Aging in Place Remodeling: Creating a Safe and Comfortable Forever Home
By Cornerstone Builders – Beaverton’s Trusted Design/Build Remodeling Experts Since 2003
Aging is a part of life, and more and more homeowners are choosing to remain in the comfort of their homes as they grow older. This concept, known as aging in place, has become a major focus in the remodeling industry—and for good reason. With thoughtful planning and the right design solutions, your home can evolve with you, maintaining both safety and comfort without sacrificing style.
At Cornerstone Builders, we've been helping families in the Beaverton and Portland area since 2003 with design/build remodeling solutions tailored to every life stage. Whether it's a bathroom remodel that prioritizes safety, a primary suite addition on the main floor, or affordable options to improve daily living, we believe your home should continue to serve you beautifully for years to come.
What Is Aging in Place?
Aging in place simply means living in your home safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age or ability level. It involves proactive planning and smart design to eliminate potential hazards, increase accessibility, and provide peace of mind for both you and your loved ones.
For many homeowners, this means modifying their current space—or adding to it—so that it better accommodates mobility, health concerns, and daily routines without needing to move to assisted living or downsize.
Why Now Is the Right Time to Plan Ahead
Aging in place remodeling doesn’t need to happen all at once. In fact, many of our clients at Cornerstone Builders choose to start with just one room—often the bathroom or entryway—and make additional updates over time. By getting ahead of mobility or safety concerns, you’ll not only avoid emergency renovations down the line, but you’ll also add long-term value to your home.
Key Aging in Place Upgrades
Here are some of the most impactful remodeling options we recommend for clients looking to age in place comfortably and affordably:
1. Barrier-Free Showers and Bathroom Remodels
The bathroom is one of the most important—and most dangerous—rooms in the house for seniors. Slippery surfaces, narrow doorways, and high tub walls can all present major risks. That’s why we often begin with a bathroom remodel that incorporates safety, accessibility, and luxury.
Popular aging-in-place bathroom upgrades include:
Barrier-free showers with no thresholds to step over
Slip-resistant flooring
Grab bars that blend in with your décor
Comfort-height toilets
Widened doorways to accommodate walkers or wheelchairs
Wall-mounted vanities for better knee clearance
These thoughtful design choices reduce fall risks and increase independence—without making your space feel clinical.
2. Primary Suite Additions on the Main Floor
Climbing stairs becomes increasingly difficult with age, especially for those with joint pain or balance issues. Adding a primary suite to the main floor is one of the best ways to ensure long-term accessibility.
Our design/build team can create a new suite addition that includes a spacious bedroom, an accessible ensuite bathroom, and even a walk-in closet—all seamlessly blended with the rest of your home’s architecture.
If you already have a guest bedroom or office on the main level, we can remodel it into a full primary suite with a private bathroom and custom storage—no addition necessary.
3. Kitchen Updates with Accessibility in Mind
A well-designed kitchen should be both beautiful and functional at every age. As part of our aging in place remodeling services, we focus on:
Lowering countertop and cabinet heights for seated access
Installing drawers instead of deep cabinets for easier reach
Touchless or lever-handle faucets
Open floorplans with wider walkways for mobility aids
Under-cabinet lighting for improved visibility
These small but effective changes can make all the difference in daily comfort and usability.
4. Entryway and Whole-Home Accessibility Improvements
Sometimes it’s the little things—like one tricky front step or a too-narrow hallway—that make living at home harder than it needs to be. That’s why we take a holistic approach to aging in place. We evaluate the entire home, looking for opportunities to improve mobility and convenience.
This might include:
Zero-step entries or ramps
Widening doorways and hallways
Lever-style door handles
Improved lighting and smart technology
Non-slip flooring throughout
We tailor every solution to your home and your specific needs—never a one-size-fits-all approach.
Affordable Options for Every Budget
At Cornerstone Builders, we understand that remodeling is an investment, and not everyone is ready to tackle a whole-home update. That’s why we work with you to prioritize the most critical improvements and break larger projects into phases.
From affordable bathroom remodel packages to custom additions, we’re transparent with our pricing and work hard to deliver high-quality results within your budget. Aging in place doesn’t have to mean expensive or elaborate—often, the most effective updates are also the simplest.
Why Choose Cornerstone Builders?
As a local Beaverton remodeling contractor with over 20 years of experience, Cornerstone Builders is proud to be a trusted partner in creating homes that are safe, beautiful, and built to last. Our design/build model means we manage everything from concept to completion, simplifying the remodeling process and ensuring a consistent, collaborative experience.
Our team listens carefully, respects your vision, and helps you make the smartest decisions for your future.
Let’s Talk About Your Forever Home
Whether you’re ready to remodel today or simply starting to explore your options, we’re here to help. Aging in place is more than a trend—it’s a smart, empowering choice that allows you to maintain your independence and enjoy your home for years to come.
Call Cornerstone Builders today to schedule a consultation or visit our website at www.cornerstonebuilders.org. Together, we’ll build a future that feels just like home.