#58 - DIY Home Modifications: What Can You Safely Do Yourself?

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DIY home modifications empower aging in place while making homes safer, more comfortable, and more accessible. Smart, targeted improvements can be completed without professional help to transform your living space while saving money.

The heart of our discussion focuses on nine specific modifications most people can safely tackle themselves. For each project, we provide practical tips and reassurance that these changes can be made gradually to accommodate both physical energy and budget constraints.

Just as important as knowing what you can do yourself is recognizing when to call in professionals. We outline five categories of modifications best left to experts. Throughout the episode, we emphasize safety considerations, affordable alternatives, and the emotional benefits of taking ownership of these changes.

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Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:33):
Hi everyone, and welcome to another episode of
the Aging in Place Directorypodcast, the show where we
empower you to make informed,practical and sometimes even fun
choices about living your bestlife right at home.
I'm your host, robin Schultz,and I'm thrilled you've joined
me today for a topic that is ashands-on as it gets DIY home

(00:56):
modifications.
What can you safely do yourself?
So grab your notepad, a cup ofsomething delicious to drink and
maybe your handy glasses, andtoday we're gonna dive into the
world of do-it-yourself homeimprovements that really make a
difference for aging in place.
We'll explore whichmodifications are surprisingly

(01:17):
easy, which projects you reallyshouldn't tackle solo and, most
importantly, how to stay safewhile turning your house into
the perfect forever home.
So the first part is why homemodifications matter.
Well, let's set the scene.
Imagine your home, the placewhere life has unfolded, where

(01:37):
memories are built and, ifyou're like most of us, a place
you'd prefer to stay, even asyour needs change.
But homes, as wonderful as theyare, don't always age as
gracefully as their owners.
Stairs get steeper, bathtubsget more slippery, and that
light switch always seems just alittle more out of reach.

(01:57):
That's where home modificationscome in.
They're not just tweaks,they're life changers.
They make our home safer, morecomfortable and more accessible,
whether you use a cane, awheelchair or you just want to
reduce the risks of falls andinjuries.
But let's be honest hiring prosevery time can get expensive.

(02:18):
So what can you safely doyourself?
Well, let's roll up our sleevesand find out.
Before we get into specifics,though, let's talk mindset.
Diy is wonderful, but when itcomes to home modifications,
especially for aging in place,we're playing a high-stakes game

(02:38):
.
The golden rule If there's anydoubt, get help out.
Ask yourself is this projectwithin my physical ability?
Do I have the right tools and,more importantly, know how to
use those tools?
Will fixing a small problemcreate a bigger one?
And am I really sure aboutwhich wire is the live one?

(03:00):
Don't worry, it's not aboutbeing timid, it's about being
smart.
So now let's get down to thegood stuff.
Here are the home modificationsprojects that most people can
do themselves safely with a bitof elbow grease.
Number one is adding grab barsand railings.
Grab bars aren't just forhospitals.

(03:22):
You can buy attractive,affordable ones at most hardware
stores, designed for DIYinstallation.
Most models come with clearinstructions and templates.
Place them in the shower, nextto the toilet or by the front
doorsteps.
Here's a tip Make sure to usethe right anchors if you're not

(03:43):
screwing directly into a woodenstud.
Toggle bolts for drywall,masonry anchors for brick.
Next is non-slip solutions.
You want to apply adhesive,non-slip treads on stairs and in
the bathtub.
They're available in clear ordecorative designs and they're

(04:04):
as easy as peel and stick andinstant improvement for peace of
mind.
Number three is smart lightingupgrades.
Swap out your bulbs forbrighter, energy-efficient LEDs.
Place stick-on motion sensorsin hallways, bathrooms and
closets no wiring needed and usenight lights with sensors for

(04:27):
bathrooms and bedrooms.
Number four is cabinet hardwarechanges.
You want to replace difficultknobs with easy grip D shaped
handles or pull bars.
All you need to do this is asimple screwdriver.
Your hands and your wrists willthank you.
Number five is adjusting thecloset and shelf heights.

(04:49):
Move items you use frequentlyto lower shelves and racks and
install additional shelving ataccessible heights.
Most shelf systems are modularand can be added to without
power tools.
Number six is threshold rampsfor small steps.
Buy pre-made threshold rampsfor easier wheelchair or walker

(05:14):
access at the doorways.
These often require noinstallation at all.
You just set them in place.
Number seven is handheld showerinstallation.
Most modern shower heads can bereplaced with a handheld unit
in less than 10 minutes and noprofessional tools are required.

(05:34):
Look for models with long,flexible hoses and easy mount
brackets.
Number eight is toilet seatrisers.
These are designed for DIYinstallation and can make a huge
difference in independence.
Some will even clamp directlyonto your current toilet, so
again, no tools needed.

(05:54):
And number nine is doorknobreplacements.
Replace your round doorknobswith lever handles.
This can be a true game changerfor someone with arthritis or
grip issues.
And remember whatever you do,read the instructions twice,
measure twice and don't rush.
The slower you go, the quickeryou'll get there safely.

