Hi, I am Max Tripodi, the Aging in Place Contractor. I am a professional general contractor with more than 25 years of experience, and I am now passing on my professional secrets to you.

MEET MAX

9 of the Best Moen Bathroom Faucets for Aging in Place

faucet mixer and white towel on a white sink in a beautiful gray bathroom

Bathroom faucets are typically decided in a hurry compared to other more expensive items in the bathroom, such as the shower, shower wall, tub, and sink. Not thoroughly considering the quality of the bathroom faucet could lead to some issues in the future. For this reason, homeowners need to search for a high-quality bathroom faucet … Read more

The Best Pull Down Kitchen Faucets for Aging in Place

women washing dishes in kitchen

A lot of the contemporary kitchen faucets currently on the market have a lot of features that focus on providing maximum comfort to the user. User-friendly kitchen faucets have become more popular than traditional faucets because they make cleaning dishes a quick and straightforward process. Therefore, many big-name brands specializing in manufacturing faucets have made … Read more

7 of the Best Threshold Ramps for Aging in Place

metal diamond pattern ramp way for support wheelchair disabled people

Threshold ramps help seniors transition through a doorway threshold or small steps on foot, wheelchairs, scooters, canes, etc. Typically, they are easy to install by simply placing them down. Some are foldable or have an adjustable height. Ultimately, the best threshold ramps for aging in place are lightweight, non-skid, stable, and sturdy. Below is a … Read more

Types of Modern Kitchen Faucets for Aging in Place

modern kitchen faucet installed

There have been many misconceptions about older adults preferring more traditional fixtures for their homes. While it is true that older adults like simplicity in their kitchen fixtures that allow for easy use, the truth is that the products that have the most convenient and practical features are the more modern ones. This is especially … Read more

Types of Crystal Cabinet Knobs for Aging in Place

crystal handle on the front of the cabinet

Crystal cabinet knobs are another great option for revamping your home for aging in place. Like glass cabinet knobs, crystal cabinet knobs come in various shapes, sizes, styles and colors. The crystal accents bring vintage vibes into your home or bright sparkle elegance into modern and contemporary interior designs. You can use a crystal knob … Read more

Shower Grab Bars for Aging in Place – Our Top Recommendations

woman patient use toilet support rail in bathroom handrail safety grab bar

When choosing a shower grab for bathroom safety, there are several factors you have to consider. First, the weight, mobility limitations, and cognitive disabilities of the user. Then, the type, mounting style, and material used to make the shower grab. This article will review our top 7 recommendations for shower grab bars and detail the … Read more

The Best Brushed Nickel Cabinet Knobs for Aging in Place

white kitchen built with shaker style cabinets

Brushed nickel cabinet knobs are matte with a dull shine. Their color ranges from golden to whitish. They work best for more traditional interior designs such as farmhouse, country, Tuscan, or French styles. Brushed nickel cabinet hardware adds a slightly warm tone to your house and complements wood finishes, tiles, stones, or granite and a … Read more

The 4 Best Non Slip Furniture Pads for Hardwood Floors

man are sticking floor care pad at bed wooden legs

Do you have beautiful hardwood floors in your home that guests tend to fawn over? Installing these floors can be expensive, and the best thing you can do is to preserve your investment. Preserving your investment in this sense means purchasing the best non slip furniture pads for hardwood floors. Non slip furniture pads provide … Read more

Types of Brass Cabinet Knobs for Aging in Place

small brass knobs on grey kitchen drawers

Brass hardware can be incorporated in various ways in your home, whether as kitchen cabinet hardware, an appliance pull, drawer pull, bathroom shelves, or doorknobs. Brass knobs fit most home decor styles, including vintage, Victorian, mid-century modern, grand millennial, Scandinavian, and modern aesthetics. They are not limited to only a particular interior style. Therefore, if … Read more

How an Ergonomic Handle Can Help With Arthritis

elderly female is expressing pain

Ergonomics is an important variable that most of us never consider, at least that is until we or someone close to us suffers from arthritis. Arthritis is the leading cause of work disability in America. Around 13 million adults suffer from symptomatic hand osteoarthritis, while 9 million people suffer from symptomatic knee osteoarthritis. The Center … Read more

How Much to Install French Doors in My Aging in Place Home?

foyer in upscale home with french doors

French doors are an excellent choice for seniors as these doors serve more than aesthetic purposes; they are wheelchair accessible and allow more natural light into your home. Plus, they are generally easy to install, all of which makes them great for an aging-in-place home renovation. However, before you embark on this project you’ll want … Read more

