Aging in Place in Minneapolis & St. Paul: A Home Remodeling Guide Using AARP’s Free Resources

As Minnesota’s population continues to age, more homeowners across Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the greater Twin Cities metro are choosing to age in place by remaining safely and comfortably in their homes rather than moving to assisted living or downsizing.

With over 20% of Minnesotans now age 65 or older, aging-in-place home remodels are no longer niche projects, they’re a smart, forward-thinking investment. In a region known for harsh winters, icy walkways, and multi-level homes, incorporating universal design principles during a remodel or design-build project isn’t just convenient, it’s essential for safety, independence, and long-term value.

These free guides explains how homeowners in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Edina, Woodbury, Eden Prairie, Rochester, Duluth, and beyond can use AARP’s free HomeFit resources to plan smarter remodels and how working with a local, experienced construction partner can turn those plans into reality.

Thinking about remodeling your home to support aging in place? Contact us today for a FREE, no-obligation construction estimate.

What Does “Aging in Place” Mean—and Why It Matters in Minnesota

Aging in place means modifying your home so it continues to meet your needs as you age focusing on:

Safety
Accessibility
Comfort
Ease of daily living

Unlike ADA standards (which primarily apply to public buildings), universal design creates spaces that work for people of all ages and abilities, without sacrificing style or resale value.

Why Aging in Place Is Especially Important in Minnesota

Homes throughout Minneapolis and St. Paul especially historic properties often include:

Steep staircases
Narrow doorways
Bathrooms without main-level access

Add Minnesota’s climate into the mix snow, ice, long winters, and reduced daylight and the risk of falls increases significantly. Falls remain one of the leading causes of injury among older adults.

By planning ahead and remodeling proactively, homeowners can:

Reduce fall risk
Improve daily comfort
Avoid costly emergency modifications later
Increase resale value as accessible homes grow in demand

👉 Our team specializes in aging-in-place and universal design remodels. Schedule a FREE consultation to explore options for your home.

Introducing the AARP HomeFit Guide: A Smart Starting Point for Remodeling

The AARP HomeFit Guide is a 36-page illustrated guide available as a free downloadable PDF. It helps homeowners evaluate their living spaces and plan upgrades that support long-term independence.

The guide is available in multiple languages and is ideal for homeowners planning:

Home remodels
Design-build projects
Aging-in-place upgrades
Long-term renovations

Download AARP HomeFit Guide now!

Key Universal Design Features Highlighted in the HomeFit Guide

No-step entries – reduce fall risk and improve accessibility during icy Minnesota winters
Wider doorways & hallways – typically 32–36 inches for mobility devices
Layered lighting – essential for long winter nights
Lever-style door handles – easier for arthritic hands
Non-slip flooring – critical in kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways

The guide encourages a room-by-room approach, starting with high-impact areas like entrances, bathrooms, and kitchens.

Download the AARP HomeFit Guide and contact us to review how these ideas apply to your Minneapolis or St. Paul home.

Frequently Asked Questions About Aging in Place Remodeling in Minneapolis & St. Paul

What does “aging in place” mean?

Aging in place means updating or remodeling your home so you can live there safely, comfortably, and independently as your needs change over time. It typically focuses on accessibility, fall prevention, better lighting, easier daily use, and long-term livability improvements.

What are the most important aging-in-place upgrades for Minneapolis and St. Paul homes?

High-impact upgrades in Minneapolis and St. Paul often include zero-step entries, improved exterior lighting, slip-resistant flooring, bathroom safety updates (such as curbless showers and grab bars), wider doorways where feasible, and brighter layered lighting. These upgrades are especially important during Minnesota’s long, dark winter months.

How does universal design differ from ADA compliance?

ADA compliance mainly applies to public accommodations and commercial buildings. Universal design focuses on making a home work well for people of all ages and abilities without looking institutional. Features like lever handles, step-free entries, wider pathways, and improved lighting benefit everyone living in the home.

Which areas of the home should be remodeled first for aging in place?

Most homeowners begin with entrances and bathrooms because they provide the greatest safety and accessibility improvements. In Minnesota, upgrading entryways for winter traction and lighting, along with bathroom floors and showers for slip resistance and easier access, can significantly reduce fall risk.

What are the best bathroom remodeling features for aging in place?

Common aging-in-place bathroom features include curbless showers, reinforced walls for grab bars, non-slip flooring, comfort-height toilets, brighter layered lighting, improved ventilation, and easy-to-reach controls. Heated floors can also add comfort during cold Minnesota winters.

What exterior improvements help with Minnesota winters?

Helpful exterior upgrades include better lighting on walkways and stairs, slip-resistant surfaces, covered or protected entries, sturdy handrails, low or zero-step thresholds, and proper drainage. In some cases, heated mats or snow-management solutions may be appropriate in high-traffic areas.

Can I do some aging-in-place upgrades myself?

Yes. Some upgrades can be DIY, such as improving lighting, removing trip hazards, securing rugs, or organizing storage for easier access. However, safety-critical work like electrical upgrades, structural changes, doorway widening, shower conversions, or installing mobility equipment should be completed by a qualified professional.

How much does an aging-in-place remodel cost in the Twin Cities?

Costs vary depending on the scope of work, your home’s layout, and finish selections. Small safety upgrades may be relatively affordable, while larger projects like bathroom or main-level remodels require a higher investment. A site visit and detailed estimate provide the most accurate pricing.

Do you offer free estimates for aging-in-place remodeling in Minneapolis and St. Paul?

