Should You Downsize or Renovate as You Age?

But the process is bound to trigger some emotions when you’re contemplating such a major change.

“We blame them on the fear of forgetting the memories we have,” Paxton says, “but what I’ve narrowed in on is that we’re afraid we won’t create new memories.”

Choosing renovations over resale​

A 2021 AARP survey found that more than three-quarters of adults over 50 wanted to age in place in their existing community. That supports data from the National Association of Home Builders showing that of its members’ total projects, those that supported aging in place climbed from about 60 percent in 2004 to 77 percent in 2019.

For older adults whose preference is to renovate the home they live in, the same question applies.

“‘What I want’ is driving huge remodels,” says Kurt Clason, owner of Clason Remodeling Co. in Ossipee, New Hampshire, and a certified aging-in-place specialist (CAPS) — a designation developed by the home builders association in collaboration with AARP and other experts. “What we’re hearing is that people aren’t so concerned about resale anymore. They want what they want.”

Single-floor living is ideal, of course. An aging-in-place specialist can help determine whether this is feasible for an original multilevel home.

A specialist can also guide homeowners to make style and structural changes that are designed to accommodate older adults while at the same time look universal.

“For example, they make the house fully accessible,” says Clason, “but they don’t put that big aluminum ramp out front so that everybody in the neighborhood knows you have a wheelchair.”

Most people can make renovations work for them with only a few modifications, such as bathroom grab bars, according to Mike Robinson, a real estate agent in Peachtree City, Georgia, just south of Atlanta.

Another easy accommodation is to replace doorknobs with levers, which are easier to operate for people with osteoarthritis.

For those in wheelchairs, doorways can be widened, sinks lowered, and rugs or carpet replaced with hardwood, laminate or another type of low-maintenance flooring.

Luxury vinyl plank flooring “is really popular right now,” says Robinson. “It’s waterproof and durable, so it works great throughout the house.”

Curbless showers are a coveted feature for older people, but the cost to install one can be high — anywhere from $2,000 to as much as $5,000. That’s especially true if the house is built on a slab, which would have to be “busted out,” Robinson explains. “But in those cases, you can have a shower installed with a very easy roll-over entry, and that works out just fine.”

Outside the house, yards can be made easier to maintain, an important conversion as income and energy become more limited. Hiring a lawn service is another option.

Clason has a quick response to anyone asking how much a renovation will cost: “Anywhere from $1,000 to $100,000,” he says. “It's going to depend on whether you’re doing a whole-house renovation or adding on.”

Here, too, emotion plays a role. “It typically comes down to sentimental value,” he adds.​

Set your own timeline​

The Wolfs expect their debate to continue for a while. “I’d like to move, and my husband wants to stay,” says Kathy, who has checked out some houses on the market, though not seriously.

“If the right house was in the right place, we might jump on it,” she says. “I don’t know. It’s such a big decision.”

Paxton knows the struggle well.

“Take your time, but have a firm timeline or finish line because you can analyze this to death,” he says, adding that reaching a decision should not take longer than six months. “And remember: The decision is the hardest part. Once you make it, everything will be better.”