The Best Mold-Resistant Shower Curtains and Liners for Aging-in-Place

mold-resistant shower curtain

Finding the perfect shower curtain for the aging-in-place home is no easy task. It’s hard to check off all the boxes. It has to be waterproof, prevent slippery floors, provide privacy — but most of all, it has to be mold-resistant. Mold and mildew buildup can create an unhealthy environment for your loved one, something … Read more

5 of the Best American Standard Kitchen Faucets for Aging-in-Place

kitchen faucet

When the time comes to begin an aging-in-place remodel, it’s important to take into consideration everyday items in the home that may become potential obstacles. One obstacle that may arise is the kitchen faucet. Whether it’s a decrease in hand strength, an increase in temperature sensitivity or a variety of other challenges, the right kitchen … Read more

Eight of the Best Non-Slip Stair Treads for Those with Arthritis

non-slip stair treads

Most people associate arthritis with hands, but knees, backs, and legs can all suffer from arthritis, as well. An area of the home that is particularly hard on aching joints is a staircase.  Most homes include a set of stairs in one room or another. Most homes are multi-level living, and even ranch homes tend … Read more

The Best Berlin Modisch Passage Door Levers for Aging in Place

passage door levers for aging in place

If you’re an avid reader of this site, you probably know that I greatly prefer handles and levers to knobs and handlesets. This is because any entry hardware that requires you to squeeze or depress something causes pain for those with arthritis. That’s why I really like levers for passage doors around the house, and … Read more

Three of the Best Delta Shower Doors for the Aging-in-Place Bathroom

aging-in-place shower door

According to the National Institute on Aging, nearly 80% of falls happen in the bathroom. As an aging-in-place contractor, I can vouch for the importance of bathroom safety and the peace of mind a redesign can bring for you and your loved ones. Converting your current tub/shower combo into a zero-threshold shower is one of … Read more

5 of The Best Schlage Passage Door Levers for Aging-in-Place

Best schlage passage door levers

Passage door levers can play an important role when upgrading the aging-in-place home. The purpose of these door handles is to provide a non-locking system for hallways, closets, and rooms that don’t need privacy. One benefit of switching out door knobs for passage levers is they are easier to open for older adults with arthritis. … Read more

10 of The Best Mounted Automatic Dispensers for Older Adults with Arthritis

best mounted automatic dispensers

Mounted automatic dispensers can be extremely beneficial in the aging-of-place home, and especially those who have arthritis. The most helpful feature is the automatic dispensing. It can be hard for older adults with arthritis to press in buttons or pumps on dispensers, so being able to automatically dispense products without using their hands works great. … Read more

Best Delta Shower Head/Handheld Combos for the Aging-in-Place Home

shower head/handheld combo

Picking out ADA compliant shower head/handheld combos is important when upgrading the aging-in-place home. There are many different factors that play into picking the perfect shower system. One aspect to consider is weight. If your loved one struggles with arthritis or has trouble lifting heavy objects, the shower head has to be light enough for … Read more

The Best Medical Alert Products for Aging-in-Place

Medical alert technology is a great idea for your loved ones who may live alone in an aging-in-place home. These different devices can alert medical professionals and family members that they need help in an emergency situation. There’s a variety of styles including lanyards, bracelets, or panic buttons. The Best Medical Alert Products Assistive Technology … Read more

The Best Shower Hose Extenders for Aging-in-Place

shower hose extender

Shower Hose Extenders are an aging-in-place upgrade that serves a few beneficial purposes for your loved ones. They make cleaning showers or bathtubs extremely simple by allowing you to reach all corners of the area without reaching too far or risking slipping inside of the shower. Shower hose extenders also make it easier to wash … Read more

The Brightest Light Bulbs for Aging-in-Place

brightest light bulbs

As we begin aging, our eyes start to change over time. These changes result in a need for improved lighting in the aging-in-place home, including brighter and high quality bulbs. Here are some great lighting products to consider for your next aging-in-place renovation project! To learn more lighting tips for your aging-in-place project, check out … Read more

How to Adjust the Temperature of Aging-in-Place Faucets

temperature of faucets

9 Easy-to-Adjust Delta Faucets for Your Aging-in-Place Bathroom and Kitchen Serious, life-threatening burns from scalding tap water are up there among some of the most common household injuries. Most people solve this problem by turning down the temperature on their hot water heater. The trouble with that solution, though, is that some appliances – like … Read more