Yes. We offer free, no-obligation estimates for aging-in-place and universal design remodeling projects throughout Minneapolis, St. Paul, and surrounding Twin Cities suburbs. Contact us to schedule a walkthrough and discuss options tailored to your home and goals.

AARP HomeFit Worksheets: Free PDFs That Turn Ideas Into Action

In addition to the HomeFit Guide, AARP offers eight practical HomeFit Worksheets all free downloadable PDFs that help homeowners move from assessment to execution.

These worksheets are especially helpful if you’re planning a design-build remodel or working with a ADA certified contractor like Grizzly Construction.

Download AARP HomeFit Worksheets now!

1. Is This Home HomeFit? – Assessment Checklist (1 page)

A yes/no evaluation of your home’s current readiness.

Step-free entrances
Doorway widths
Main-level bathrooms
Exterior lighting (important for snowy conditions)

Best for: Identifying quick wins before a full remodel.

2. Room-by-Room HomeFit To-Do List (2 pages)

Create a personalized improvement plan for:

Entrances
Kitchens
Bathrooms
Bedrooms
Living areas

Minnesota tip: Prioritize non-slip flooring and moisture-resistant materials.

3. Room-by-Room HomeFit Supply List

Helps you plan materials such as:

Grab bars
Lever handles
Touchless faucets
Lighting upgrades

Best for: Budget planning and contractor coordination.

4. Room-by-Room Do-It-Yourself (DIY) List

Highlights safe DIY upgrades like:

Securing rugs
Installing night lights
Improving lighting visibility

5. Room-by-Room Don’t Do-It-Yourself List

Identifies projects that should always be handled by professionals:

Electrical upgrades
Structural changes
Stair lifts or elevators

6. Home Improvement Contractor Interview Notes (2 pages)

A structured worksheet for interviewing contractors:

Licensing & insurance
Experience with universal design
Aging-in-place expertise

7. Home Improvement Contractor Reference Feedback

Helps evaluate past client experiences to ensure the contractor understands aging-in-place needs.

👉 Download these worksheets and bring them to your FREE remodeling consultation—we’ll walk through them together.

Room-by-Room Aging-in-Place Remodeling Recommendations for Minnesota Homes

Using AARP’s guidance, here’s how homeowners in Minneapolis and St. Paul can apply universal design principles effectively:

Entrances & Exits

Zero-step entries or low-profile thresholds
Heated mats or slip-resistant surfaces
Motion-activated lighting

Kitchens

Pull-out shelves & drawers
Front-control appliances
Adjustable or varied counter heights
Touchless faucets

Bathrooms

Curbless showers
Comfort-height toilets
Reinforced walls for grab bars
Heated, non-slip flooring

Stairs & Hallways

Handrails on both sides
Enhanced lighting at top & bottom
36-inch wide pathways
Planning for future stair lifts or elevators

Bedrooms & Living Areas

Clear pathways
Reachable closets
Smart lighting or voice-activated controls

Outdoor Spaces

Well-lit walkways
Ramps or gradual transitions
Snow-friendly materials

Local Minnesota Considerations & Next Steps

Many aging-in-place projects in Minnesota may qualify for:

State or local rebates
Housing assistance programs
Energy-efficiency incentives

Planning early using AARP’s free resources helps reduce long-term costs, prevent injuries, and create a home that supports independence.

Ready to Start Your Aging-in-Place Remodel?

Is This Home HomeFit? (Assessment Checklist)
This one-page tool poses yes/no questions to gauge your home’s readiness. Key questions include: “Is there a step-free entrance?” “Are doorways at least 36 inches wide?” and “Is there a full bathroom on the main level?” For Twin Cities residents, check for winter-specific items like well-lit exterior paths to prevent falls on snow-covered steps. centerforplainlanguage.org Use this to identify quick wins, like adding motion-sensor lights, before a full remodel.
The Room-by-Room HomeFit To-Do List
A two-page template for building personalized improvement lists. It covers entrances (e.g., install lever handles), kitchens (e.g., add pull-out shelves), bathrooms (e.g., curbless showers), and more. In Minnesota, prioritize non-slip flooring to handle tracked-in snow and mud.
The Room-by-Room HomeFit Supply List
Lists materials needed, such as grab bars or sensor faucets. This is great for budgeting during a St. Paul kitchen remodel, ensuring you source durable, weather-resistant items from local suppliers.
The Room-by-Room Do-It-Yourself List
Highlights DIY tasks like securing rugs or installing night-lights. For complex jobs, like widening doorways, it advises consulting pros – ideal for coordinating with CAPS-certified contractors in Minneapolis. accessdesignbuild.com
The Room-by-Room Don’t Do-It-Yourself List
Flags professional-only tasks, such as electrical work or stair lift installation, to avoid safety risks.
Home Improvement Contractor Interview Notes (2 pages)
A template for vetting contractors, including questions on licensing, insurance, and references. In Minnesota, look for firms experienced in universal design, like Access Design Build or Remodel for Life. accessdesignbuild.com +1
Home Improvement Contractor Reference Feedback
Helps evaluate past client experiences, ensuring your remodel partner understands aging-in-place needs.
Home Emergency Contacts List
A simple sheet for listing key contacts, crucial for rural Minnesota homes where emergency response times may vary.

The AARP HomeFit Download .pdf Files

📞 Contact us today for a FREE aging-in-place remodeling estimate in Minneapolis, St. Paul, or greater Minnesota.
We’ll help you turn planning into a safe, beautiful, and future-ready home.