Certified Aging in Place Inspector

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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