5 Clever Drawer Opening Hardware Products for Aging in Place

drawer opening hardware

Innovations to Make Aging-in-Place with Arthritis Easier and Less Painful Arthritis doesn’t give old, sore hands a moment’s rest. Every movement you make is a reminder of how even small tasks like opening up a drawer can make living at home as you age so much harder. Smart aging-in-place design doesn’t just protect older adults … Read more

The Best Vinyl Plank Flooring for the Aging-in-Place Laundry Room

vinyl floor

Few aging-in-place upgrades are as important as flooring. If your parent decides to age in place, installing slip-resistant floors throughout their home is non-negotiable. That’s because, unfortunately, slips and falls are an all-too-common cause of injury among older adults simply trying to make their way around the house. Most of the DIYers I talk with … Read more

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them: Kitchen Flooring Installation for Aging-in-Place

Fixing a vinyl kitchen floor after a DIY mistake.

Creating a home where your parents can safely age in place is an amazing gift to give them. I promise you that doing the work yourself will result in an incredible feeling of achievement. But, that doesn’t mean you won’t make some mistakes along the way…probably a lot of them. And, that’s okay. That’s why … Read more

Decluttering the Aging-in-Place Staircase, Hallway, Basement and Laundry Room

laundry

During an aging-in-place home renovation, there are the more obvious areas of the house that need remodeling – bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens are usually at the top of the list. From renovating aging-in-place homes for years now, I can tell you that those ‘other’ areas of the house – the ones that tend to get forgotten … Read more

Decluttering the Aging-in-Place Living Room, Dining Room and Other General Living Spaces

declutter

I always tell the DIYers I work with that once your renovations are complete, the job of creating a safe aging-in-place home has just begun. Why? Because all it takes is one whirlwind of clutter sweeping across the living room to reduce your parent’s ability to stay safe. Keeping clutter at bay is as important … Read more

Decluttering the Aging-in-Place Bathroom

bathroom

Safety is the big concern with every aging-in-place bathroom renovation. What many aging-in-place DIYers don’t realize, however, is that once the renovation is complete, the work to keep the bathroom safe is far from over – and the battle against bathroom clutter begins. Bathroom Clutter Creates Major Safety Issues for Older Adults Cluttered bathrooms and … Read more

The Power of Voice Command Technology for Aging in Place

smart speaker

Voice command technology is an aging-in-place game changer. It’s not possible to over-emphasize how integral this technology will be to aging-in-place design over the course of the next decade. Why? Imagine a friend comes to visit. When they arrive, they knock on the door waiting to enter the house. What if rather than walking over … Read more

The Top 3 Aging-in-Place Renovation Myths…Busted!

myths

Years after the aging-in-place trend first took off, and as more and more older adults choose to live at home as they age, I’m still surprised by how many misconceptions there are about aging-in-place design. These misconceptions have spurred major aging-in-place renovation myths and, as a result, confusion has taken hold. To make good decisions, … Read more

The Most Common Aging-in-Place Renovation Mistakes … And How to Fix Them: Door Installations

most common door installation mistakes

As you work your way through each room of your aging-in-place home renovation, you’ll collect vast amounts of knowledge along the way. Every project you do will benefit from the lessons you learn in the previous ones. Home renovation is one big learning experience. Most DIYers forget this, though, and worry too much about making … Read more

How Installing Aging-in-Place Skylights Can Improve a Senior’s Mental Outlook

skylights

The goal of every one of my aging-in-place renovations is to create a home that older adults can live in safely and independently for years to come. Traditionally, aging-in-place design has focused almost exclusively on physical safety. Lately, though, many of my clients have mentioned the improvements some aging-in-place projects have made to their parent’s … Read more

Creative Storage Solutions When You’re Ready to Downsize for Aging-in-Place

shelves

Moving from a large family home into a smaller aging-in-place home can be difficult for so many reasons. It’s not so much about the number of items – and all of the memories – you have to sift through as you prepare for the next phase of your life. It’s also about relearning how to … Read more

Decluttering the Aging-in-Place Home

declutter

As you’re planning your major aging-in-place home remodeling and renovation projects, my guess is that decluttering isn’t on your short list of to-dos. However, clutter can be a big safety issue in aging-in-place homes. The most obvious benefit of decluttering: removing clutter means you’re removing tripping hazards. Beyond physical safety, an aging-in-place home should care … Read more

