Peterson Custom Construction | #1 Home Renovation in Coeur d'Alene

Staying in the Home You Love

For many North Idaho seniors, the thought of leaving their home—the place where they raised their family, built memories, and established their community—is heartbreaking. The good news? With thoughtful modifications, most homes can be adapted to support safe, independent living for years to come.

At Peterson Construction, we specialize in [aging-in-place modifications](/services/aging-in-place) that combine safety with style.

The Bathroom: Priority One

The bathroom is where most home accidents occur. Key modifications include:

Walk-In Showers

Replace tubs with zero-threshold (curbless) showers that eliminate the need to step over barriers. Features we recommend:

Non-slip tile flooring

Built-in shower bench

Handheld showerhead on adjustable slide bar

Linear drain for proper water management

Grab Bars

Strategically placed grab bars provide support where it's needed most:

Inside and outside the shower

Next to the toilet

Near the vanity

Today's grab bars come in stylish finishes that complement your bathroom design—no institutional look required.

Comfort-Height Toilets

Higher toilet seats (17-19 inches vs. standard 15 inches) make sitting and standing easier on joints.

Accessible Vanities

Lower countertops and open space underneath accommodate wheelchair users or those who need to sit while grooming.

Throughout the Home

Wider Doorways

Standard doorways are 28-30 inches wide. We can widen them to 36 inches to accommodate walkers and wheelchairs without a major renovation.

Zero-Threshold Entries

Eliminate tripping hazards at exterior doors with ramped or flush entries.

Improved Lighting

Aging eyes need more light. We install:

Brighter fixtures throughout

Motion-activated lights in hallways and bathrooms

Under-cabinet lighting in kitchens

Illuminated stair treads

Stair Solutions

If stairs are unavoidable:

Sturdy handrails on both sides

Non-slip stair treads

Better lighting

Consider a stair lift for multi-story homes

Flooring

Replace slippery surfaces with:

Low-pile carpet

Non-slip vinyl or LVP

Matte-finish tile

Kitchen Modifications

Pull-out shelves in lower cabinets

D-shaped cabinet pulls (easier to grip than knobs)

Lowered countertop sections

Side-by-side refrigerators

Wall ovens at accessible heights

Smart Home Integration

[Smart home technology](/services/smart-home) can enhance safety and independence:

Voice-controlled lighting

Smart thermostats

Video doorbells

Medical alert integration

Automated door locks

Planning Ahead

The best time to make these modifications is before they're urgently needed. Planning ahead allows you to:

Spread costs over time

Make thoughtful design choices

Avoid rushed decisions after an injury

Our Approach

We work with families to create modification plans that address current needs while anticipating future requirements. Every project is customized to the individual's mobility, health conditions, and home layout.

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*Learn more about our [aging-in-place services](/services/aging-in-place) or [contact us](/contact) for a home assessment.*

Aging in Place: Home Modifications for North Idaho Seniors