Aging In Place

According to a recent AARP survey, Data shows that 77 percent of adults 50 and older want to remain in their homes for the long term. To accomplish that, many homeowners across Hampton Roads need to make home modifications to ensure a safe and functional aging-in-place design.

Hatchett Design Remodel offers a variety of home modifications. From spacious, functional kitchen modifications and luxurious bathroom modifications to aging-in-place additions & in-law suites, we have built them all since 1960.

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The Hatchett Difference

Seamless Design Process

From the initial consultation to the final product, we ensure your questions are answered and expectations are set to make the process as seamless as possible.

Endless Customizations

Your home is as unique as you are. From the drawer pulls to lighting, we will make sure your home remodel fits your style and needs.

A Name You Can Trust

Homeowners across Hampton Roads choose Hatchett Design Remodel because they know they can trust our team. We've remodeled over 18,000 homes in Hampton Roads and we back our work with a 5-year warranty.

Aging-In-Place Home Modifications

To “age in place”, many Hampton Roads homeowners are choosing to make home modifications to their main living areas to make their residences safer and easier to navigate.

The most common home modifications occur in the kitchen and bathroom as those are the places where many hazards and obstacles occur. As Certified Aging-In-Place Specialists, we seamlessly integrate functionality and design in our kitchen remodels and bathroom remodels.

Kitchen Modifications

Kitchens are especially critical in designing a space to allow you to remain in your home for as long as possible. The kitchen is a part of daily living, where we spend a lot of time. It can also be a space of possible hazards if not designed with a universal design in mind. When redesigning your kitchen, if you are contemplating remaining in your home for years to come, you should consider an aging-in-place or universal kitchen design.

Save Up To $4500 On A Full Kitchen Remodel!

Lock in great rates for Fall/Winter projects. Offer valid for a fully remodeled kitchen. One offer per household.

Design Modification – Flooring

The Hatchett Design Remodel team is mindful of potential slipping hazards in our universal kitchen designs. An aging-in-place designed kitchen should be placed on the main level. We aim to eliminate stairs and floors that are not level between rooms. It is recommended that you refrain from using floor throws and mats that could become tripping hazards. The Hatchett Design team makes recommendations of ideal flooring options in the kitchen that are both slip-resistant and soft to the feet.

Design Modification – Appliance Placement

In addition to designing an aging in place kitchen with an eye towards preventing slips and falls, the Hatchett team will design your kitchen with a reduction in the need to lean or bend over. Planning key appliances such as wall ovens at a raised height can alleviate the strain of bending over. Additionally, placing your microwave at counter height and choosing a shallow sink will reduce the need for bending over and putting strain on your back.

Design Modification – Cabinetry & Countertop

A kitchen designed for aging in place includes selecting the best cabinetry and pantry designs. Kitchen cabinetry and pantries in a roll-out or pull-out style are easier to navigate and reduce the need for bending over than traditional cabinet doors. D-shaped pulls, levers, or pull handles are easier to use than cabinetry with knobs. Countertops should be designed with rounded edges to reduce sharp corners and at a comfortable height throughout the aging-in-place kitchen.

Design Modification – Sink

The kitchen sink is another element of a universal kitchen design that requires specific consideration. Selecting a faucet that is hands-free or a lever-style will be easier to turn on and off than a faucet with turn knobs. Designing a kitchen sink in close proximity to the stove is a safer option to reducing spills. It is also ideal in reducing the strain of carrying pots of water and other items from the sink to the stove and vice versa.

Design Modification – Cooking Appliances

When creating your kitchen in a universal design style, consider your cooking range. Selecting an induction cooktop rather than a gas stove with an open flame is safer to use. Cooktops with knobs at the front versus back of the range reduce the need to reach over a heat source. Planning the stove near the sink helps reduce the need to carry heavy items from one to the other.

Trevillian Master Bath - Classic Master Bath - Tiled Shower Floor

Trevillian Master Bath - Classic Master Bath - Tiled Shower Floor

Douglas Kitchen

Kitchen Remodel Induction Cooktop

Owen Park Kitchen Remodel - After - Gold pot filler on white scalloped tile backsplash

The Muellner's remodeled kitchen features a large teal kitchen island for a pop of color against their new white kitchen cabinets.