The Best Smart Smoke Detectors for Aging in Place and How to Install Them

smart smoke detector

When I begin a new aging-in-place home renovation project, my clients always want to talk about installing non-slip floors throughout the house, renovating the master bath to include a zero-threshold shower, adding lots of light, and other big projects. The same is true when I talk to DIYers. Less often do I get asked about … Read more

Smart Aging in Place: Create a Smart Home Technology Strategy for Your Aging-In-Place Home

Smart housing

Imagine if your parents’ home had the intelligence to take care of them (almost) as well as you do. For the first time in history, we can control our homes with just the tap of a screen or the sound of our voice. Today, adults with mobility issues can see who’s at the door without … Read more

How to Install a Sink and Vanity for a Small Aging-in-Place Bathroom

Install a sink and vanity for aging in place

When you’re renovating to make your parent’s home safer as they age, the biggest challenge can many times be trying to create the ideal aging-in-place home within the constraints of the current floorplan. One such example – a small bathroom. Older homes don’t always have the big beautiful master baths that we’re used to seeing … Read more

The Best Recessed Lighting Products for Aging in Place

Best Recessed Lighting for the kitchen

Recessed lighting is a relatively cost-effective way to add a beautiful finishing touch to any room in the home. And yet this kind of lighting often gets placed in the home improvement box labeled ‘luxury’ and ignored by budget-conscious DIYers. The truth is that recessed lights are as economical and practical as they are stylish, … Read more

How to Raise the Dishwasher to Accommodate Older Adults with Balance Issues

Raise the Dishwasher

There are so many considerations to make when we’re looking at a kitchen renovation for an aging-in-place home. Most of the homeowners I work with have the obvious jobs planned for, like adding a slip-resistant floor or installing lights underneath cabinets. These updates help with mobility and eye-sight issues as adults age – two critical … Read more

How to Install Slip-Resistant Vinyl Bathroom Flooring for Your Aging-in-Place Home

slip-resistant bathroom flooring

One of the most common questions I hear from aging-in-place DIYers is ‘where do I start?’. If you have the luxury of time and can afford to slowly make upgrades to an aging-in-place home, there’s no right or wrong answer. If, however, your parent is already in need of serious safety upgrades, my advice is … Read more

AIP Home Renovations for Your Live-In Caregiver

As people begin to age in their homes, there comes a time when either they or their family members start questioning whether staying home is the safest option, and rightfully so. Traditional homes offer many obstacles such as stairs, slippery floors, high cabinets, less-than-ideal lighting for aging eyes, and numerous other challenges for older adults. … Read more

Configuring the Kitchen Triangle: Relocating Appliances Safely for Aging in Place

I talk to experienced aging-in-place DIYers all of the time, and they always tell me the same thing – kitchen renovations are the most overwhelming part of their aging-in-place home upgrade. Even during a traditional kitchen renovation, there are countless design options and decisions to make. When you add in the aging-in-place requirements necessary to … Read more

The Best Bathroom Grab Bars for Aging in Place and How to Install Them

Safety is always my number one focus when I’m renovating any aging-in-place home. And, nowhere is safety more critical for your parent than in the bathroom. The bathroom is by far the most common room in the home for an older adult to fall and become seriously injured. You can imagine how dangerous a wet … Read more

How to Install Recessed Lighting for Aging in Place

As we age, our eyes start to play tricks on us. It gets harder to see clearly, especially in low-lit rooms and this is compounded further by our reduced ability to define contrast in low light. You can imagine the dangers of an older adult trying to navigate a dark home. It’s a perfect recipe … Read more

Different Types of Easy-to-Read Thermostats and How to Install Them

Decades ago, thermostats were clunky boxes controlled by a mercury switch. They hung on the wall in just about every room in the house, and they were certainly nothing to look at. The thermostats I used growing up were always difficult to control and hard to read – even for young eyes. You can imagine … Read more

Where and How to Install the Right Lighting Strips for Aging in Place

Our eyes go through a lot of changes as we age. Yes, older adults are known for turning the font size on their phones way up and holding books at arm’s length. The real challenges that aged eyes face, though, is in seeing small details, color contrast and the distinction between light and dark. Our … Read more

The 4 Best Dimmer Switches for Aging in Place

Aging-in-place home lighting can be tricky. On one hand, your home needs to be well lit so you, your parent, or loved one can safely see where they’re going. However, as we age our eyes become more sensitive to light and even moderately bright lights can cause discomfort or headaches. An easy-to-use dimmer switch is … Read more

