Aging-in-Place Remodeling Mistakes Salt Lake Valley Homeowners Should Avoid
Planning to age comfortably in your Salt Lake Valley home? You're not alone. Whether you're in Herriman, Riverton, Sandy, Magna, West Valley City, or anywhere else in the valley, more homeowners are choosing to modify their homes rather than downsize. But here's the thing: many well-intentioned remodeling projects actually make homes less functional as we age.
Don't worry, though. We're going to walk through the biggest mistakes people make and how to avoid them. Your future self (and your wallet) will thank you.
The "Looks Great Now" Trap
One of the biggest mistakes Salt Lake Valley homeowners make is designing purely for today's needs. That gorgeous, narrow hallway might look sleek and modern, but what happens when you need to navigate with a walker or wheelchair?
Doorway Drama
Standard doorways are 32 inches wide, but aging-in-place experts recommend 36 inches minimum. This extra space makes a huge difference when you're carrying laundry, moving furniture, or using mobility aids. The good news? Widening doorways during a remodel is much cheaper than doing it later.
Tight Spaces That Bite Back
Those cozy, compact layouts that feel so efficient today can become major obstacles down the road. Think about your morning routine: can you easily turn around in your bathroom? Is there space to sit down while getting dressed? Plan for movement, not just storage.
Bathroom Blunders That Could Cost You
Your bathroom is probably the most important room to get right when aging in place, yet it's where we see the most mistakes. Let's break down the big ones:
The "We'll Add Grab Bars Later" Mistake
Here's a pro tip that could save you thousands: install blocking (extra studs) behind your bathroom walls during any remodel, even if you don't need grab bars yet. This means you can add safety features later without tearing up beautiful tile work.
Many homeowners in Sandy, Riverton, and other valley communities skip this step to save money upfront, then face expensive retrofits later. Smart blocking costs maybe $100 extra during construction but saves $2,000+ in renovation costs down the line.
Slippery When Wet
That gorgeous marble or glossy tile might look amazing in your West Valley City home, but it's a fall waiting to happen when wet. Look for slip-resistant options that still look great: modern technology has come a long way.
Step-Over Shower Thresholds
Traditional shower curbs might seem normal, but they're trip hazards. Curbless or low-threshold showers are much safer and, honestly, look more modern and spa-like anyway.
Lighting: The Overlooked Safety Feature
Poor lighting is one of the sneakiest problems in aging-in-place design. As we get older, we need more light to see clearly, but many Salt Lake Valley remodels actually reduce lighting in favor of "mood lighting."
Stairway Shadows
This is especially important in two-story homes common throughout Herriman and Magna. Staircases need excellent lighting at the top, bottom, and along the way. Motion-activated lights are perfect here: they turn on automatically when you approach and turn off when you leave.
Kitchen Task Lighting
Under-cabinet lighting isn't just about looks: it's about safety. You need to clearly see what you're cutting, cooking, and cleaning. Poor kitchen lighting leads to cuts, burns, and spills.
The "DIY Everything" Disaster
Look, we get it. YouTube makes everything look easy, and Salt Lake Valley folks are known for being handy. But some aging-in-place modifications require professional expertise, especially when it comes to structural changes and safety features.
Electrical Work
Adding outlets, upgrading lighting, or installing new circuits isn't a weekend project. Utah has specific electrical codes, and DIY electrical work can be dangerous and won't pass inspection when you sell your home.
Plumbing Modifications
Moving plumbing for accessible bathrooms or adding new fixtures requires permits and professional installation throughout the Salt Lake Valley. Water damage from DIY plumbing mistakes can cost tens of thousands to repair.
Structural Changes
Removing walls, widening doorways, or adding ramps affects your home's structure. These changes require professional assessment to ensure safety and code compliance.
Floor Plan Fails
Many remodels focus on individual rooms but miss the big picture of how you move through your home daily.
The Bedroom-Bathroom Gap
If your master bedroom and bathroom are far apart or require navigating stairs, consider how this might work when mobility becomes limited. Sometimes it makes sense to convert a first-floor room into a master suite.
Kitchen Islands That Block Traffic
That massive kitchen island might look great on Pinterest, but can you easily move around it? Will it become an obstacle if you use mobility aids? Plan for clear pathways throughout your home.
Regional Reality Check: Salt Lake Valley Specific Issues
Living in Utah comes with unique challenges that affect aging-in-place planning:
Winter Weather Access
Snow and ice are facts of life here. Your remodel should include covered pathways, non-slip surfaces, and good lighting for safe winter navigation. This is especially important in areas like Magna and West Valley City, where winter storms can be particularly harsh.
Elevation and Health
The altitude in Salt Lake Valley can affect some people as they age. Good ventilation and easy access to outdoor spaces become more important for maintaining health and comfort.
Home Age and Style
Many valley homes were built in different eras with varying accessibility standards. Older homes in established neighborhoods might need more extensive modifications than newer construction.
Smart Solutions That Work
Now for the good news: there are plenty of ways to avoid these mistakes and create a home that works for decades to come.
Universal Design Principles
Design features that work for everyone, regardless of age or ability:
Lever-style door handles instead of knobs
Pull-out drawers instead of deep cabinets
Comfort-height toilets
Single-handle faucets
Non-slip flooring throughout
Technology Integration
Smart home technology can make aging in place much easier:
Voice-controlled lighting and temperature
Video doorbells for safer visitor screening
Smart locks for keyless entry
Medical alert systems with home integration
The Investment Perspective
Here's something many Salt Lake Valley homeowners don't realize: aging-in-place modifications often increase home value, especially in our market where buyers appreciate move-in ready homes.
Features like wider doorways, accessible bathrooms, and good lighting appeal to buyers of all ages. You're not just modifying for your future needs: you're making smart improvements that benefit everyone.
Getting Professional Help
While some modifications are DIY-friendly, the most important ones require professional expertise. Look for contractors who understand aging-in-place design and are familiar with local building codes throughout the Salt Lake Valley.
These bathroom upgrades and stair safety improvements are great examples of projects that benefit from professional installation.
Planning Your Next Steps
Start with a honest assessment of your current home:
Which areas would be challenging to navigate with limited mobility?
Where is lighting inadequate?
What safety features are missing?
Which modifications would provide the biggest safety and comfort improvements?
Don't try to do everything at once. Prioritize safety modifications first: things like bathroom safety, lighting, and clear pathways. Aesthetic improvements can come later.
The Bottom Line
Aging in place successfully requires thinking beyond today's needs. The mistakes we've discussed: narrow spaces, poor lighting, inadequate planning: are all preventable with some forethought and professional guidance.
Whether you're in Herriman planning a bathroom remodel or in Sandy considering a kitchen update, keep future accessibility in mind. Your home should support you through all of life's stages, not become an obstacle to overcome.
The Salt Lake Valley is a wonderful place to call home for life. With smart remodeling choices, you can ensure your house remains a safe, comfortable haven for decades to come.
Remember: the best aging-in-place modification is the one you don't notice because it works so seamlessly with your daily life. That's the goal we should all be aiming for.
