What is CAPS?

The Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) designation program teaches the technical, business management and customer service skills essential to competing in the fastest growing segment of the residential remodeling industry—home modifications for aging in place. NAHB Remodelers—in collaboration with the AARP, NAHB Research Center and NAHB 50+ Housing Council—developed this program to provide comprehensive, practical, market-specific information about working with older and maturing adults to remodel their homes for aging in place.

What is aging in place?

Aging in place means remaining in one’s home safely, independently and comfortably, regardless of age, income or ability level. It means the pleasure of living in a familiar environment throughout one’s maturing years and the ability to enjoy the familiar daily rituals and the special events that enrich all our lives. It means the reassurance of being able to call a house a “home” for a lifetime.

About the NAHB

National Association of Home Builders www.nahb.org/CAPSinfo, Reach Higher. Work Smarter. Make Your House a Home for a Lifetime

NAHB Remodelers is America’s home for professional remodelers, representing the 14,000 remodeling industry members of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). Founded in 1982, It provides information, education and designation programs to improve the business and construction
expertise of its members and to enhance the professional image of the industry. Its membership incorporates 150 local councils in 45 states.

How long do you plan to live in your current home?

If you’re like the majority of Americans over the age of 45 you want to continue living in a familiar environment throughout your maturing years. According to the AARP, older homeowners overwhelmingly prefer to age-in-place, which means living in your home safely, independently and comfortably, regardless of age or ability level.

How should you modify your home to make it comfortable?

To age-in-place you will probably need to modify your house as you mature to increase access and maneuverability. These modifications range from the installation of bath and shower grab bars and adjustment of counter top heights to the creation of multifunctional first floor master suites and the installation of private elevators.

Who can you rely on to modify your home?

Wayland Construction: A Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) has been trained in:

the unique needs of the older adult population;
aging-in-place home modifications;
common remodeling projects;
solutions to common barriers.

The Remodelors™ Council of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) in collaboration with the NAHB Research Center, NAHB Seniors Housing Council, and the AARP developed this program to address the growing number of consumers that will soon require these modifications.While most CAPS Professionals are remodelers, an increasing number are general contractors, designers, architects, and health care consultants.

The CAPS Designation is a reliable way to identify professionals to modify your home. CAPS professionals have the answers to your questions.They have been taught the strategies and techniques for designing and building aesthetically enriching, barrier-free living environments. The CAPS program goes beyond design to address the codes and standards, common remodeling expenditures and projects, product ideas, and resources needed to provide
comprehensive and practical aging-in-place solutions. CAPS graduates pledge to uphold a code of ethics and are required to maintain their designation by attending continuing education programs and participating in community service.

Before You Modify Your Home Keep in mind that when you hire a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist, you are buying a service rather than a product. Each CAPS professional draws from a different knowledge base and will approach your project in a different way.No matter where you start in the process, you will eventually need to hire a professional remodeler to actually make the modifications to your home

Here is a check list to help you modify your home.

Figure out how much money you have to spend on the home modification project.
Seek referrals from friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, and others who have had similar work done.
Contact trade association such as your area’s local home Builders Association or Remodelors™ Council.
Check with your local or state office of consumer protection and the local Better Business Bureau.
Verify the remodeler has the appropriate license(s) in your state.
Look for professional designations such as CAPS, Certified Graduate Remodelor (CGR), or Graduate Master Builder (GMB).
Ask your professional remodeler for a written estimate of the work to be done based on a set of plans and specifications.
Be prepared to pay for this package.
Select a professional remodeler with plenty of experience with your type of project.
Remember, lowest price does not ensure a successful remodeling project.

When considering modifying your home, ask yourself:

Do I want to add a bathroom and possibly a bedroom to the main level?
How can I make my kitchen more functional?
Am I worried about preventing falls?
How much money can I budget for this project?
Will I need to get a home equity loan?
Will other members of my family benefit from modifications?
Will remodeling increase the energy efficiency of my home?
Where do I find a professional I can consult with about my needs?

The Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS)

Wayland Construction provides the kind of service and results that make Our Customers, well it speaks for itself.

“I feel better about being able to stay in the familiar surroundings of my own
home now that it has been fixed up by my CAPS contractor. The changes I
made to my house—like grab bars and better lighting, were cheaper than
moving to an assisted living apartment!”
—Elsie Petersen, Houston,TX