10 of the Best Cabinet Pulls and Knobs for Aging in Place

Kitchen cabinet pulls and bathroom drawer knobs are minor considerations in your overall DIY aging-in-place home renovation project, right? Wrong! Our hands stiffen and become sore with age – there’s no way around it. Large or small, any product you’re incorporating into your remodel that impacts an older adult’s hands needs to measure up to … Read more

Low-Cost Essentials to Make Aging in Place Safe and Enjoyable

low-cost essentials

What I love about aging-in-place design is the way a simple, easy home upgrade can instantly make a huge difference for an older adult. As a DIYer planning major aging-in-place upgrades, it’s easy to forget that there are a lot of simple things you can do to make aging-in-place safe and enjoyable. And, best of … Read more

Smart Storage Solutions for the Aging-in-Place Bathroom

Our job as aging-in-place builders and designers is to make life easier, less painful, and more comfortable for older adults. Something as simple as a smart storage solution that makes everyday household items easier to reach can help us make big progress towards this goal. Let’s take a look at the bathroom – the room … Read more

Tips for Converting Your Range to a Cooktop Stove and Wall Oven for Aging in Place

Reducing the likelihood of a slip or fall is aging-in-place design 101. In the kitchen, this means doing away with appliances that cause an older adult to reach or bend over. And, this becomes even more important when we’re talking about reaching over a hot surface where a slip or fall can result in a … Read more

How to Find Aging-in-Place Kitchen Flooring That’s Safe, Inexpensive, and Easy to Install

How to find the right aging-in-place kitchen flooring

Believe it or not, it is possible to find aging-in-place kitchen flooring that’s safe, cost-effective and easy to install. Helping my clients find the right kitchen flooring material that checks all of these boxes is a big part of my job. If you’re a DIYer, however, and you don’t have a professional contractor by your … Read more

5 of the Best Shower Faucet Handles for Aging in Place

A relaxing shower can provide a lot of therapeutic health benefits for an older adult aging in place. However, it can also be one of the most dangerous activities your parent or loved one does each day. Building a shower with proper aging-in-place design features will help them live independently for a much longer period … Read more

Essential Safety Accessories for the Aging-in-Place Bathroom

I can’t overemphasize the importance of safety in the aging-in-place bathroom. It’s the most common room in the home for an older adult to get hurt and seriously injured. And it’s no surprise why. Bathroom floors easily get wet and showers have to withstand slippery soaps and shampoos that cling to the shower floor. Unless … Read more

5 of the Best Touchless Kitchen Faucets for Aging in Place

Making decisions that impact the potential safety and wellbeing of your loved one as they age in place isn’t easy. When I talk with DIYers planning an aging-in-place home renovation, the stress of choosing the safest products seems especially high in the kitchen – a potentially dangerous room in the home where slips, falls and … Read more

5 of the Best Delta Kitchen Faucets for Aging in Place

Designing any kitchen – especially an aging-in-place kitchen – can be an extremely overwhelming task. Before you start sketching, shopping and comparing color swatches, keep in mind that there are really only three primary goals for an aging-in-place kitchen.  Reduce Pain Increase Comfort Create a Safe Environment As you work through your aging-in-place kitchen plans, … Read more

10 of the Best Delta Bathroom Faucets for Aging-in-Place

When I talk with DIYers in the early planning stages of an aging-in-place bathroom renovation, they almost always ask me which bathroom faucets are the safest and which one they should buy. My answer: an ADA-compliant bathroom faucet from Delta.  Why ADA-Compliant? Back in the ‘90s, the American Disabilities Act, or ADA, was passed mandating … Read more

How to Quickly Paint Around a Toilet and Other Tips for Painting Tight Bathroom Spaces for Aging in Place

When I talk to homeowners about painting a bathroom for aging in place, just about every one of them desperately wants to know how to make painting behind the toilet easier. Here’s what I tell them: “If you’re attempting to paint behind your toilet without the right tools and know-how, you might as well be … Read more

The Best Delta Shower Faucets for the Aging-in-Place Bathroom

When you set out to find the perfect shower faucet for your aging-in-place bathroom remodel, you’ll need to think beyond your parent’s favorite color, finish or style. In order for a bathroom faucet to be safe enough for an older adult to age in place successfully, shower faucets have to meet a set of strict … Read more