Aging-In-Place Bathroom

Renovation

Durham, North Carolina

Construction by BH Renovations

• 68 SF Bathroom Renovation

The clients have been in this home for years and want to stay there as long as possible as they age so they came to me for help.

The original bathroom had a large clawfoot tub/shower combo, minimal storage space, and old plumbing that needed to be completely replaced. It also used to have an exterior window, but a previous addition on the back of the house left it feeling dark and small.

The solution was a total gut renovation from floor to roof to replace the tub with a zero-barrier shower, vault the ceiling up to a new skylight, and replace the old wall sink with a large vanity and upper cabinets for more storage.

To address their future aging needs beyond the basic zero-barrier shower, I encouraged them to add grab bars and a fold-down shower seat with it’s own handheld shower head during this project rather than just putting in blocking and “waiting until they need it,” which inevitably ends up being too late. It’s already a favorite spot for them to sit and rinse off after spending long hours in their garden. I also encouraged them to upgrade to a toilet with an integrated bidet and under cabinet lighting on a night-light sensor as those can help with cleanliness and visual safety.

Now their bathroom is filled with light, storage space, and will be usable for decades to come.