(06:17):
And another tip is you don'thave to do these changes all at
one time.
Replace the doorknobs, maybetwo of them a month until you're
finished with the house, ormaybe put in one or two grab
bars in a month and then do twomore the next month.
It'll stretch out your budget alittle bit.

(06:38):
So the next section is knowingwhen to put the hammer down.
These are projects best left toprofessionals.
As tempting as it is to go fullweekend warrior, some
modifications need the trainedtouch of a pro.
The first of these iselectrical work beyond something
that's just plug and play.
Installing new outlets,switches or moving wiring is a

(07:03):
job for a certified electrician.
New outlets, switches or movingwiring is a job for a certified
electrician.
Even small mistakes can lead tofire or injury.
Number two is plumbing changes.
Swapping out a faucet is onething, but moving pipes, adding
a new shower or relocating asink Get yourself a plumber.
Number three is structuralmodifications.

(07:24):
If you're thinking aboutwidening a doorway, building a
ramp or taking out a wall, youneed to know what's behind the
drywall.
Sometimes it's wires, pipes oreven a load-bearing beam.
Get a professional.
Number four is stair lifts andcomplex mobility equipment.
These must be installed toprecise specifications, not just

(07:48):
for your convenience but forsafety and warranty coverage.
So you'll need a pro to do theinstallation.
Number five is windowreplacements and exterior doors.
Not only can improperinstallation cause leaks and
drafts, but you mayinadvertently mess with your
home's security or insulation.
Next is roof repairs.

(08:11):
Anything off the ground andinvolving a ladder higher than
your shoulders, get help.
Falls are the leading cause ofhome injuries for older adults,
for older adults.
When in doubt, remember you canalways help by planning,
picking, finishes, even painting, but leave the heavy lifting to
the folks with tool belts,licenses and insurance.

(08:35):
Now, I'm not here to throw a wetblanket on your enthusiasm.
I just want to keep you safe.
So here are some universalsafety tips for every DIY
project.
First, you want to dress thepart.
Closed-toed shoes, gloves andsafety glasses are the DIYers'
uniform and you want to use theright tools.

(08:56):
Don't make do with a butterknife or kitchen scissors.
Keep your workspace clear.
Don't have tripping hazardsaround.
Have a buddy nearby for trickytasks.
Even a quick text or phonecheck-in can be a lifesaver.
Work in the daylight whenpossible.
Good visibility helps toprevent mistakes.

(09:18):
Take breaks and stay hydrated,because fatigue can lead to
costly errors and injuries.
Read instructions, look forinstallation videos online.
Some hardware stores eveninclude phone support.
Now, not every home modificationneeds a big budget.

(09:39):
Sometimes a few targeted tweakscan make your home more
supportive.
So here are some affordableideas.
How about large print labelsfor medication, pantry switches?
Color contrast tape is good foron stair edges and thresholds
for better visibility.

(09:59):
Rearrange furniture to open uppathways and remove clutter.
To reduce falls.
You can get a voice assistant.
Smart speakers and displays canhelp with reminders, timers
even calling for help.
Reposition rugs or, better yet,remove loose rugs altogether

(10:20):
because they're a trippinghazard If you don't remove them.
Get the tape that helps tosecure them to the floor.
Command hooks.
You can place them at reachableheights for keys, jackets, bags
and timers on lights areimportant.
You never wanna come home to adark house.
So now the emotional side Takeownership and celebrate your

(10:44):
wins.
Here's a little-known secretDoing your own home
modifications isn't just aboutsaving money and checking things
off a list.
It's about confidence andinvesting in your independence
and loving your home enough tomake sure it serves you at every
stage.
And if you're feeling creative,diy can actually be a lot of

(11:05):
fun.
Get your family involved, throwon your favorite music and
treat every completed projectlike a little victory.
Because it is so.
Let's talk about some frequentlyasked questions from our
listeners.
One is what is the most commonmistake in DIY home modification

(11:27):
?
The answer is underestimatingwhat's involved.
Always research, make a supplylist and block off more time
than you think you'll need.
Next question is how can I findout if a professional is needed
?
The answer is contact yourlocal area agency on aging or us
on the Aging in Place directory.

(11:49):
We often have resources andhome assessment referrals, as
does the local area agency onaging.
Next question is are theregrants or subsidies for home
modifications?
The answer is yes.
Many states, communities andnon-profits offer funds or tax
rebates specifically foraccessibility upgrades.

(12:11):
And the takeaway To wrap upremember that there are plenty
of home upgrades you can doyourself safely.
When in doubt, though, call apro.
Even the smallest modificationcan make your daily life easier,
safer and more enjoyable.
If you'd like more ideas, youcan always check out the Aging

(12:32):
in Place directory website,where we have guides, checklists
and links to trustedprofessionals in your area.
So thanks for tuning in toDizzee's episode of the Aging in
Place directory podcast.
So thanks for tuning in toDizzee's episode of the Aging in
Place Directory podcast.
If you enjoyed the episode,please remember to subscribe and
share it with someone who mightfind it useful.
And hey, if you take on any ofthese DIY projects, send us a

(12:56):
photo or story.
We'd love to celebrate yourwins.
So that is all.
Until the next podcast episode,stay safe, stay crafty and
remember your home is yours toshape.
Take care Bye.