How to Renovate Your Home for Aging in Place: Smart Modifications for Lifelong Comfort

What Is Aging in Place?

Aging in place refers to the ability to live in your own home safely, independently and comfortably, regardless of age or ability level. This approach often involves strategic design changes that make everyday tasks easier and reduce the risk of injury.

A successful aging-in-place renovation focuses on enhancing accessibility, improving safety, and future-proofing your space. Depending on your needs, these modifications can be as simple as installing grab rails or, alternatively, as complex as reconfiguring entire rooms to ensure full wheelchair accessibility.

Why Choose Aging in Place Renovation?

Many Australians want to maintain their independence and remain in familiar surroundings as they grow older. Some key reasons homeowners opt for aging in place renovations include:

• Comfort and familiarity: Staying in a known neighbourhood and space offers emotional stability
• Financial advantages: Renovating is often more affordable than moving into a retirement village
• Customised design: Homes can be adapted to meet changing mobility and health needs
• Increased property value: Accessible homes are increasingly desirable in the real estate market

Planning Ahead: Key Considerations Before You Renovate

Before starting your renovation, it’s important to assess both your current and future needs. By doing so, you can ensure your home remains safe, functional, and comfortable as you age. Key factors to consider include:

• Layout flexibility: Will the design accommodate a walker or wheelchair if needed?

• Accessibility: Are entries and pathways level and easy to navigate?

• Room access: Can you reach essential spaces like the bathroom, kitchen, and bedroom without using stairs?

• Lighting: Is the lighting sufficient to prevent falls and reduce eye strain?

• Surface safety: Are floors non-slip and easy to clean?

Ultimately, having a professional builder who understands accessible bathroom renovations and smart home design is crucial. At RJG Group, we specialise in creating functional yet stylish upgrades tailored to aging in place—so you can enjoy peace of mind and long-term comfort.

Room-by-Room Ideas for Aging in Place Renovation

Let’s break down the most effective changes to make in each part of your home:

1. Entryways and Hallways

• Replace steps with ramped entrances or level flooring
• Ensure all doorways are at least 860mm wide to accommodate wheelchairs
• Install motion-sensor lighting in hallways
• Use lever handles instead of traditional doorknobs for easier grip

1. Living Rooms and Common Areas

Designing living rooms and common areas with accessibility in mind makes daily life safer and more comfortable. For this reason, consider the following upgrades:

• Choose flooring with low glare and high slip resistance, ensuring both safety and ease of movement.

• Widen walkways between furniture, so mobility aids can pass through without obstacles.

• Lower light switches and raise power outlets, which makes them easier to reach without bending or stretching.

• Integrate smart home automation for lighting, heating, and security, allowing effortless control at the touch of a button or voice command.

3. Kitchen Upgrades

The kitchen is the heart of the home, but without thoughtful design, it can quickly become a hazard. To ensure safety and functionality for aging in place, consider these essential features:

• Lower benchtops and adjustable workspaces, making meal preparation more accessible.

• Pull-out pantry drawers, which provide easier access to stored items without bending or reaching.

• Wall ovens at waist height, reducing the risk of burns and heavy lifting.

• Touch-activated taps with anti-scald protection, ensuring both safety and convenience.

• Slip-resistant flooring, which minimises the risk of falls in a high-use area.

4. Bathroom Safety Modifications

The bathroom is one of the highest-risk areas in the home for slips and falls. That’s why a well-designed accessible bathroom renovation should prioritise safety and ease of use. Key features often include:

• Walk-in, step-free showers with built-in seating, allowing safe and comfortable access.

• Secure grab rails near toilets and showers, providing stability where it’s needed most.

• Slip-resistant tiles and flooring, which reduce the risk of accidents in wet areas.

• Wall-mounted sinks with open space underneath, ensuring wheelchair users can access them easily.

• Handheld shower heads with adjustable height, offering flexibility and convenience for all users.

5. Bedroom Adjustments

Your bedroom should promote rest, comfort, and accessibility. To achieve this, consider the following design features:

• Position beds at an appropriate height, making transfers in and out much easier.

• Install wardrobes with pull-down shelving, so storage remains accessible without strain.

• Ensure clear, wide pathways around the bed, allowing safe movement and room for mobility aids if needed.

• Add soft night lighting, which reduces the risk of falls and creates a calming atmosphere.

6. Stairs and Multi-Level Homes

For homes with more than one level, thoughtful upgrades can make movement safer and more convenient. Key options include:

• Installing a home lift or stairlift, which provides long-term accessibility and independence.

• Creating a ground-floor master suite, so essential living areas remain accessible without relying on stairs.

• Adding handrails on both sides of staircases, offering extra support and stability.

• Using contrasting stair nosing, which improves visibility and reduces the risk of missteps.

7. Outdoor and Garden Areas

• Install flat, wide footpaths with no trip hazards, making movement easier and safer.

• Use raised garden beds, which allow for easier gardening without the need to bend or strain.

• Choose low-maintenance plants and automatic irrigation, so your garden remains beautiful with minimal effort.

• Ensure good lighting and add handrails near steps or decking, providing safety and stability during the day and night.

