Accessible Living

Aging in Place Renovations

Stay in the home you love — safely, comfortably, and independently. Caliber Contracting designs and builds accessible spaces across Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, and Paris that support your lifestyle as your needs evolve.

Plan Your Accessible Renovation →
Accessible Living

Stay in the Home You Love.
For as Long as You Choose.

Aging in place means adapting your home to support independent, comfortable living as your needs change — rather than moving to a care facility or downsizing before you’re ready. It’s about designing spaces that work for you now and in the years ahead.

Caliber Contracting brings an engineering-first approach to accessibility renovations. Grab bars and wider doorways are just the beginning. True aging-in-place design considers mobility flow through the entire home, bathroom safety, kitchen accessibility, main-floor living, lighting, and the structural changes needed to make it all work seamlessly.

Whether you’re planning ahead or responding to a change in mobility, we design and build spaces that preserve your independence without sacrificing the aesthetics of your home.

Accessible bathroom renovation with soaker tub in Kitchener by Caliber Contracting
What We Build

Accessibility Without Compromise

01

Barrier-Free Bathrooms

Curbless walk-in showers with linear drains, grab bars integrated into the tile design, comfort-height toilets, wall-mounted vanities at accessible heights, and non-slip flooring. Every accessible bathroom we build looks like a luxury spa — not a medical facility.

02

Main-Floor Living Conversions

Converting a dining room or den into a main-floor bedroom and ensuite so you never need to use stairs. Includes widened doorways (minimum 36 inches for wheelchair access), pocket doors, and open floor plans that support mobility aids.

03

Kitchen Accessibility

Lowered countertop sections for seated use, pull-out shelving, lever-style hardware, touch-activated faucets, and task lighting designed for reduced vision. Accessible kitchens that remain beautiful and functional for the whole family.

04

Wider Doorways & Hallways

Widening interior doorways to 36 inches minimum and hallways to 42 inches for wheelchair and walker access. Includes pocket doors where swing doors would block passage and lever handles throughout.

05

Ramps & Threshold Elimination

Exterior ramps designed to complement your home’s architecture, zero-threshold entries, and garage-to-house accessible transitions. Making the path from car to couch completely barrier-free.

06

Stairlifts & Elevators

Integration of residential stairlifts or home elevators where multi-floor living is preferred. We handle the structural modifications, electrical requirements, and finishing around the installation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Aging in Place FAQs

How much does an aging-in-place renovation cost?+

Costs vary widely depending on scope. A bathroom accessibility retrofit typically costs $30,000–$60,000. A main-floor living conversion (bedroom + ensuite + widened doorways) ranges from $80,000–$180,000. A comprehensive whole-home accessibility renovation can range from $150,000–$400,000+.

Can you make an older home wheelchair accessible?+

Yes. Most homes can be adapted for wheelchair accessibility. The key modifications are widening doorways to 36 inches, creating a barrier-free bathroom on the main floor, and eliminating thresholds. Older homes may require more structural work to achieve this, but it’s almost always feasible.

Is it better to renovate for accessibility or move?+

For most homeowners, renovating is both more affordable and more emotionally satisfying. You stay in your neighbourhood, near your community, in a home adapted specifically to your needs. Accessible homes on the resale market are rare, and a move involves significant cost (commissions, land transfer tax, moving expenses) plus the stress of relocation.

Are there grants for accessibility renovations in Ontario?+

Ontario offers several programs including the Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit and various municipal accessibility grants. The Region of Waterloo has offered assistance programs in the past. We stay current on available programs and can advise you on eligibility.

Start Your Project

Ready to Make Your Home
Work for You?

Tell us about your accessibility needs. We’ll schedule a complimentary discovery call to discuss your options.

Client Reviews

What Our Clients Say

★★★★★

“I am very pleased with both the workmanship and also my interactions with all of the representatives and employees. It was a great experience to deal with such a great group of professionals.”

Verified Client
Google Review
★★★★★

“The Caliber Team is fantastic. We had an incredible experience from start to finish. Every member brought their professional expertise forward to make the project stress free, on time, on budget and beautifully executed.”

Susan F.
Google Review · Kitchen Renovation