For many homeowners on Bainbridge Island, especially those who have raised their families here, made friends here and have deep connections, this is also where they want to spend their retirement years.

With a tight real estate market, however, it’s not always easy to get into something new in their neighborhood that also meets their needs as they age.

The best solution can be an “Aging in Place” renovation, tailored to enhanced safety, accessibility and long-term comfort, explains Brad Stockman, Director of Fairbank Special Services, a division of Fairbank Construction. Fairbank Construction has been a trusted name in new home construction across Bainbridge Island and Kitsap County for more than 47 years. In 2006, they took their expertise in building custom homes and opened the Fairbank Special Services division to offer expert remodeling and repair services throughout Kitsap County.

The challenge for older adults is that homes built over the past several decades were typically designed for growing families. However, as the population ages and the percentage of single-adult and multi-generational households increases, homes must evolve to accommodate mobility and accessibility needs.

“We want to help homeowners develop a game plan – whether it’s small changes now or larger modifications later – so they can stay in their homes longer,” Stockman says.

Comprehensive Aging in Place services

Stockman and his team ensure “Aging in Place” best practices through regular consultations with architecture and design professionals, trade associations and product manufacturers. This collaborative approach allows them to tailor solutions to each homeowner’s unique needs, starting with an in-home consultation to assess potential retrofit options; these solutions could range from simple adjustments to full room remodels.

Fairbank Special Services provides homeowners with educational resources that explore some of today’s advancements in materials and technology – a chance to see what’s available for their home and to guide conversations toward defining their individual needs.

Some common modifications include:

●Zero-step entries and widened doorways for improved mobility.

●Bathroom and kitchen upgrades such as grab bars, wall-mounted sinks, curb-less showers, bidet attachments, and sensor-controlled faucets.

●Stairway chairlifts and in-home elevators for multi-level access.

●Smart lighting, levered door handles, and open shelving to reduce strain.

●Outdoor and pathway lighting to enhance safety.

After the initial visit, homeowners receive a cost estimate outlining the scope of work.

While simple adjustments like grab bars and shelving can be completed quickly, larger remodels such as kitchens and bathrooms require a structured timeline. Ensuring modifications integrate seamlessly with existing aesthetics is key, and for larger projects, they offer referrals to professional designers who provide additional guidance on finishes and fixtures.

Once work is underway, the experienced contractors, who are accustomed to working in occupied homes, ensure minimal disruption and keep homeowners informed throughout the project. Once complete, the Fairbank Special Services team stands behind their craftsmanship with written warranties, ensuring long-term reliability. To learn how Fairbank Special Services can help you create a home you’ll love today and tomorrow, visit them in downtown Winslow on Bainbridge Island at 220 Madison Ave. or call 206-842-9217.