additional work.

Adding a ground-floor primary suite is typically a six-figure project. These additions require foundation work, framing, plumbing, electrical work and interior finishes.

However, the addition also creates more usable living space. It may improve your home’s resale value while supporting long-term first-floor living.

The best way to understand your project cost is to schedule an in-home consultation. An individualized estimate can account for your home, priorities and desired finishes.

Why Start Planning Now?

Many homeowners wish they had started planning sooner. Proactive aging-in-place improvements can often be incorporated into renovations you already intend to complete.

Waiting until after a medical event or fall can make the process more stressful. It may also limit your options and force you to make decisions quickly.

If you’re in your 50s or 60s, now can be a good time to start the conversation. This is especially true if you plan to remain in your North Shore home long-term.

A design-build contractor can identify the most important challenges in your home. The contractor can then develop a phased plan based on your priorities and budget.

This approach allows you to spread improvements over several years. It also ensures that the most important accessibility concerns are addressed first.

Older North Shore homes require specialized knowledge when planning aging-in-place renovations. Accessibility, period-appropriate materials and local building requirements all need to work together.

Greene Design and Build has served the North Shore for more than four decades. Our work includes homes in Newburyport, Haverhill and Boxford, along with coastal communities such as Hampton, NH.

Aging-in-place projects are deeply personal. They involve your home, your daily routines and your plans for the future.

Greene starts by listening and helping homeowners understand their options. We then design and build with craftsmanship that respects both the house and the people who live there.

As Greene’s website says, “Building Legacies, One Home at a Time.”

If you’re wondering how your home can better serve you in the years ahead, start with a conversation. Call Greene Design and Build at 978-790-4881 or visit greenedesignandbuild.com to schedule an appointment.

Greg Greene and his crew will tour your home and discuss your goals. They can recommend changes that make sense for your house, schedule and budget.

FAQs

Q: How much does it cost to remodel a house for aging in place?

A: Basic updates can cost a few thousand dollars. An accessible bathroom remodel generally costs between $25,000 and $60,000 or more. A new first-floor primary suite is usually a six-figure project.

An in-home consultation can provide a more accurate estimate based on your property, goals and budget.

Q: What are the best home improvements for aging in place?

A: Bathrooms are often a good place to start. Curbless showers, grab bars, non-slip flooring and comfort-height toilets can improve safety and accessibility.

It’s also helpful to have a bedroom and full bathroom on the main floor. Wider doorways, improved lighting and step-free entrances can make the entire home easier to navigate.

Q: When is the right time to begin planning aging-in-place changes?

A: It’s often best to begin planning in your 50s or early 60s. Starting before you need the improvements gives you more flexibility.

You can incorporate accessibility features into other renovations and spread costs across multiple years. Early planning also reduces the chance of having to rush a renovation after an unexpected event.