Aging-in-Place Bathroom Remodeling in Minneapolis: Planning Ahead

Not all home remodeling projects need to be undertaken to increase your home’s resale value. In fact, many Minneapolis homeowners are choosing to remodel their homes in order to remain in them as long as possible.

Planning for your home’s long-term accessibility and safety is called aging-in-place remodeling. One of the most common places to prioritize this type of remodeling is the bathroom. With its combination of water, hard surfaces, and tight layouts, the bathroom can easily become unsafe as we age. Planning a thoughtful aging-in-place bathroom remodel with the team at SMC Construction, Inc., is the first step to ensure your needs are supported now and in the future.

Here is everything you need to know to plan an aging-in-place bathroom remodel that lasts.

Why Planning Ahead Matters for Minneapolis Homeowners

Aging-in-place remodeling is about planning ahead. You anticipate your future needs and address them now, before they become urgent problems. Bathrooms are a common focus of aging-in-place remodels because they are a prime location for slip-and-fall accidents. Employing accessible and proactive design elements is essential for getting the most out of your bathroom now and in the future. Planning ahead can also provide the following benefits.

• Greater design flexibility: Designing your aging-in-place bathroom now means that you will have more flexibility to choose exactly what you want. From layouts to materials and features, taking your time to find the right fit is easier when you are not scrambling to meet your immediate needs.
• Cost efficiency over time: Likewise, taking your time in planning your bathroom remodel now means that you can employ a number of cost-effective measures that will save you money in the long run and reduce the need for emergency modifications.
• Improved peace of mind: Knowing that your bathroom will age with you can be a huge weight off your shoulders, especially if you want to remain in your home as long as possible.
• Long-term independence: The ultimate goal of any aging-in-place remodel is to keep you in your home safely and independently for the long term.

Key Features of an Aging-in-Place Bathroom

As you work with the team at SMC Construction, Inc. to design your aging-in-place bathroom, strongly consider adding the following features.

1. Walk-in or curbless showers: Traditional tubs and showers can have a high threshold, which can become dangerous as we age. Walk-in or zero-threshold showers eliminate the need to step over a barrier, reducing the risk of trips and falls. Often, walk-in showers have other accessibility features, such as the following.

• Built-in seating.
• Handheld showerheads.
• Slip-resistant flooring.

Many manufacturers now make these accessible products, including The Onyx Collection. For your money, including a walk-in shower will be one of the most impactful aging-in-place modifications you can make.

2. Grab bars and other support features: Strategically placed grab bars around the bathroom can provide stability and confidence if you lose balance. Common grab bar locations include:

• Inside the shower.
• Near the toilet.
• Along entry points.

Modern grab bars do not need to be ugly. In fact, many manufacturers make them in a variety of finishes and styles. You should be able to find a product that blends seamlessly into your bathroom design goals.

3. Slip-resistant flooring: Slip-and-fall accidents can be extremely dangerous for older people, and bathrooms naturally have many wet surfaces, making them more likely. Slip-resistant flooring can greatly reduce your risk of falls.

This feature is especially important in Minneapolis, where the extra rainy and snowy days can add to the water accumulation on your bathroom floors. Moisture tracked in from boots, combined with humidity from showers, can quickly create slippery conditions. Slip-resistant flooring provides better traction, making your bathroom safer no matter the weather.

4. Comfort-height fixtures: As you age, fixtures at standard heights may become harder to use comfortably. Adding comfort-height toilets and accessible sinks could make everyday tasks easier in the future while allowing you to still use your bathroom today. These upgrades reduce the need for bending or straining. They can also be seamlessly incorporated into your bathroom design, keeping your space visually appealing and functional.

5. Wider doorways and an open layout: The more open space you plan into your bathroom, the better for accessibility. Unfortunately, some Minnesota bathrooms cannot be made larger, especially if the home is historic. Yet, if you can widen the doorways or layout, consider making the following adjustments.

• Doorways at least 32-36 inches wide.
• Clear floor space for easy movement.
• Open layouts that eliminate obstacles.

These changes are ideal for accommodating wheelchairs and walkers and can help ensure you remain independent in your home for longer.

6. Improved lighting: Finally, our eyesight often becomes worse as we age. So, designing a bathroom that prioritizes proper lighting is essential in aging-in-place remodels. Having multiple lighting levels is ideal for bathrooms. Consider the following.

• Bright overhead lighting.
• Task lighting at the vanity.
• Motion-activated night lighting.

How SMC Construction Can Help

Planning a successful aging-in-place bathroom renovation requires experience and attention to detail. The team at SMC Construction, Inc. is proud to provide our expertise to Minneapolis homeowners. We specialize in creating bathrooms that are built to last, both in terms of their durability and functionality.

From planning to execution and beyond, our team will walk you through the entire bathroom renovation process. We know the top aging-in-place products, and our project managers are skilled at providing the education you need to stay informed about every stage of your project.

You don’t need to become overwhelmed when thinking about adding an aging-in-place element to your bathroom remodel. Let the team at SMC Construction, Inc. help you prepare for the future and enhance your home for years to come.

If you are considering a remodel, now is the perfect time to start designing a space that truly grows with you. Schedule your consultation today.