What is a home modification?
Home modification refers to alterations done to a home to accommodate those with physical disabilities, frequently by the ADA. These modifications allow impaired people to live securely and independently.
Home changes might range from removing throw rugs to minimize slips and fall to building wheelchair-accessible ramps or grab bars in restrooms for stability.
How Home Modifications Work
house modifications might include renovations, improvements, and repairs that make a house more accessible to people with disabilities. Minor house improvements might cost a few hundred dollars, while more considerable upgrades can cost thousands.
Some money may be available for larger projects. Contractors may provide lower rates and sliding-scale prices based on senior income and capacity to pay. The National Resource Center on Supportive Housing and Home Modifications is a top U.S. resource for training, education, and technical support.
Due to its broad definition, some may consider house alterations to cover all home improvements and renovations. Sometimes called house improvements or renovations, home modifications make a home more accessible for people with varying physical abilities, especially older people.
The ADA mandates accessible design for public accommodations, including automated entrances, ramps, and elevators for wheelchair access. People with disabilities need water fountains at accessible heights.
Home Modifications for Seniors
Aging people may not fit in many dwellings. Structural impediments can prevent older adults from performing everyday tasks without help. Many older adults live in single-family houses designed before physical accessibility was considered.
Physical accessibility standards for single-family houses are still rare. As they age, structural incompatibility may force a person to relocate to a retirement home. If the person stays home, they may need a caretaker, which many cannot afford.
Home Modification Examples
Home renovations vary in cost and extent. Rearranging furniture, expanding passageways, or adding any of the following are house modifications:
- Bigger computer digital screens
- Temperature controls
- user-friendly light switches and faucets
- rails or grab bars
- Door openers
- wheelchair ramps/stairlifts
- step-free showers or walk-in baths
- low kitchen and bathroom countertops
- non-slip flooring
- emergency alarms and security.
Home improvements cost how much?
HomeAdvisor provides the cost range for popular modifications:
- Elevator: $2,500–$60,000
- Accessible shower: $975–$22,000.
- Chairlift: $1,500–$5,000
- Lower cabinets and sinks: $1,500–$8,500
- Wheelchair ramp: $1,027–$5,700
- Wider doorways: $700–$2,500 each.
- Comfort-height toilet: $100–$1,600
- Grab bars: $85-$300
- Complete kitchen remodel: $13,000–$38,000.
- Bathroom accessibility updates: $3,000–$15,000.
How do I finance home modifications?
There are several methods to fund home improvements. One option is a home renovation loan. State and municipal authorities may give grants and loans with fewer criteria. Veterans can get funds from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to adapt their homes for service-related disabilities. Finally, nonprofit home modification loans and grants are available.
The Home Modification Loan Program?
The 1999 Massachusetts Legislature created the Home Modification Loan Program (HMLP). It offers no-interest loans to remodel disabled individuals’ and children’s houses. Property owners can borrow $50,000, and manufactured or mobile homeowners can borrow $30,000.
The Verdict
Home modification involves changing temporary and permanent elements indoors or outside. They help seniors and disabled people stay safe and independent. Home renovations vary in scope and cost. Loans, scholarships, and NGOs can fund house renovations.
Conclusion
- Any house modification for people with varying physical capacities is a home modification.
- Home adjustments include removing throw rugs to minimize slips and falls and adding bathroom grab bars for stability.
- Sometimes called house improvements or renovations, home modifications make a home more accessible for people with varying physical abilities, especially older people.