Bathroom Modifications

Hatchett’s Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) designers will start with a conversation, hearing your desires for the remodeled bathroom and assessing the current bathroom space. Our team will then develop an aging-in-place design that is both functional and luxurious as you plan to remain in your home for as long as possible. Our CAP specialists create universal design plans not only accounting for current needs for your bathroom but also expecting future needs for the space as well.

Save Up To $3000 On A Full Bathroom Remodel!

Lock in great rates for Fall/Winter projects. Offer valid for a fully remodeled bathroom. One offer per household.

Design Modification – Bathtubs, Showers, and Toilets

A bathroom designed for aging in place is created with safety in mind. Removing steps in the bathroom is key to reducing the chances of slips and falls.

Consider a walk-in shower instead of a tub. Curbless showers are a popular option as they remove the step over the threshold. Safety rails and grab bars are a must-have in a universally designed bathroom. Position rails or grab bars at the entrance to the shower, in the shower, and by the toilet. A seat in the shower is a nice option as you plan to stay in your home for years to come.

A taller toilet is a consideration for an aging-in-place bathroom as well. Even shower heads make a difference in a bathroom created with a universal design. Removable or adjustable shower heads make the bathroom easier to use.

Design Modification – Flooring & Doorways

The Hatchett Design Remodel team is mindful of potential slipping hazards in our universal bathroom designs. Placing the bathroom on the main level is ideal for an aging-in-place design. Our team recommends that you refrain from using mats and floor throws that could become tripping hazards. The ideal flooring options in the universally designed bathroom are both slip-resistant and soft to the feet. Widening doorways from the standard 30-inches to 36 provides the ability to maneuver more easily as well as making it accessible for walkers and wheelchairs.

Design Modification – Sink & Cabinetry

When choosing a sink, keep faucet types in mind. In comparison to knobs, hands-free or lever-handled faucets are easier to grab and use. Additionally, cabinetry in an aging-in-place bathroom should be void of knobs. Consider lever or pull-handles for easier opening cabinetry and drawers. Anticipating the need for vanity space for medications, consider a medicine cabinet or a vanity tower.

Trevillian Master Bath - Classic Master Bath - Tiled Shower Floor

Trevillian Master Bath - Classic Master Bath - Tiled Shower Floor

Moore Hartman Curbless Shower for Aging In Place - Bathroom Modifications

Trevillian Master Bath - Classic Master Bath - Tiled Shower Floor

Looking For A Remodeler To Take On Your Aging-In-Place Project?

We are ready to help. Give us a call to schedule a free consultation.

Aging-In-Place Additions and In-Law Additions

With the cost of healthcare on the rise, many senior adults are looking to live in their homes for as long as independent living is comfortable. The increased cost of retirement community living options encourages other senior adults to create a space for independent living as they age in their own homes or as a home addition with close relatives. This multi-generational living is increasing across the nation and here in Hampton Roads.

Save Up To $4500 On A Sunroom or Addition!

Lock in great rates for Fall/Winter projects. Offer valid for a sunroom or home addition. One offer per household.

To accommodate a home for a multi-generational family, many homeowners are remodeling their homes with an aging-in-place addition. Aging in place is the ability to live in the home of your choice as safely, independently, and comfortably as possible. These home additions designed for senior relatives are often referred to as an in-law suite.

There are several specifications that you may want to consider in the design of your new in-law suite addition. Our design team, being Certified Aging in Place Specialists, has found these design elements important in the creation of an in-law suite that will be functional and accommodating for years to come.

Overall Floor Plan and Design

Design Modification – Single Story

Universal design floor plans are typically a single story or at minimum have all main living (bedroom, kitchen, bathroom) on the first floor.

Design Modification – Minimize Steps

Keep the design as level as possible, with no steps between rooms. Removing steps from the exterior to the interior of the home is a good idea as well. Keep decks and balconies, no more than a half-inch step from the interior level. If there are steps inside or outside of the house, be sure to have a safety rail installed.

Design Modification – Open Spaces

Keep wide turn areas in the living room, kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom equipped with five-foot by five-foot clearance for easy navigation of wheelchairs.

After Hatchett remodeled their home in Hampton Roads, the Morgans hired our team again to renovate their vacation home.

It’s important to select safe flooring options for an aging-in-place addition. Select flooring that is not prone to slips and trips to prevent falls.

Hallways Doorways and Entryways

Ensure hallways are well-lit and void of flooring that could cause slipping or tripping to prevent falls.
Keep doorways a minimum of 36 inches, but wider is better to accommodate walkers and wheelchairs.
Design at least one entry point without steps. Ideally include a cover for easier transfer inside and outside during inclement weather.
Provide appropriate lighting at the entry point, especially to illuminate the front door lock. Sensor lighting is a nice touch to have access to outside lights whether the light switch was turned on or not.

