Aging in place means staying in your own home as you grow older, rather than moving into a nursing home or assisted living facility. It’s about living in a space that meets your needs safely and comfortably as your physical abilities change. With the right remodeling choices, aging in place can be both practical and affordable. For homeowners in Southern Wisconsin, planning an aging in place remodel is a smart step toward long-term independence.

At J Kruzan Construction & Remodeling, LLC, based in Lake Geneva, we help homeowners in Walworth, Kenosha, and Racine counties design and build spaces that support aging in place. As experts in high-quality home remodeling, we believe it’s never too early to start planning a home that works for every stage of life.

Why Choose an Aging in Place Remodel in Wisconsin

Wisconsin homeowners face unique challenges due to our weather, local building codes, and lifestyle needs. An aging in place remodel in Wisconsin should take all of these into account. From slippery sidewalks in winter to energy efficiency upgrades, every detail plays a role in creating a safe and accessible home environment.

Working with a trusted local company like J Kruzan ensures your remodel meets Wisconsin’s specific demands. We combine “Old World Craftsmanship” with modern design techniques to produce long-lasting, functional, and beautiful results.

Essential Smart Features for Aging in Place

1. Bathroom Upgrades for Safety and Ease

Bathrooms can be one of the most hazardous areas in a home, especially for older adults. Slippery surfaces and tight spaces often increase the risk of accidents. Remodeling your bathroom with aging in place in mind helps reduce these risks significantly.

Smart bathroom features include:

– Walk-in showers with low or no thresholds

– Non-slip flooring materials

– Grab bars near the shower, tub, and toilet

– Comfort-height toilets

– Handheld showerheads and built-in benches

At J Kruzan, our team specializes in bathroom remodels tailored to your lifestyle. We use durable, modern materials that match your home’s aesthetic while integrating essential safety features.

2. Kitchen Modifications for Accessibility

Today’s kitchens are more than cooking spaces—they’re gathering spots, workspaces, and daily activity centers. Aging in place kitchen remodels focus on making every part of the kitchen usable for everyone, no matter their physical ability.

Key upgrades for an accessible kitchen include:

– Lowered countertops for seated use

– Easy-to-pull drawers instead of hard-to-reach cabinets

– Lever-handle faucets instead of knobs

– Adequate task lighting and under-cabinet lighting

– Appliances with front controls

J Kruzan Construction tailors kitchen remodels to balance form and function. Whether we’re expanding the space or just reworking the layout, we help make your kitchen easier and safer to use every day.

3. Widen Doorways and Hallways

As mobility declines, using mobility aids like walkers or wheelchairs might become necessary. That’s why doorways and hallways should be wide enough to allow smooth, easy movement throughout the home. A minimum of 36 inches is recommended.

Widening hallways or reconfiguring spaces might seem like a big task, but with J Kruzan’s expertise in whole-home remodeling, we make the process seamless. Our team evaluates your floor plan and suggests design changes that support both style and accessibility.

4. Smart Home Technology for Convenience and Safety

Today’s smart home features offer more than convenience—they provide added security, independence, and efficiency. Monitoring your home, controlling the temperature, or turning off lights can all be done with a smartphone or voice command.

Recommended smart home updates for aging in place:

– Voice-activated lighting and temperature control

– Smart doorbells and security systems

– Automated locks for doors and windows

– Fall detection or emergency response systems

J Kruzan Construction can help incorporate modern smart technology into your remodel, ensuring it blends with your home’s design while serving essential security and safety purposes.

5. Non-Slip Flooring and Easy Transitions

Flooring is another critical part of any aging in place remodel in Wisconsin. Slips and trips are a leading cause of injury among older adults. Replacing outdated or uneven flooring with slip-resistant surfaces improves safety and mobility.

Effective flooring options for aging in place include:

– Textured vinyl or rubber flooring

– Low-pile carpeting

– Hardwood with anti-slip coatings

– Seamless or threshold-free transitions between rooms

J Kruzan’s commitment to quality means we only install flooring that’s attractive, safe, and durable. We’ll also ensure transitions between rooms are smooth to prevent tripping hazards.

Room Additions for Long-Term Livability

1. Main-Floor Living Spaces

Stairs can become a challenge as we age. Adding a bedroom, bathroom, or laundry room on the main floor allows homeowners to avoid going up and down stairs daily. This upgrade also helps guests or caregivers stay comfortably in the home if needed.

