Certified Building Inspectors

Aging-in-Place Inspections

Inspectors may recommend corrections and adaptations to the home to improve maneuverability, accessibility, and safety for elderly occupants. Some such alterations and recommendations for a home are as follows:

Appliances:

microwave oven in wall or on counter;
refrigerator and freezer side by side;
side-swing or wall oven;
controls that are easy to read;
raised washing machine and dryer;
front-loading washing machines;
raised dishwasher with push-button controls;
stoves having electric cooktops with level burners for safely transferring between the burners; front controls and downdraft feature to pull heat away from user; light to indicate when surface is hot; and
replace old stoves with induction cooktops to help prevent burns.

Bathroom:

fold-down seat installed in the shower;
adjustable showerheads with 6-foot hose;
light in shower stall;
wall support, and provision for adjustable and/or varied-height counters and removable base cabinets;
contrasting color edge border at countertops;
at least one wheelchair-maneuverable bath on main level;
bracing in walls around tub, shower, shower seat and toilet for installation of grab bars;
if stand-up shower is used in main bath, it is curbless and wide;
low bathtub;
toilet higher than standard toilet, or height-adjustable;
design of the toilet paper holder allows rolls to be changed with one hand;
wall-hung sink with knee space and panel to protect user from pipes; and
slip-resistant flooring in bathroom and shower.

Counters:

base cabinet with roll-out trays;
pull-down shelving;
wall support, and provision for adjustable and/or varied-height counters and removable base cabinets;
upper wall cabinetry lower than conventional height;
accented stripes on edge of countertops to provide visual orientation to the workspace;
counter space for dish landing adjacent to or opposite all appliances;
glass-front cabinet doors; and
open shelving for easy access to frequently used items.

Exterior:

low-maintenance exterior (vinyl, brick, etc); and
low-maintenance shrubs and plants.

Entry:

sensor light at exterior no-step entry focusing on the front-door lock;
non-slip flooring in foyer;
accessible path of travel to the home;
at least one no-step entry with a cover;
entry door sidelight or high/low peep hole viewer; sidelight should provide both privacy and safety;
doorbell in accessible location; and
a surface on which to place packages while opening door.

Electrical, Lighting, Safety and Security:

install new smoke and CO detectors;
install automated lighting, an emergency alert system, or a video-monitoring system;
easy-to-see and read thermostats;
light switches by each entrance to halls and rooms;
light receptacles with at least two bulbs in vital places (exits, bathroom);
light switches, thermostats and other environmental controls placed in accessible locations no higher than 48 inches from floor;
move electrical cords out of the flow of traffic;
replace standard light switches with rocker or touch-light switches; and
pre-programmed thermostats.

Faucets:

thermostatic or anti-scald controls;
lever handles or pedal-controlled; and
pressure-balanced faucets.

Flooring:

if carpeted, use low-density with firm pad;
smooth, non-glare, slip-resistant surfaces, interior and exterior; and
color and texture contrast to indicate change in surface levels.

Hallways:

wide;
well-lit; and
fasten down rugs and floor runners, and remove any that are not necessary.

Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning:

install energy-efficient units;
HVAC should be designed so filters are easily accessible; and
windows that can be opened for cross-ventilation and fresh air.

Miscellaneous:

30-inch by 48-inch clear space at appliances, or 60-inch diameter clear space for turns;
multi-level work areas to accommodate cooks of different heights;
loop handles for easy grip and pull;
pull-out spray faucet;
levered handles;
in multi-story homes, laundry chute or laundry facilities in master bedroom;
open under-counter seated work areas; and
placement of task lighting in appropriate work areas.

Overall Floor Plan:

main living on a single story, including full bath;
5-foot by 5-foot clear turn space in living area, kitchen, a bedroom and a bathroom; and
no steps between rooms on a single level.

Reduced Maintenance and Convenience Features:

easy-to-clean surfaces;
built-in recycling system;
video phones;
central vacuum;
built-in pet feeding system; and
intercom system.

Stairways, Lifts and Elevators:

adequate hand rails on both sides of stairway;
residential elevator or lift; and
increased visibility of stairs through contrast strip on top and bottom stairs, and color contrast between treads and risers on stairs with use of lighting.

Storage:

lighting in closets;
adjustable closet rods and shelves; and
easy-open doors that do not obstruct access.

Windows:

plenty of windows for natural light;
low-maintenance exterior and interior finishes;
lowered windows, or taller windows with lower sill height; and
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