It’s important to ensure other home modifications in the kitchen and bathroom have been made to develop a universal design.

Hunting Bathroom

Aging-In-Place Remodel Budget Expectations

Given the various project types and sizes that Hatchett Design Remodel creates, we have put in a great deal of time to provide budget expectations for the various key areas of remodeling. One of our Design Consultants will be able to provide you with a much more accurate range based on your specific remodeling project once they have seen the space and heard more details from you. Remodeling Magazine’s Cost versus Value Report is a great reference when considering budget expectations for home remodeling projects. We hope you will find the ranges below to be helpful for planning purposes.

Kitchen Remodel

$60,000-125,000+

Bathroom Remodel

$50,000-90,000+

Aging-In-Place Addition

$80,000+

Financing Available

We aim to help make your dream remodel a reality, which is why we offer special financing. Make sure you ask about it when you request a consultation.

Get A More Accurate Estimate For Your Aging-In-Place Project

Once we get to know your space and hear more details about your ideal home modifications, we can give you a better estimate of the expected investment. Schedule a free consultation with our design consultants.

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The Hatchett Design Remodel Process

The Hatchett Design Remodel team understands that a complete remodel is a large undertaking. It is a journey that can be simultaneously exciting and highly stressful. We have a proven approach to full-service remodeling that eliminates your stress while ensuring your greatest satisfaction with your completed remodel project. What distinguishes Hatchett Design Remodel as a premier remodeler across Hampton Roads is our design-to-build method and our 5-Year Workmanship Warranty.

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Consultation

Hatchett’s Remodeling Consultants visit and review the space to be remodeled, then discuss your desires and expectations for your new space.

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Design

In this stage, the homeowner visits one of our showrooms, reviews the design plan and selects the products and materials for their renovation.

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Pre-Construction

We will visit the homeowner’s home again to review the step-by-step plan of the construction phase, confirm measurements & materials, and answer any questions before we start the build.

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Construction

Hatchett takes every step necessary to streamline the final stage of construction – from daily communication to daily clean-up.

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Warranty

We understand that your home is your biggest asset and most pride possession, therefore we stand behind our work with a 5-year workmanship warranty.

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Hatchett Design Remodel believes that universal design is important to all of our clients, and it is especially important to homeowners who plan to age in place. That is why we recently hosted a universal design workshop for our entire design team from both our...

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Or Have Your Frequently Asked Questions Answered

Common questions homeowners want to know about their new home addition are “when will I see a return on my investment”, “what are zoning restrictions”, and “how much should I expect to pay.”

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I only wish I had convinced myself to doing it sooner.

I’m extremely satisfied with my kitchen remodel. It took me a little longer than expected due to the covid & some cabinetry defects, but they never settled for anything other than my satisfaction. The process was very professional & the end results to me is awesome. I only wish I had convinced myself to doing it sooner. Thank you Hatchett & your team of Great people.

Gene D.

Professional and Responsive

Cost more than we wanted to pay, but my Dad always said you get what you pay for. The Hatchett team was professional, responsive and completed the work within the estimated time frame. I’m completely satisfied with the finished products.

Suzanne W

Top-Quality Home Remodeling Company

I’ve known this company for years and have seen some of the fabulous work they do. They are true professionals and a company you can really trust to do a great job, with a helpful and friendly staff. I highly recommend them as a top-quality home remodeling company.

Gary D.

Fantastic Process

Hatchett Design is a great place with great people and a fantastic process. I highly recommend them to anyone considering doing some work on their home.

Eric S.

I Had Nothing To Worry About

I was extremely pleased with the quality of the work and the care they took of my home. The project manager orchestrated everything so well that I had nothing to worry about.

Eleanor H.

Getting Started

Creating a universal design remodel requires a lot of planning. Don’t feel the pressure of planning your space alone. Lean on the expertise of Hatchett’s Certified Aging in Place Specialist Designers to ensure every aspect of your aging-in-place remodel is planned and executed to perfection.

We count it an honor to plan and dream with you in developing your ideal universal design bathroom, kitchen, addition, or mother-in-law suite together. For more information about our universal design modifications contact Hatchett Design Remodeling today. Remember, it costs nothing to ask!