It is never too early to start planning for home remodeling.

Is remodeling your home for retirement really necessary?

The Daily Hampshire Gazette points out that as millions of baby boomers grow older they will want to have full access to their house. The Chicago Tribune adds that "...a mini-industry of sorts has emerged to help make seniors as enthusiastic about home remodeling..." This pre-emptive approach is a change from previous thinking and that it saves money. The Cornell Chronicle quotes a professor of policy who says "A more efficient approach[rather than waiting for sudden need] is to incorporate such modifications through the course of home remodeling projects."
Bottom line: When it comes to home improvement, it's never to early to start planning.

How do I make my home safer for my retirement?

There's no definitive list for things to "age-proof" your house. Here are a few suggestions from some homebuilder's websites: Bankrate.com suggested some of the following(full text available at their website):

• Doorways:Doorways should be about 34-36 wide to accommodate wheelchairs. Can cost $300-600 per door.
• Door Knobs: Level doorknobs are much easier to turn as manual dexterity decreases.
• Refrigerators: Should be kept away from the corners so the door can swing as wide open as possible.

The article also suggests other ways such as sinks that allow for a wheelchair to slide under and lowering countertops. While these suggestions are good, they may prove to be too expensive for the average user.

Are there any inexpensive ways to "age-proof" my house?

The Administration on Aging, a part of the Department of Health and Human Services, has some inexpensive ideas to help make your home safer for your retirement years.

• Install grab bars and transfer benches. Vitality medical carries grab bars with colors and styles that will fit in your bathroom.
• Install non-skid strips in shower. By installing these strips, you can avoid falls which can result in severe injury, like hip fractures. 
• Install handrails. 

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