J Kruzan’s expertise in room additions means we can design main-floor suites that feel like a natural extension of your house. From spacious master bedrooms to cozy home offices or sunrooms, we help you build spaces that meet your future needs today.

2. Multi-Use Bonus Rooms

Another smart strategy for aging in place remodels is creating multi-purpose spaces. A room that can function as a bedroom, office, exercise room, or hobby area provides flexibility as needs change. This is especially helpful if a caregiver moves in or if you need to accommodate temporary medical equipment.

At J Kruzan, we design versatile bonus rooms with easy entrances, proper lighting, and access to nearby bathrooms. Custom built-ins can add style and storage, helping the space adapt over time.

Exterior Improvements for Accessibility and Safety

1. Entrance Modifications

The outdoor spaces and entryways of your home are just as important as the interior. Ramps, no-step entries, wider front doors, and covered porches all make it easier and safer to enter and exit the home, especially during Wisconsin’s snowy winters.

At J Kruzan, we offer door replacements and ramp construction that improves both safety and curb appeal. These practical updates are designed to seamlessly match the rest of your home’s style.

2. Outdoor Lighting and Pathways

Lighting installations and secure walkways reduce the chance of falls and make outdoor areas more usable year-round. Motion-sensor lights and anti-slip materials are essential for porch steps, sidewalks, and driveways.

Our team can grade walkways and install outdoor lighting that adds both safety and a polished look to your home’s exterior.

Basement Conversions for Aging in Place

Many homes in Wisconsin have underused basements. Converting this space into a living area, guest suite, or activity room allows homeowners to make the most of their existing square footage. Especially for multigenerational households, finished basements provide flexibility and privacy.

J Kruzan Construction specializes in basement remodels that meet the needs of aging adults with proper lighting, ventilation, and flooring. We ensure basement spaces are dry, comfortable, and accessible.

Additional features for aging in place include:

– Installing stair lifts or elevators

– Waterproof ceilings and walls

– Durable, mold-resistant flooring options

Cabinetry and Storage Solutions

Easy-to-access storage is an often-overlooked aspect of aging in place. Reaching high shelves or crouching to find lower cabinets can become difficult over time. Smart custom cabinetry can eliminate these issues.

J Kruzan’s custom cabinetry solutions are designed to maximize storage while minimizing physical strain. Features like pull-out shelves, lazy Susans, and drawer organizers improve the experience of everyday tasks. Our expert woodworkers create cabinets that are not only functional, but beautifully crafted to match your home’s design.

Lighting Solutions for Aging in Place Homes

Good lighting is critical for maintaining safety and independence. As we age, our vision changes, and everyday tasks like reading labels or walking through hallways can become harder in poorly lit conditions. Brightening up key areas of your home reduces these challenges.

J Kruzan recommends thoughtful lighting placements such as:

– Under-cabinet lights in the kitchen

– Recessed lighting in hallways and bedrooms

– Night lights in bathrooms and stairways

– Adjustable task lights near seating areas

We help you choose efficient lighting fixtures that reduce eye strain while enhancing the overall look of your interior.

Why Choose J Kruzan for Your Aging in Place Remodel in Wisconsin

If you’re considering an aging in place remodel in Wisconsin, choosing an experienced local contractor is essential. J Kruzan Construction & Remodeling, LLC is proud to serve Lake Geneva and surrounding areas with top-quality craftsmanship and customized service.

Here’s what sets us apart:

– Years of experience with home renovations in Wisconsin

– Specialization in accessibility upgrades and whole-home remodeling

– Emphasis on client communication and complete transparency

– Award-winning craftsmanship rooted in traditional and modern practices

– Full-service remodels, additions, and home improvements

Whether you’re looking to modify one room or your entire house, J Kruzan delivers dependable results aligned with your needs and preferences. We build homes that last—and homes that grow with you.

Start Planning Your Aging in Place Remodel Today

Planning an aging in place remodel doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right guidance and a trusted team like J Kruzan Construction & Remodeling, you can design a home that supports your health, safety, and lifestyle for years to come.

We invite homeowners throughout Walworth, Kenosha, and Racine counties to contact us for a consultation. Learn how we can help transform your living space with smart features and thoughtful design. Stay independent, stay safe, and stay at home—comfortably and confidently.

Visit jkruzanbuilds.com or call (262) 348-9800 to get started on your aging in place remodel in Wisconsin today.