8. Smart Home Features

Technology can greatly improve both safety and convenience in the home. For this reason, consider incorporating the following upgrades:

• Voice-activated lighting and appliances, making everyday tasks easier and more accessible.

• Emergency alert systems or fall detectors, which provide peace of mind and quick response in case of accidents.

• Automated blinds and climate control, ensuring comfort and efficiency with minimal effort.

• Security systems with smartphone access, allowing you to monitor and manage your home from anywhere.

Materials and Design Choices That Make a Difference in Aging in Place Renovation

Aging in place doesn’t mean compromising on style. In fact, today’s renovation solutions blend form and function beautifully. To illustrate, here are some top material and design tips:

• Non-slip vinyl, cork, or textured tiles for flooring, ensuring both safety and comfort.

• Matte finishes on benchtops, which help reduce glare and eye strain.

• Easy-clean surfaces and touch-free appliances, making everyday tasks simpler and more hygienic.

• Neutral colour palettes with high-contrast features, improving visibility and maintaining a timeless aesthetic.

At RJG Group, we offer expert home renovation Sydney solutions that seamlessly combine elegant design with practical functionality—helping homeowners enjoy both safety and style for years to come.

Budgeting for Aging in Place Renovation

The cost of aging-in-place upgrades varies depending on your home’s layout and your specific needs. Generally speaking, minor changes are more affordable, while larger modifications require a greater investment. For example:

• Minor modifications such as grab rails or non-slip flooring typically range from $2,000 to $5,000.

• Mid-level upgrades, including a bathroom renovation or widened doorways, usually cost between $15,000 and $30,000.

• Full-scale home renovations or lift installations often start at $50,000+ due to the extensive structural work involved.

Ultimately, careful planning and clear priorities will help you balance comfort, safety, and cost when preparing your home for the future.

While this may seem like a big investment, it can be more affordable than aged care facilities in the long term. You may also be eligible for financial support under the Home Care Packages Program or the Commonwealth Home Support Programme.

Why Choose RJG Group for Your Aging in Place Renovation?

RJG Group is a trusted name in home renovations Sydney families rely on. With years of experience in accessible bathroom renovation, kitchen upgrades and full-home transformations, our team understands how to create spaces that prioritise both independence and quality of life.

Our team works closely with you to design a personalised renovation plan, recommend smart material choices, and carry out construction with minimal disruption to your daily routine. We focus on delivering functional, future-proof designs that are beautiful and practical.

Start Planning Today

Whether you’re preparing for the future or renovating for a loved one, taking steps now to make your home more accessible and comfortable is a wise move. Aging in place renovations not only improve your daily life, but they also increase your property’s value and appeal to a broader market.

RJG Group is ready to help you bring your vision to life. Whether you need bathroom safety upgrades or a full home renovation in Sydney, our experienced team works with you every step of the way. As a result, your home will be both stylish and functional—fully prepared for every stage of life.

Contact us today to book a consultation and take the first step toward a safer, smarter and more comfortable future at home.

Case Study: A Sydney Couple’s Renovation Journey

Paul and Margaret, both in their early 70s, lived in a two-storey home in the Northern Beaches. As health concerns began to emerge, they wanted to remain in their home comfortably and safely without relying on daily assistance. To achieve this, RJG Group helped them complete a full aging-in-place renovation that transformed their home into a safer, more accessible space.

Key upgrades included:

• Converting a downstairs guest room into a main bedroom with ensuite, ensuring easy access without the need to climb stairs.

• Installing a walk-in shower, grab rails, and anti-slip tiles, which provided both safety and independence.

• Upgrading the kitchen with pull-out drawers, lowered benchtops, and touch-free taps, making everyday tasks more convenient.

• Adding motion-sensor lighting in hallways and bathrooms, which improved nighttime safety.

• Integrating smart controls for lighting, temperature, and security, allowing them to manage their home with ease.

As a result, Paul and Margaret were able to continue living in the home they loved while enjoying peace of mind, comfort, and independence.

Now, Paul and Margaret are able to live safely and comfortably in their home with minimal outside help. They also reported feeling more independent and in control of their daily lives.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When planning your renovation, it’s easy to overlook key features or make choices that reduce future flexibility. To help you avoid costly mistakes, keep these common pitfalls in mind:

• Underestimating future needs: Many homeowners assume they’ll never require mobility aids or carer support. However, planning ahead is essential to remain independent long-term.

• Ignoring doorway widths: Standard doors often don’t accommodate wheelchairs or walkers. Therefore, ensure all entry points are wide enough.

• Using glossy or slippery materials: While aesthetics matter, safety is more important. Instead, prioritise textured, non-slip surfaces.

• Neglecting lighting: Poor lighting contributes to falls and eye strain. That’s why it’s best to combine natural, overhead, and task lighting.

• Focusing only on one room: Aging-in-place renovations should consider the entire home layout, not just the bathroom.

• DIY installations: Grab rails and safety features must be professionally installed to meet compliance standards.

RJG Group ensures every detail is covered so your renovation is future-proof, safe and compliant.

FAQ

By working with RJG Group, you gain access to qualified experts who will help you navigate the process from planning through to completion with confidence and clarity.