“Aging in place” remodels might be a buzz word, but it had one couple taking a “buzz saw” to their old design.
For Lawrence homeowners Sally and Thom Cloar, remodeling their bathroom wasn’t about reacting to a crisis—it was about planning ahead so they could enjoy their home for years to come.
With three grown children and six grandchildren, the Cloars have built a life full of memories in their house. Now, they’ve upgraded one of the most important rooms to match their next chapter.
“We needed a bathroom that was going to be good for the future for us because we’re going to age in place,” Sally Cloar said.
“This was the one room that needed the updates in order to be able to do that,” echoed husband Thom Cloar.
Aging-in-place impact on construction nationwide
The Cloars are not alone. An overwhelming number of people prefer living in their homes as long as possible, as compared to going to assisted living facilities. Homebuilders and remodelers are seeing the demand. In Lawrence, Kansas, a modest housing inventory also makes it less likely for residents to look towards downsizing to a new home. The trend is nationwide. The National Association of Homebuilders says that 56% of builders are working with aging-in-place parameters.
Aging-in-place choices commonly include changes such as adding grab bars, installing curbless shower stalls, widening doorways and installing higher toilets. Some of those design features also align with the needs of people living with disabilities. Therefore, contractors are becoming more mindful of the needs for Americans with Disabilities (commonly known as ADA).
“The bathroom we had worked fine,” said Sally Cloar. “But… when we get old, we won’t be able to bend over as much. So a higher vanity, a higher toilet, and an easy in and out shower made sense.”
Construction Specialties made the process smooth from the start. Sally Cloar recalled how their initial consultation set the tone for the entire remodel.
“Mike came in and sat down and was just really good about walking us through, asking us all the questions that were appropriate for what we wanted to accomplish.”
How an in-house interior designer on crew makes for smoother process
For many couples, home remodels can be stressful. But not this time. With interior designer Kristie Campbell guiding the selections and Brian on-site managing the construction details with care, the experience became something unexpectedly fun.
“Working with Kristie was a very pleasant experience and it made us feel like we weren’t doing any work at all,” Sally Cloar said. “Quite frankly, (I was) just making choices!”
The Cloars prioritized accessibility and convenience, but their upgrades didn’t come at the expense of style. They said goodbye to a barely-used, oversized jacuzzi tub and opted instead for a spacious walk-in shower. They installed a taller vanity and toilet for ease of use in the future, and even added hidden modern touches like in-drawer electrical outlets and a cozy plug-in heater.
“In this drawer, we have electricity. So all I have to do is pick up my hairdryer and turn it on,” Sally Cloar said. “When I’m done, it just fits back there.”
“It’s a beautiful space and it’s obvious when you walk in how easy it is to use everything,” she added. “I’m sure that it must have increased the value of our home.”
These upgrades reflect more than just thoughtful planning—they reflect joy, comfort, and confidence in aging gracefully at home.
Construction Specialties is a residential remodeling company based in Lawrence, Kansas. The company specializes in one-call home improvement solutions and provides a wide range of services including remodeling, ADA improvements, insurance claim work, and new construction. Homeowners interested in remodeling their kitchen, bathroom, or adding space to their home can schedule a free consultation online by visiting HomeImprovementLawrence.com.
