Remodeling to Age in Place: A Decade-by-Decade Guide for Alton Homeowners
Aging in Place in Alton, IL: Remodel Once, Live Comfortably for Life
My parents live in a 3,000 sq. ft. home tucked into eight wooded acres in the Illinois countryside. Now in their 60s, with us kids out of the house, most people would ask:
“Why haven’t you downsized?”
It’s a fair question. Since building their home in 2000, its value has more than doubled. U.S. home prices have appreciated over 167% in the last 25 years, and they could easily sell, buy something smaller, and boost their retirement savings.
But they’re not going anywhere—and honestly, I don’t blame them.
They aren’t alone either. Did you know over 90% of adults over 50 want to age in place?
My mom designed their home from scratch, down to selecting the land and working with a local contractor to build a forested family retreat. Some of her friends retire to Florida or Colorado—but more are staying right here in the Midwest, in places like Alton, IL, to enjoy their golden years close to their community, their church, and their memories.
What Does "Aging in Place" Remodeling Look Like?
At ASA Construction, we’ve seen a big increase in Alton homeowners requesting:
Walk-in or ADA-accessible showers
Refitting bathrooms with handrails
Custom ramps and low-rise deck additions
Reconfiguring main floors to add a bedroom and full bathroom
“Mother-in-law” additions that serve as guest suites now and future caretaker spaces later
People don’t just want safety and accessibility. They want convenience, style, and dignity.
Want to see how our clients in their 50s, 60s, and 70s are updating their homes to stay comfortable through their 90s? Let’s walk through our recommended updates, decade by decade.
First, Let’s Bust a Few Remodeling Myths
Myth #1: Accessibility = Hospital Vibes
Absolutely not. Your home doesn’t need to look clinical to be safe. Today’s fixtures and finishes blend beauty and function. Take these grab bars we installed in Alton:
Grab bars…or towel rack? These designer grab bars are anchored by additional in-wall support behind the tile.
they’re part of a matching set from Kohler, designed to look like elegant towel bars but built to anchor into studs and hold full weight.
Stylish, functional, and future-ready.
Myth #2: Accessibility Is Just for "Old People"
Not at all. Falls happen to toddlers and teenagers too. That’s why we always recommend:
Rounded corners on island counters
Wide doorways and threshold-free transitions
A good remodel grows with your family, no matter their age or ability.
Myth #3: Accessibility Decreases Your Home’s Value
Quite the opposite. A home that’s thoughtfully remodeled with accessibility in mind is a huge plus for future buyers—especially here in Alton, IL, recently named one of Illinois’ top places to retire by AARP and Forbes.
Remodeling by the Decade: Smart Home Upgrades for Aging in Place
In Your 50s: Think Ahead, Start Outside
Whether you’re downsizing or staying in your longtime family home, your 50s are the best time to invest in lasting exterior updates.
Roofing
If your roof was installed before 2000, it’s due for an inspection, especially if your retirement plans include spending time traveling. A new roof ensures:
No unexpected leaks
Better insulation
Protection of your biggest asset
Looking to go low-maintenance? Metal roofing is a great long-term investment, with double the lifespan of shingles.
Windows
New energy-efficient vinyl windows can cut heating and cooling bills and make your home more comfortable during Alton’s icy winters and muggy summers.
HVAC & Water Heater
Upgrade now while it’s still easy to plan, not when something breaks.
Start a Relationship With a Trusted Alton Contractor
At ASA Construction, we provide full home exterior evaluations so you can plan upgrades in phases and avoid big emergency repairs down the line.
Our Lead Carpenter Installs a Handrail to a Wood Porch on this Alton Property.
In Your 60s: Prioritize Comfort & Safety Inside
Your 60s are the time to make interior upgrades you won’t want to deal with later.
Start with the most dangerous room in your house: the bathroom. Did you know 80% of home falls happen in the bathroom?
Our most popular safety-focused (and luxury-forward) upgrades include:
Zero-threshold showers + deep soaking tubs
Non-slip tile and waterproof vinyl flooring
ADA-height toilets with bidet options
Recessed lighting and vanity task lighting
Lever-style handles and fixtures
Grab bars that double as towel racks
Built-in seated vanity areas (also accessible by wheelchair)
Cost-conscious? Our accessible bath remodels cost the same as our standard bath remodels—$15–$20k depending on finishes—because good design doesn’t need to be more expensive.
Stylish and modern ADA Bathroom built for a local Alton business.
In Your 70s: Mobility and Smart Tech
Getting in and out of your home becomes the top priority as your age. You want to maintain your independence as long as possible- and make it easy for caregivers to support you as your needs change. That means:
Ramps and Porches
If your home has three or fewer steps, an ADA-compliant ramp can be seamlessly integrated into your porch or deck—no eyesores required.
Outdoor Living Upgrades
Our team at ASA Construction specializes in decks, ramps, and porches that blend beautifully with your home’s landscape. These aren’t afterthoughts—they’re intentional, custom builds.
Tech Upgrades for Easy Living
Smart technology is a great way to stay independent and safe. Some of our favorite upgrades for clients aging in place:
Keypad locks – arthritis-friendly and allow family access without spare keys
Voice assistants – Alexa or Google Home can act as fall alert systems and daily schedulers
Motion-sensor lighting – great for hallways, bathrooms, and nighttime safety
While ASA doesn’t install full smart systems, we’ll happily help you swap out old locks, light fixtures, and wall switches with new, tech-friendly options.
Live Where You Love—Longer
At ASA Construction, we’re proud to serve homeowners in Alton, Godfrey, Edwardsville, and surrounding Illinois River Bend communities. From full exterior overhauls to luxurious aging-in-place bathrooms, we believe your home should grow with you—not push you out.
Whether you're 52 or 82, there's no better time to invest in the home you already love.
📞 Ready to start your remodel? Call us at 618-417-7103 and ask how we can help make your Alton home safe, stylish, and future-proof—for life.
